Why does my pc keep freezing up?

[Guest]

I just bought a used pc with windows xp pro and every five minutes or so it
stops responding for about two minutes and it will start working again. Can
somebody please help my fix this problem? Thanks

 

[Richard Urban]

I sure hope that you got the Windows XP CD with your used computer, and the
install key to go along with the CD.

A used computer is a crap shoot. You have absolutely NO idea as to what may
be on it. You could have a virus that is being transmitted to others as soon
as you connect to the internet. OR, others could be controlling, and using,
YOUR computer from another location.

I would suggest that you flatten the system (format the drive) and install a
new copy Windows XP. If you don't have the CD, go to your local computer big
box store and get a copy of Windows XP Home for new computers.

When you are ready to go, come back here for more detailed instructions if
you are in need of them.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Guest]

So I just stick my windows xp cd in and let my pc do the rest?

 

[Richard Urban]

If the computer is new enough, to you, that you have nothing on it you wish
to save - basically yes.

You will get to a point in the install process where you choose where you
want to install Windows. You will want to delete all partitions that are
presently on the computer. You will then want to create a new partition and
format that partition as an NTFS partition. Use the long format option as it
checks your hard drive for inconsistencies prior to installing the requisite
files on the computer. The quick format does not do this.

After booting up the computer to the new installation, resist all attempts
to immediately visit on the internet. You need to install all of your M/B
drivers first. Reboot! You will then want to install your antivirus program.

At this point, you need to install Windows XP Service Pack 2. This will
install many security updates and install a fairly decent firewall that will
be "ON" by default. After SP2 has been installed, and you have rebooted, go
to Windows Update web site ONLY and obtain the remainder of the updates that
have been released subsequent to SP2. You may have to do this in stages.

After ALL Windows updates have been installed, and you have rebooted many
times, you can use the computer to go to
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/conte...st_za.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=nav_za
and download/install ZoneAlarm Basic - a very good "free" two way firewall
program.

That is enough for the time being and will keep you busy for a few hours.

Come back when you are ready.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Nog]

I just bought a used pc with windows xp pro and every five minutes or so
it stops responding for about two minutes and it will start working again.
Can somebody please help my fix this problem? Thanks

Make sure your processor heatsink is seated properly and the fan is working
good. Sounds like an overheat problem.