Attempt to configure Ubuntu 10.04 for two monitors and to install camera and Skype Have destabilized boot sequence and grub. How to fix?

IAttempt to configure Ubuntu 10.04 for two monitors (per instructions I found on an Ubuntu page online (Ubuntugeek.com) and to install camera/mic (Logitec C910) and Skype have destabilized boot sequence and grub (grub menu time-out.). System wants to just hit the recovery screen and keep rebooting, unless I am fast enough to choose a previous boot profile. If I am, it completes the boot and runs. I have already fixed several minor functional changes that resulted (double entries on bottom panel, Alsa vs. Pulse problems, etc.) But it has bolluxed any installation of Skype (when installed, starts 20 instances on boot, then freezes the system.), and has crashed Flash player and it's plug-in, as well as Avast. VM ware also seems affected. Purpose of two monitors was to expand screen space for my stock trading platforms, skype for conference calls and conversations w/ my partner. I've re-installed everything but VM ware several times w/ no success. VM ware tells me there is a problem, but completes re-install, and doesn't function. Flash says it's there, but doesn't function. Should I try to stabilize it (if so, how), put in my new terrabyte drive and install, or install new system over old one? What I want is my Ubuntu 10.04 with data intact and no boot problems, running two monitors, w/ working Skype w/ good sound and video quality, Flash in place and working. VM Ware should be able to run two trading platforms that were designed for Windows, plus several personal research programs I use. Avast working normally.