RSVP Error Event ID 12004

Hi,

I've had an unresponsive PC problem for a while now and I believe I've tracked it down to the following error:

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Event Type: Error
Event Source: RSVP
Event Category: None
Event ID: 12004
Date: 25/01/2009
Time: 11:19:32
User: N/A
Computer: PC
Description:
Error (The system cannot find the file specified.
) while reading the FirstCounter value under RSVP performance key (HKLM\\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RSVP\Performance) in registry.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.
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When that problem occurs, I can move the mouse but that's all. This problem can happen when there are "no" applications running and the crackling sound coming from the hard disk goes into a rhythmic pattern. The PC eventually sorts itself out but only after a while. I thought it was because the hard disk was going into PIO mode but even the suggested fixes wouldn't work.

I have got a fairly powerful system which is as follows:

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Operating System System Model
Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 (build 2600)
Enclosure Type: Desktop
Processor a Main Circuit Board b
2.33 gigahertz Intel Core2 Duo
64 kilobyte primary memory cache
4096 kilobyte secondary memory cache
Bus Clock: 333 megahertz
Drives Memory Modules c,d

HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GSA-H73N [CD-ROM drive]

SAMSUNG HD501LJ [Hard drive] (500.11 GB) -- drive 0
TEAC USB HS-CF Card USB Device [Hard drive] -- drive 1
TEAC USB HS-MS Card USB Device [Hard drive] -- drive 3
TEAC USB HS-SD Card USB Device [Hard drive] -- drive 4
TEAC USB HS-xD/SM USB Device [Hard drive] -- drive 2 3328 Megabytes Installed Memory

Slot 'DIMM1' has 1024 MB
Slot 'DIMM2' has 1024 MB
Slot 'DIMM3' has 1024 MB
Slot 'DIMM4' has 1024 MB
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Any help would be greatly appreciated.