Cannot start any application after a few hours of using the PC

[Guest]

(Windows XP Pro with SP2)

Hello!

Started a few months ago I noticed, that after using the PC for a while, a
few hours, I am unable to start any application, open any file, when I click
on an application icon, the mouse pointer turns into an hour glass for a few
seconds, then it goes back to the arrow.

I tried to open task manager to see what's cooking, but (obviously) it won't
start either. I tried to lauch the Command Prompt from the File/run command
line, it will open the black window, but the cursor is just flashing, will
never give a prompt.

The only thing I can do at this point is to restart the computer.

My guess is, that maybe one application just sucks the life out of my PC
slowly, and I just don't know which one. First I thought, that it is Skype,
but this happens even when skype doesn't run at all.

Does anyone have any idea what can cause this and how can you troubleshoot a
problem like this when you cannot start any application including any
diagnostic tool?

Geza

 

[CM]

It looks more like an " Computer Overhesting problem" .

Open the Computer Case and make sure all vents are thoroughly cleaned off of
any dust using Compressed air canisters. You should clean all Fans including
the CPU cooler fan =Heat Sink Fan assembly). Remove any defective fans and
replace with good ones. You may as well remove the RAMs from their sockets
and clean the socket and reinsert them just because they too can collect
dust and cause problems including unresponsiveness or shut downs or BSODs.
Until you install new case fans, keep the side lid kept open and air from a
table or pedestal fan directed to the interior of the computer case to cool
it and reconnect all cables , reboot and see how long you can go on without
PC freezing . If this solves the problem your diagnosis of overheating is
confirmed. In that caseget some good cooling fans for the case.
CM