Original title: remove virus and requirement of set up/run iconsI installed Windows XP twice on my computer. Now, when I turn on the machine, it goes to a black screen that asks you to click F1 to continue or F2 (I think) to run the set up. This never happened before. Also, the program is running really slow so I installed Microsoft Essentials which keeps running each day and continually says a virus was found, then goes to the icon that says your computer has been cleaned. However, the machine is still running slow.

Hi bevicom59,Try the following steps and check the result.Step 1: Change the first boot device priority to hard drive in BIOSa. Start your computer, press delete button continuously to see BIOS screen.b. Change the first boot device priority to hard drive.c. Press F10 to save the settings and restart the computer.d. Check if you still get the prompt to press F1 key to continue.Important: Modifying BIOS/complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) settings incorrectly can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the configuring of BIOS/CMOS settings can be solved. Modifications of the settings are at your own risk.Step 2: Check if any non Microsoft program is slowing down the system's performancea. See How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" stateb. If the performance is good. From the article, follow Method 1 and Method 2 to find out if any program is causing the issue.c. Once you've found the culprit i.e. the program that's causing the issue, then uninstall it or update it.Note: From the article do not forget to follow "Steps to configure Windows to use a Normal startup state"See Maintenance on a computer running Windows XPVisit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.