Weird OS problem

[SammyLJ]

So I was running Windows XP on my MAME and I experienced some really weird issues. I can't tell if its hardware or software related so I thought I'd give you guys a try and see if you ever heard of this. Sometimes when I turn on the PC everything runs perfectly normal. Then I will turn the PC off and back on again to find that not only has the PC dropped drivers but entire programs no longer exist on the PC. Then if I turn it back off again and on again, boom, everything is back and fine.
So originally I had duel hard drives so I figured there was something wrong with the reading between the two drives. So I bought single drive, reinstalled everything and I'm still experiencing the same issues.
Since I have moved and haven't touched the PC in a few years but I would like to get it fixed so my kids can use it again.
Could it be that XP is just craptastic?
Any ideas?

[abispac]

check the drive for errors, and drop xp, use windows 7, theres a guide here to hide it too

[SammyLJ]

is 7 better then 10 for a mame machine?

[haynor666]

I still prefer 7 over 10 due unnecessary automatic updates, more memory to run and system additions that I don't really need. Another problem are Taito Type X games - some does not correctly or does not work at all.

[smass]

I still prefer 7 over 10 due unnecessary automatic updates, more memory to run and system additions that I don't really need. Another problem are Taito Type X games - some does not correctly or does not work at all.

I agree.  7 does everything well.  No need for 10 for emulation. 

[SammyLJ]

ok i will upgrade to 7 and see what happens
Thanks guys!