Run a manual chkdsk on the drive and see if it finds any errors.

Hello again, it seems there may still be some hope here! Thanks for all your replies and suggestions. I'll try to provide more info. I'm no pc tech by any means, so it may not seem too coherent:
 
When I first ran into this problem, I did not want to look into the choice that seemed most correct which was bad memory. I figured it must be some sort of damnable malware or virus. I spent alot of time toward that end. Malware bytes found nothing, yes, even in safe mode. 
I eventually moved on to the Memtest 86 routine (didn't want to learn anymore! Oh no!) But I did, and discovered after about 24 hours of straight testing (per strip) that I had 2 bad 1 gig memory strips. Seemed hard to believe, but it did stop all the BSOD that I was getting, thereby seemingly eliminating the malware/virus angle. I bought 2 new Kingston I think it was and installed. PC says I have my memory back again.
 
Now, somewhere along here, before I fully knew I had a major problem, I downloaded an update to Audacity. This seems like where everything turned to crapola. There were no problems with this as far as scans go, but I recently looked deeper into this (love spending all my time on forums researching things like this, don't you?) and discovered that there was some sort of problem with XP and the Audacity update-it wasn't just me. What happens is an immediate crash with either blue screen or just black screen. One of these error codes implicated my Line6 drivers which I find hard to believe since I've never had problems with this before-ever.
 
All along I've run many chk disk scans and tried scannow. I never know whats happened with these, it just finishes and sits there looking at me-no info on what it finds that's relevant to me and my problem.
 
I'm sure there is more, but I'll just leave this here for now to see if this indicates anything to anyone.
As far as I'm concerned, it all mostly traces back to that Audacity download. Like you said, it may be a combination of things. Either way it sucks bad, and I sure wish I could fix this.
 
Oh yeah, I didn't get a restore disk for this Dell Inspiron 530, although I have downloaded one, but am afraid to use for several reasons-mostly just can't trust anyone except in this forum.  Sorry I didn't mention that earlier-don't hate me brothers!
 
Thank you for using your precious time to read this and comment, I do truly appreciate it.
Let me know if you think of anything to try.
 
bob

Sorry friends, i forgot to mention that I reloaded all but two of the .dlls which I found in my sys32. This improved the load times considerably, but when I did this I picked up a second  Visual C++ library runtime error exactly stated as the first one. Does this help with a diagnosis? After looking into this, I'm trying to determine whether to reload (I've already downloaded it from Microslop) this and install. I have 3 different version on my pc. From 2006 2008 and 2010. Anyone have any experience with this? It seems to me like this Audacity update (mentioned previously) did something to cause this Visual C++ Library runtime error.
Please let me know if you have had something to do with this problem before and what I should do. Do you think I can reload this library or might that be hazardous.
Also if you happen to know of a nice safe place where I can download this XP restore/repair disk I would feel better about this poor pc's chances.
 
thanks
 
bob

This information does make a difference. Maybe a clean reinstall of the affected software will clear it up. This would involve uninstalling the software, cleaning the registry and reinstalling. Hopefully it will also clear up the MS lib errors. If not you may need to grab them from MS and reinstall them too. Since XP support is becoming a thing of the past, updating software is going to become more of a problem.

Hi there, and thanks for responding again. Question for you, if you would be so kind, uninstalling the software, cleaning the registry and reinstalling, as you said-what would you recommend for cleaning the registry. As I understand it, this is a very dangerous proposition to undertake. I believe you are right, there are probably many registry errors. I have made a few attempts to salvage or repair my registry with mostly system mechanic and Microsoft. I don't know if it has done any good or not. Would you have a checklist, so to speak that you would follow and where can I get a safe registry cleaner that isn't either loaded with malware or destroys more than it should. I read on a forum that these cleaners were like using a shotgun to perform a simple surgery. That sounds bad to me.
I'd like to hear what you think if you have time to respond.
 
Thanks
 
bob

If you want to clean your registry,try ccleaner. Get it here:

http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner

The usual disclaimers about backup and comfort level apply when working in the registry.  While I have messed with Cakewalk registry entries, I have not had the pleasure of reinstalling the Cakewalk software. Here is an example of the process using a newer OS and SONAR, http://forum.cakewalk.com/fb.ashx?m=2817470. I cannot give you road map for SHS on XP but it should be similar.

Grem I thank you for your response. Do you have experience with CCleaner? I actually have, I guess, a slightly older download of this but am scared as hec to try it. I mean, couldn't I wipe out some critical stuff? Once upon a time, I would just take the program's advice, but, nowadays, with much more at stake with my music programs and all their files (dlls and stuff), I'm kinda fearful to try then though I have a feeling that the problem lies there (maybe).
Have you used that download site before? There are so many greedy bastards out there these days, they could care less if they destroy all your hard work.
 
Please let me know if you have the time and thanks for your help.
 
 
Hey scook, that's funny, "I have not had the pleasure of reinstalling the Cakewalk software" Me neither. I wonder if it is that bad....Thanks for supplying the link. Haven't checked it yet, but I will. That may be what I have to do, then again, it may solve nothing for this problem.  Thanks again
 
bob
 

Although I have not found it necessary to perform a reinstall, it is not difficult. The uninstall and install are simple program executions. The registry keys are easily located and removed by hand, assuming some familiarity with editing the registry. The keys are all clustered together in two spots. In this situation, it would be pretty high on the list of possible fixes. Worst case, it fixes nothing.

I never thought I would have to re-install either, but here it is, I guess. What happens if you just go to add/remove programs to uninstall? Will this not take care of the uninstall? It seems more and more, that going to add/remove is not the recommended way to remove programs for reasons I don't know. If you have the time and inclination, could you tell me what these 2 reg keys look like or where to find them exactly (best guess). I just get a little lurchy when I start thinking about messing with them for some reason. If you don't want to I won't hold it against you. I just want to be as prepared as I can before I start. And, thanks for all your help.
 
bob