Sebastian said:
When I turn on my computer it sometimes freezes...I have
to shut it off and re-boot...it may work for 1 minute and
sometimes 10 minutes and sometimes longer...do I have a
virus...can I solve this problem
Hi, Sebastian. Unfortunately, you haven't given us enough information to
get a specific answer. Your problems could be caused by software or
hardware. Certainly the easiest way to determine if you have a virus is
to scan with an antivirus program! Here are generic troubleshooting
steps:
A. For software issues - 1) scan with current antivirus ("current" means
a version not earlier than 2002 but using updated virus definitions);
2) remove spyware with Spybot Search & Destroy
(
www.safer-networking.org) and Ad-aware (
www.lavasoftusa.com). These
programs are free, so use them both since they complement each other.
You may also want to run the latest CWShredder from http:/
www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/index.html. Always read the instructions
before running a spyware removal tool. Be sure to update these programs
before running, and it is a good idea to do virus/spyware scans in Safe
Mode; 3) delete temporary and Temporary Internet Files; 4) stop
unnecessary services/programs from starting with Windows - see
www.blackviper.com for services info and
www.pacs-portal.co.uk
startup_index.htm for programs info - 5) look in Event Viewer for
clues; 6) make sure you've visited Windows Update and applied all
security patches; 7) run a firewall.
B. For hardware issues - 1) open the computer and run it open, cleaning
out all dust bunnies and observing all fans (overheating will cause
system freezing); 2) test the RAM - I like Memtest86 from
www.memtest86.com - let the test run for an extended (like overnight)
period of time - unless errors are seen immediately; 3) test the hard
drive with a diagnostic utility from the mftr.; 4) the power supply may
be going bad or be inadequate for the devices you have in the system;
5) test the motherboard with something like TuffTest from
www.tufftest.com. Testing hardware failures often involves swapping out
suspected parts with known-good parts. If you can't do the testing
yourself and/or are uncomfortable opening your computer, take the
machine to a good local computer repair shop (not a CompUSA or Best Buy
type of store).
Malke
