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PC Freezes with event viewer log file = "the hardlock service failed to start..."

I have a Dell Optiplex 380 with XP Pro XP3 installed that is freezing up or completely crashing randomly.  After rebooting and looking at the eventvwr I see a few things, but one says this:
"The hardlock service failed to start due to the following error: the request could not be performed because of an I/O device error."

Some searches I've done indicate this could be related to software that is looking for an attached dongle or security device?  There is nothing like that except a wireless adapter.  This is a retail store with bar code readers, label printers, printers, and other devices attached but nothing that is a security-related device like a VPN dongle or something.  I tried a suggestion of turning off the hardlock service at command prompt, but did not recognize.

Suggestions, help would be great.  Thanks
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Avatar of Sudeep Sharma
Sudeep Sharma
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ahhh.  Gotcha.  But what's that for?  Anyone know?  Wonder if it's needed or not
Thanks.  I totally spaced doing such a basic thing.  You are awesome.  I found 3 items, removed them restarted and will follow trail from there.  Thanks again!