unexplained freezing!!

[Simon Scheck]

I know there is a very broad spectrum of problems that could be causing this,
but any suggestions would be welcomed.

I'm using XP Pro, and seemingly at random intervals the machine just
freezes. Sometimes after being on for 2 minutes, sometimes after hours. The
computer stays on (HDD lights not flashing or anything), the screen is
completely stuck, and the mouse doesn't move. CTRL ALT DEL doesn't work, and
there's nothing I can do short of turning the PC off at the box. I'm usually
not doing anything particularly strenuous on the machine, happened twice this
morning when I was just surfing, no other programs running (except background
stuff).

I've searched the event viewer in all categories, there's no warnings or
errors. I've installed all windows updates, and have Symantec Anti Virus
fully updated.

I've tried changing the graphics card driver, thinking that might be the
problem but unfortunately that didn't fix it.

And I also run Linux (Ubunut) on the same machine, and never have this
problem no matter how long I leave it logged on, so I guess that rules out
CPU or hardware issues.

Any suggestions for patches or tweaks or anything would be greatly
appreciated!! If you need any more information from me let me know!

Thanks!

Simon.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log
to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.zip) is the preferred tool to use.
It will help you to both identify and remove any hijackware/spyware with
assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html,
http://forums.subratam.org/index.php?showforum=7,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or other appropriate forums for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.

 

[Bob I]

Is the mouse and keyboard USB attached? If so, open Device manager, and
in the Universal Serial Bus Controller section, go through all the
items, and on the Power Management tabs, UNcheck "Allow computer to turn
off this device to save power".

 

[Charlie]

Just for grins, kill Symantec and see what happens.