Windows hangs on programs list.

Here's a new one. I go to start, programs on Windows xp... No problems... Until I try to make the programs list go away. The computer hangs. If I select a program instead of clicking the desktop to make the list go away, everything is fine. But if I click off to make the list go away, the computer hangs? Whats up with that?

It's impossible to say without at least knowing your system specs, including which version of XP you're running (including any SP that's installed). You could start your troubleshooting by opening Event Viewer (in order to access the error logs, and check for any critical errors)...Start | Run | Type eventvwr.msc and click OK | Highlight "Application" and "System" independently in the LH pane | Right click any error message(s) (critical errors are in Red), and select "Properties" | Write down a couple of the latest critical error messages exactly as they appear (under the "Description" field), and post them in this thread.

Also, open the System Information tool by typing msinfo32 in the Run box | Expand "Components" | Highlight "Problem Devices", and look for any problems that might be listed there.

Redduc has covered pretty much everything. One thing though dont forget to try basics like incase its a program that is missing files and windows is having trouble with or something. I would do defrag, chkdsk, and a soyware scanner. Other then that I cannot thing of much.

Just wanted to let you guys know I never did find a solution so I did a reload of XP home over itself. The computer operates A-OK now. Thanks for the suggestions guys.