Sorry raider,
All symantec prduct are famous but they will take much resources, causin maybe another problem if ur configuration is not really performant.
my advice is the simpliest i can give away:
some problem come from the kernel and as in windows u don't have the kernel(only some program can access it to change some settings),i would recemmand you ebo to make a copy of the files you need on a CD-ROM or floppies if not so big and format all your system....
i remember when once my PC couldn't connect anymore to the net, the connect box appears and nothing cuz it disconnects immidiately after dialing...
it can be a similar case to your Ebo...
PS: u may, if u have two partitions, copy the files u need into them and reinstall windows XP on the C: and then get ur files to their places..also don't use the recovery CD cuz it will format everything and link the partitions to get only one and call it C:...
that's all i can say boys&girls...any other suggestion will improve the library of cases tha met lol have fun and fanx for reading my small reply