Freezing Windows

[Guest]

I have an HP desktop A1700n with Vista home premium. For the last month or so
the system freezes about 2 minutes after it is turned on. It always happens
and freezes for about 2-4 minutes. The only thing that is active is the
cursor while it freezes. I have looked at anti-virus software, start-up
processes and have talked with an HP technician. Their last recommendation
was to reload the system, which I don't want to do yet. I have 1 hard drive,
2G ram and a DVD drive.

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi Cotsy,

Click start and type MSCONFIG and hit <enter>. On the general tab, choose
the diagnostic mode, click apply/ok and reboot. If the problem does not
occur now, then the problem is either in software that you've loaded (and
take a hard look at your antivirus software) or a conflict with a system
process. You may be able to use the selective startup mode to help isolate
it.

If if still occurs, then you probably have a problem within the operating
system itself, and reloading may be the only easy way to fix it.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Visit:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareList?os=2093&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3339286&lang=en

and download /install the "NVIDIA nForce Serial ATA Controller Update".

Also, download the BIOS update if its applicable.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

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:

I have an HP desktop A1700n with Vista home premium. For the last month or
so
the system freezes about 2 minutes after it is turned on. It always happens
and freezes for about 2-4 minutes. The only thing that is active is the
cursor while it freezes. I have looked at anti-virus software, start-up
processes and have talked with an HP technician. Their last recommendation
was to reload the system, which I don't want to do yet. I have 1 hard drive,
2G ram and a DVD drive.

 

[Guest]

Rick,
thanks,
I did as you said (start in diagnostic mode) and, sure enough, no freezing.
OK, now any tips on what to do next. I am using NOD 32 anti virus software.
What do you mean by "conflict with system process"?
Again, many thanks
Dave

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi,

So you now know that it's an application or process loading at boot. Either
the software is faulty, non-compliant, or is interfering with a system
process (this is the conflict bit, the machine locks up while the processor
sorts out the conflicting instructions). As mentioned, move to selective
startup and start by deselecting different areas.

I do not know of any issues involving NOD32 when the Vista compatible
version is being used, but while you are working this out you may want to
disable it.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

 

[Guest]

After trial and error elimination of the Microsoft services, I found the
problem. It is called "Superfetch". Here is an excerpt from Microsoft about
it:

A new memory management technology in Windows Vista, Windows SuperFetch,
helps keep the computer consistently responsive to your programs by making
better use of the computer's RAM. Windows SuperFetch prioritizes the programs
you're currently using over background tasks and adapts to the way you work
by tracking the programs you use most often and preloading these into memory.

I installed 1G of ram in July and I suspect this might have caused the
problem. I really appreciate the help.
thanks
Dave