so just asking, is there a way to convert the PC to standard or do I need to format and reinstall windows to follow the list of optimizing?

I always do it when fresh installing (I always fresh install when I obtain a PC). When installing XP you'll get a message comes up something along the lines of "Press F6 to install a 3rd party...................." You press F5 instead and it will soon take you to where you can select "Standard PC". You have to scroll up until you get to "Standard PC".

I recently had a PC that would not work with Standard PC mode, it just froze. Of course it was a Dell, which I hate, and have had many problems with due to their proprietary nature.

Keith.