Font Problem?

System file checker may be your answer. Part of XP's built in repair kit. It will check to see if your important operating system files are intact and their original versions.

To run system file checker you need your XP install CD in the drive (just hold the left shift button down at the same time for about 15 seconds to stop it autoplaying or simply just close the autoplay installation screen when it pops up). Click start and run. Type "cmd" without the quotes and click ok to start a command console.

From here type "sfc help" without quotes to get a list of what commands are available. I think the most important one is scan now. If any files are in use at the time it will let you know and suggest it will run again after next reboot. Reboot if it says this and it will auto start.

To scan now again without quotes type "sfc /scannow" and hit enter.

Failing this you would not need to format anyway in order to fix XP to near original state. You can simply reinstall XP over the top or itself to repair it and keep all your data and programs in tact. You do need to do all your MS updates again though. I.e. Service packs and security things. Also I would recommend some sort of backup of data incase things do go tits up.

A fresh install is always better and more stable which does require a format. In your case though, and I don't very ofter suggest it, I think you would get away without a format - just a reinstall instead.

To install over the top without a format simply (whilst logged into XP) insert the CD and wait for the autoplay. Go for install XP but when prompted choose the option to upgrade (which is recommended by default). You need to be logged on as an administrator and will need the very same licence key that you currently have installed.

If you do not know your current XP licence key I suggest you download XP serial checker first (Its only a small app) run it and document your CD key then proceed.