Rickety startup

[vulcanised]

In recent weeks my 5yo Dell, running XP, has begun to occasionally
miss out some items in the normal startup.

Is this a sign of a failing HD? Not noticed any other problems.

[Mr Optimistic]

Tried error checking the disk ? Control Panel>administrative tools> computer management> disk maangement, right click on drive, properties, tools.

There is an easier way but I have forgotten it !

Now I remember: right click disk in windows explorer and go to properties.

[Mike-Bracknell]

Explain "miss some items in the startup". What do you mean exactly?

[Mike X]

Explain "miss some items in the startup". What do you mean exactly?

Correct.

You may want to check: start menu/run/msconfig/startup.

[Mr Optimistic]

You could download soluto and see what's going on.