It’s true that re-installation isn’t the only or best way. But some times, it’s much better than trouble shooting because it solves the problem from the root.
Your computer’s problem seems not difficult. The real difficult is that no one here can physically access your computer. This is why I choose a way that can be simply realised.
Regarding the bootable CD, you may use the one (normally named as “recovery”) coming together with your computer.
The most important thing is always: back up data.