When I reboot my system , it is using some old registry settings. Desktop resolution , background, and old file locations are adjusted to the same settings , irrespective of what I set it at shutdown . e.g if I change the resolution to 1600 X 1200 or 800 X 600 or any other setting , the next time I restart , it comes back to 1280 X 1024 ( my hardware is enough for all the resolutions ). Same about the files. If I cut and paste some file to a different directory, on next boot , the file exists in the old directory as well. But I am able to add new files to any folder.I suspect that some malware has modified some registry key . Please tell me if my guess is correct, and solution , if any.Thanks.

Hi,· Since when are you facing this issue?· Do you remember making any changes to the system? I would suggest you to follow the steps mentioned below.Method 1:I would suggest you to update the display drivers on the system and check whether the issue persists. Follow the steps mentioned in the link given below.How to manage devices in Windows XPhttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/283658 Method 2:It might be that some startup program is causing this issue. I would suggest you to disable the startup items on the system and check whether the issue persists. Follow the steps mentioned in the article given below.How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" statehttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353 Method 3:I would suggest you to run an SFC (System file Checker) scan on the system and check whether the issue persists. Follow the steps mentioned in the article given below. a. Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator.b. Click Continue or supply Administrator credentials if prompted. c. In the Command Prompt window type the following, and press Enter:sfc /scannowd. You should see the following on-screen message:a. Beginning the system scan. This process will take some time.b. Beginning verification phase of system scan.e. Verification % complete. f. Once the scan has completed, test to see whether the issue that you are experiencing is resolved or not.Description of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 System File Checker (Sfc.exe)http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310747 Method 4:I would suggest you to check in a new user account whether the issue persists. Follow the steps mentioned below.How to create and configure user accounts in Windows XPhttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/279783 Thank you and Regards. Thahaseena MMicrosoft Answers Support Engineer.Visit ourMicrosoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.