Computer Freezing Up

1. 60

   Karen Ellisposted 16 years ago

   My computer started freezing up last week.  Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can try to fix it?

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2. 58

   Sibaireposted 16 years ago

   It really depends what OS you're using. Run a virus and spyware check to see if you have a virus using up your system resources. You should also change your graphic options if you have windows XP, which can be done in the control centre, so that you are using a very low amount of system resources for them. If you have Vista, it is wise to check that you have enough computer power to successfully run it, as Vista is often being installed on uncapable machines. You should be able to find some articles about Vista on this site, or Google for more information.

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3. 84

   jimmythejockposted 16 years ago

   try cleaning up your hard drive, remove unused programmes, clear out your internet cache, and defragment, a useful free programme that will help the cleanup process is ccleaner, type it into your browser and download it.....jimmy

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4. 58

   Sibaireposted 16 years ago

   Yeah Jimmy, good advice I forgot to mention CCleaner .

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5. 60

   Karen Ellisposted 16 years ago

   I have Vista - and from everything I've heard, I'm wondering if my problem doesn't revolve around that.  Thanks I'll look for some Vista info on the site.
   
   Also, Thanks Jimmy, I cleaned up everything I could and ran defrag, even though my computer does it automatically every week.  However, thought I should do a back up just in case something happened.  And, I couldn't get one done.  I will try CCleaner.
   
   Thanks

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   1. 70

      Shirley Andersonposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I also have Vista.....IS THERE A SLOWER O/S ANYWHERE ON THIS PLANET?
      
      My laptop now goes offline whenever it wants and I have to reboot to get back on.  On occassion it also freezes and I have to dump it - pull plug and battery.  That's usually when I do all my scans and then the freezing doesn't happen again for awhile, although I have to reboot 3 or 4 times a day no matter what I do.
      
      I blame Vista.  I blame everything on Vista.

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      1. 59

         Eric Graudinsposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         No.
         
         This site may help with some speedup tips.
         http://www.tweakvista.com/VistaPerformanceTweaks.aspx
         
         Note: I haven't used any of these tips myself, so can't comment on their value.
         
         Good Luck,
         Eric G.

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6. 58

   Sibaireposted 16 years ago

   Mak sure to keep us posted so we can help you get your computer working properly. Hopefully we can help you avoid a $100+ service at a computer shop or something.

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7. 60

   Betty Jo Pettyposted 16 years ago

   Hi.
   
   I don't know a lot about computers, but I did read on some other information once, if you don't turn your computer off correctly, it will freeze.
   
   Be sure and read those little step-by-step instructions and try to catch the correct method.
   
   If you have been turning it off in one way, try a different one.
   
   Also, if it goes off automatically, it might also give you the same problems.
   
   Good luck.  bjp

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8. 60

   medrasticposted 15 years ago

   Computer Freezes when there is unusual activities like virus ,spy ware or some software fault. The first thing you can do is to check through Task manager. Press ctrl+shift+ESC button at once, this will bring the taskmanager. Click on Processes and see on the CPU usage, you could see the top program which is using the most cpu usage.
                               If you see some weird type of program(unknown program name) name try to end the process by right clicking on it . If you are unsure of the programs you can try msconfig XP inbuilt utility to close the programs at startup. Go to Run and type msconfig and click on services and click on Hideall microsoft services, there you can see if there is some spyware or virus getting start along with the computer .
   
   Or you can use the trusted antivirus programs to do a full scan of a computer. I recommend the Kaspersky http://www.kaspersky.com/trials&sa= … 2Y62NEXzhQ
   Kaspersky blocks almost most of the viruses and scripts that spread through medias.
   
   To ensure your computer is infected with virus, you can try restarting computer in safe mode and see if the computer works in good condition and doesnot freezes.

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9. 59

   Eric Graudinsposted 15 years ago

   If you've tried all of the above and you still have problems, take the cover off your computer and check for dust in the heatsinks on the processor chip.
   
   (Or you could try this first - it's easier :-) )
   
   The fans in a computer are fantastic at sucking in dust, and blasting it into the ribs in the heatsinks.
   Cooling efficiency plummets, and the chip overheats - causing the computer to freeze, shutdown, etc.
   
   The best way to clean the heatsinks is to remove them, but a bit of work with a vacuum cleaner and a long, thin pointy thing made of plastic should clear out enough compacted dust to get you going again.
   
   Good Luck,
   Eric G.
   
   P.S. Totally agree about Vista. I won't have a bar of it.
   The only time it sorta works is when its a new installation on a new computer.
   If you try to upgrade from XP, you'll most likely have problems.

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