Open up computer. Check all connections. Blow out all dust, dirt, and dead cats.

Try again.

Sounds like you may have a hardware problem causing windows to hangup.You can try posting on the forum in the link.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/23133...freezes-minutes

Try setting BIOS to default and modifying only what you need changed.
Are you using a sata HDD>? one thing to check is your sata drive operation. look in BIOS settings for sata type or "sata operation mode" and set it to legacy/IDE instead of AHCI or RAID.
If you want AHCI/RAID put the driver on floppy (if you have one) or patch the install disc.

If you are using a copy of XP you may get this problem as some files may be missing or have become corrupted. Try installing with an OEM logo approved XP disk.