My mom's computer broke, help wanted.
 

I got an email from my mom today, I'm not there to look at it, but if anybody recognizes a problem, help would be appreciated.

Hi,
As I said on the phone, the XP screen comes on, the bar keeps moving on that screen but nothing else boots up. Then, after a long while, a little windos comes up that at the top reads: Isass.exe - Unable to Locate Component, then below says, "This application failed to start because" - then just the OK button to click on. That's it.

The tech support person told me to put the reinstall disc in then turn on computer and start hitting the F12 button continually til this screen comes up that gives you the different start up options. I think I tried opening it in safe modes (I think I tried booting up 3 different ways and none worked.) John then had an operating system (Knoppix) that Ron tried to burn with his CD burner but that didn't work so John is supposed to send me a disc so he can remotely work on the computer.

I might add that I've read that Lsass.exe is a legitimate process, but this apparantly is Isass.exe, which I've read is a trojan.

Possible fixes?

Oh yeah, and it's Windows XP

Lsass.exe is a common target of virus' and spyware
If you can get to safe mode it can be copied to the hard drive from disk
it goes in windows/system32
I'm guessing thats what the Knopic attempt was for?
other than that reinstall windows from disk
everything except my documents will be lost
You could take the HD out and install it as a slave
on another machine to save any important files
before reinstalling.

Lsass.exe is the Windows authentication process, if the file is corrupted or the harddrive damaged you would get an error similar to this.

Knoppix is a CDROM bootable Linux OS that can help you do diagnostics on the existing hardware.

Has the computer been making any unusual grinding, clicking, or shrieking noises of late? Especially a high pitched squeal?