fatal error system shut down

Help please
I now have this error message on my computer Fatal error c000021a the system has been shut down. I have tried booting up in safe mode, with no luck. Would I be better off trying to format the hard drive, then get a copy of windows xp and starting again? I have no idea what has caused this. Could it have been a virus? I would be grateful of any help with my problem.
Thank you

Did you try the Safe Mode option of "Last Known Good Configuration"?

Here is the MS page on that error:

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;156669

You should have the XP CD that belongs to your computer. Do you not?

Many thanks for the reply. My computer had been playing up for a week or two. So I then checked for virus, it had none. I then checked if it needed a disk defrag, it did not. Then I cleared all temp files. As soon as this was done, up came the blue screen with the message. I had also done what you said, no good. Should I take it to be looked at, or do you think I should format and start again? Once again thank you
Michael

An "upgrade" or "repair" reinstall should maintain your programs; data; and settings as seen here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341/

This is assuming you have the XP CD and Product Key that is tied to that computer.

The computer I am problems with is a Dell and xp was already on it with no master disk. But I have a master disk from my Fujitsu Siemens laptop. It is a product recovery disk. Would I be able to use this? Also I noticed in my mail box this morning I had lots of mail from sites I have never used before. Do you think my problem could be a Virus? Thanks for you help.
Michael

What is the exact Dell model?

If they did not supply a disk then the recovery options are on the hard drive.

How To Restore or Reinstall Microsoft® Windows® on a Dell™ Computer

http://support.dell.com/support/topi...doclang=en&cs=

No: you cannot use another manufacturers CD. And I doubt it is a virus.

It is a Dell Dimension 5150. I shall now contack dell about getting the disks. Thank you very much for the info you have given me already. I shall start work on the computer Tuesday on my day off. I shall let you know in due course how I got on with your help.
Once again thank you very much
Michael

Don't know if you got my link to work as it appears to have timed out.

Here is another for the 5150:

http://support.dell.com/support/topi...on%205150/E510

https://support.dell.com/support/top.../backupcd_form

http://support.dell.com/support/dsn/...ent=-1&lang=-1

Many thanks for info. I now have my computer back to the factory settings. But I am unable to get online. I have plugged my modem into my laptop and it works fine. Do you think I now have a hardware problem? I would be gratful for any help.
Thank you
Michael

You need to reload your drivers if you have not.

http://support.dell.com/support/down...&catid=&impid=

Your ability to go online would be under "communication".

Also what Service Pack level are you at?