Can't open any files in XP, what to do?

co-worker of mine. he is using windows XP, he is using the system admin account to login. he can move his mouse every where on the screen, and click on things, he can click on a file and see the box of properities of that file, but after he left double click on file or icons, nothing opens. I tried to use Crl+alt+del, the task screen won't come out. It will work only we restart his computer again. But it happens again after you left the computer on alone for a while. He has lot of free space. More than 80 % free. and I scaned for spyware using ad aware personal. and no spy ware found. what happened?? any suggestions?

Can't open any files in XP, what to do?anti virus software

Yes, a virus will do that or one time I had a bad video card

do that. When it warmed up a little, things froze up.

Try and re-load windows XP first though before you start

checking your hardware.

Can't open any files in XP, what to do?aurora

There must had been a virus that might have messed up how the program load or an important file in the OS went missing. I would say try doing a System Restore to see if that works if all goes wrong tell them to Reinstall windows(formats comp will lose everything) or do a Windows Repair(this one keeps files only fixes windows) I hope this help ya
Idk.....But if the space on your hard drive is 80% clear and fresh....then it wouldn't hurt if he or you reinstall windows xp again and see if that helps.