got the bsod...one source mentioned possible probs could be an optical drive issue, a ram issue, a cmos battery, i can't remember the last one. so i am here to find a solution; hopefully. :) the machine will feeeze during startup, or once running it will freeze, or while starting up it will restart.the message read: "a process or thread crucial to system operation has unexpectedly exited or been terminated." blah, blah... technical information: *** stop 0x000000F4 (0x00000003, 0x865B82DB, 0X865B844C, 0X8060577E)beginning dump of physical memorythe machine in question is a hp m1080n mce. it is now running xp pro (and has been for a couple o' years.)i have disconnected each individual optical drive one at a time...changed cmos battery and are currently using memtest86 testing each individual stick of ram (no issues yet).1 person needs an answerI do too

Hi w2kj,You may boot into ‘safemode’ and check if the issue persists. It will start Windows XP with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs do not run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed, follow the steps to boot the computer in safe mode with networking.a. Restart the computer.b. Start tapping F8 key.c. You will get advanced boot option window.d. Select the option “Safe mode”.A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XPHope the information helps. Please post back and let us know.RegardsDebleena SMicrosoft Answers Support EngineerVisit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.