My Machine Hangs Up - Help?

[Jethro]

Lately, my machine starts out pretty well after a cold boot, but after
I use it for a while, it hangs up horribly, forcing me to shut down -
I even have to sometimes just toggle power off in order to restart.
Otherwise it will sit there forever.

I am running XP PRO - SP2 on a P4 2.4 with 512 DDR. My video card has
128MB.

It happens most frequently when I try editing pictures, while keeping
Eudora in background.

I figure I most likely need more RAM, or a stronger video card, or
both.

Any opinions?
Thanks
Jethro

 

[Ronaldo]

You may have a heating problem.. Install EVEREST home and check the CPU
temperature.. If overheating is taking place, check your cooling fans and
clean them. And consider adding extra cooling. Normal temp would be in the
30 to 50 Centigrade (86º-122º F). And maximum should not exceed 65C / 150ºF
for extended periods. Also, I had this type of freezing once, the problem
turned out to be a bad and overheating CD-RW. So check your devices, one may
be failing and go over EVEREST, it may give some indication of which device
if any is causing the problem.

http://www.zdnet.de/downloads/prg/1/x/de011X-wc.html