When clicking on certain shortcuts/icons in the Start Menu it is causing a Dr Watson Debugger problem/error to occur and the computer to shut down. I have windows XP 2002 Home Edition with Service Pack 3. Any info much appreciated.

 

First thing to try, back up any important documents etc.. then do the following:

Run a scandisk/chkdsk on your hard disk to see if any errors pop up which may get fixed. Be warned that to run this on your primary hard disk will mean a reboot and for windows to start this up for you. To do this: Go into 'My Computer' right click on the disk and choose the 'tools' tab and then against 'error checking' click the 'Check now' button. And Tick 'Check for filesystem errors' and press 'start' . You will then get told that the disk will not be checked until a reboot is done. Reboot the PC using the 'Start' shutdown option.
When Windows restarts you then have the option to cancel within 10 seconds at this point leave well alone and let scandisk/chkdsk perform it's actions. Any issues found will be reported on the screen.
Once completed the PC will reboot again and re-start Windows.

Next, if not already to hand, download Windows XP Service Pack 3, can be downloaded from here: Download details: Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers

With the windows XP service pack 3 downloaded/already obtained do a re-install of windows XP service Pack 3 as this may fix issues for you. Once done reboot the PC and try again.

If this fails then you may need to look at:

1)... Repairing Windows XP using the install CD

2).. Doing a wipe and re-install of the Operating System.