Jim said:
Since I installed SP2 on my PC using Windows XP Home it has started to
freeze every now and then. It usually happens when I am away at lunch
or
just having a break. It doesn't happen every day but it is happening
more
often. Any advice would be appreciated.
Unfortunately, this isn't enough information to give you a specific
answer. The problem could be software or failing hardware, the latter
being coincidental with the installation of SP2. Here are some general
troubleshooting steps. Run through them and afterwards, if you need
more help, post back to this thread with details about your system and
the results of your troubleshooting:
A. For software issues -
1) Scan in Safe Mode with current version (not earlier than 2003)
antivirus using updated 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.
There is a new version of CWShredder from
http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract/cwshredder_download.html. I would
not install the other Intermute programs, however. Alternately, there
are CoolWebSearch malware removal steps at
http://www.silentrunners.org/sr_cwsremoval.html. A combination of
HijackThis and About:Buster (
http://www.majorgeeks.com) works well in
removing homepage hijackers. 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.
Make sure you are able to see all hidden files and extensions (View tab
in Folder Options);
3) If you are running Windows ME or XP, you should disable/enable System
Restore because malware will be in the Restore Points. With ME, you
must disable System Restore completely. With XP, you can delete all but
the most recent (presumably clean) System Restore point from the More
Options section of Disk Cleanup (Run>cleanmgr).
4) delete temporary and Temporary Internet Files;
5) 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;
6) look in Event Viewer for clues;
7) make sure you've visited Windows Update and applied all security
patches. Do not install driver updates from Windows Update;
8) 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
