Be careful Ulco. I would use the chkdsk or other tools before Seatools .
I don't remember all the settings in Seatools but i think it is more for Hardware errors.
For file system errors -windows errors etc. you are maybe better to use windows tools.
I do not remember others then chkdisk unfortunately .
If these are not sufficient then i would try Seatools. Some settings of Seatools are aggressive naturally.
http://www.modernstreet.com/windows/windows-chkdsk-utility/http://help.isu.edu/index.php?action=faq&catid=31&docid=668http://kb.wisc.edu/page.php?id=5097Be careful with the HD's . If you have more then one unplug the ones you don't need.
The problem could go away and-or it might be easier for troubleshooting .
Repair install should keep most of your settings.
But look at the options and help at the screen i think there are instructions along.
Clean install doesn't keep you software settings etc. but it should keep your partitions intact.
You have to install all your programs ones more.
But given your problems your partitions are probably in danger too Ulco .
These kind of procedures take a long time mostly.
If you are in hurry i would take a spare(!) HD or SSD install XP and the minimum of software to use and finish the job at first.
I don't know your urgency of course .
Maybe use your backups and install a fresh XP .
But Seatools , memtest etc. kind of test should be done anyway to be sure that there is not a hardware problem.
System restore is a nice feature i used more then ones . It was a real life saver to me.
I read some opposite things about this like in many windows users so your mileage may vary .
We use the same old XP os since 9 years without formating,install etc. because of this mostly.
This is probably no use of you now but just saying Ulco
Do you use the old settings in your Bios like it was before the problems or are they altered?
There could be other (PSU , Graphic card etc.) problems too. Looks not so much likely but...