Windows XP was supposed to make life easier, but it's made some people's computing experience a living hell.

From software-compatibility woes to unexplained crashes, nightmares come like a flood of curses when you change operating systems. But don't just sit there and take it. Fight back using our techniques and put these demons to rest.

We polled you, CNET readers, to find out what it was about XP that really ticked you off, and we found three irritants that cropped up again and again. This trio of tales shows that although XP may seem like the tool of the devil, you can learn to put this OS in its place.

The return of the revolting reboot
How can you keep XP from rebooting on its own without warning? Here's how to tame the reboot beast.

The mystery of the impossible start-up
Your machine is locked up tighter than Dick Cheney's location. What to do? We'll walk you through the start-up swamp.

The case of the completely incompatible
You upgraded to XP, and now your software and hardware are flakier than Anne Heche. Here's how to solve your incompatibilities without a divorce.

Stop complaining and show this OS who's boss!