Windows freeze completely - cannot end program, must reset

[daviddschool]

I am experiencing this issue with my father computer - when it is
running on the internet (that seems to be the common link for this
problem) using either IE or Firefox, the computer will randomly freeze
completely. I cannot use the ALT CNTRL DEL to stop the task - there
is no cursor, nothing. I need to reset the computer to get it back.

Now, I have tried to reinstall winxp the other day but that doesn't
seem to have fixed the issue.
I am wondering if it is a anti virus issue or do I need to FORMAT and
reinstall?

Thanks

 

[R. McCarty]

You're giving us a very complicated question. A random freeze
would indicate an un-responding process using most of the PC's
resources. ( As indicated by no response to C/A-D. First ? is how
much physical RAM does the PC have. 2nd is the computer fully
up to date ( Service Packs & Microsoft Updates ) ?
Since the problem appears to affect both browsers it's likely the
machine is infected. When posting it's good to mention what AV
and firewall is being used. Effectiveness varies, some products
detect and remove items that others do not.
As a test boot the PC to Safe Mode with Networking. If either or
both browsers work as expected then the computer is infected.
You should run several online scans of the computer to help get
the PC cleaned up. I'd recommend Kaspersky or Eset's NOD32.
You should also download/update & run Malwarebytes software.
http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner
http://www.eset.com/onlinescan/
http://www.download.com/Malwarebyte...4572.html?part=dl-10804572&subj=dl&tag=button

 

[daviddschool]

You're giving us a very complicated question. A random freeze
would indicate an un-responding process using most of the PC's
resources. ( As indicated by no response to C/A-D. First ? is how
much physical RAM does the PC have. 2nd is the computer fully
up to date ( Service Packs & Microsoft Updates ) ?
Since the problem appears to affect both browsers it's likely the
machine is infected. When posting it's good to mention what AV
and firewall is being used. Effectiveness varies, some products
detect and remove items that others do not.
As a test boot the PC to Safe Mode with Networking. If either or
both browsers work as expected then the computer is infected.
You should run several online scans of the computer to help get
the PC cleaned up. I'd recommend Kaspersky or Eset's NOD32.
You should also download/update & run Malwarebytes software.http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscann...Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-1080457...

It is up-to-date (SP2, but not sp3). It has 2 gig of RAM and the
Firewall is turned off. The antivirus I am using is ANTI VIR.
The main issue is that the freezes are so random. I could use it all
day and nothing happens or just use it and it freezes. I don't want to
sit and wait for a freeze (obviously), so that is an issue.
I am going to run a TEMP program to see if it is overheating and I
will run it in safemode as well to see if there is anything amiss. I
will also run the online virus check, thanks for that.

 

[daviddschool]

It is up-to-date (SP2, but not sp3). It has 2 gig of RAM and the

Firewall is turned off. The antivirus I am using is ANTI VIR.
The main issue is that the freezes are so random. I could use it all
day and nothing happens or just use it and it freezes. I don't want to
sit and wait for a freeze (obviously), so that is an issue.
I am going to run a TEMP program to see if it is overheating and I
will run it in safemode as well to see if there is anything amiss. I
will also run the online virus check, thanks for that.

Running the online check now. I have installed a CPU core temp
monitor and it fluctuates around 35-45 degrees. Using the internet,
in the high 30's. So that isn't unusual. I ran spybot and now the
online checker to see what it tells me.

 

[Kayman]

I am experiencing this issue with my father computer - when it is
running on the internet (that seems to be the common link for this
problem) using either IE or Firefox, the computer will randomly freeze
completely. I cannot use the ALT CNTRL DEL to stop the task - there
is no cursor, nothing. I need to reset the computer to get it back.

Now, I have tried to reinstall winxp the other day

You tried...

but that doesn't seem to have fixed the issue.
....unsucessfully.

I am wondering if it is a anti virus issue or do I need to FORMAT and
reinstall?

But you tried this already!

Preparation is the key for successful installation.

1.How to Slipstream Windows XP Service Pack 3 to Create an Integrated XP
Setup Disk with SP 3
http://www.howtohaven.com/system/slipstream-xp-service-pack-3.shtml
--or (maybe more user friendly)--
Create a Slip Stream version of Windows XP
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/slipstream.htm
--and--
WinUpdatesList v1.23
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/wul.html
--also--
Change the Boot Order in BIOS (good illustration)
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixtheproblem/ss/bootorderchange.htm

2.Clean Install Windows XP
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Reinstalling_Windows - What
you will need on-hand
--and--
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
--or even better because its illustrated and more reader friendly--
How Do I Install WindowsXP
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp.htm

Good luck

 

[Elmo]

I am experiencing this issue with my father computer - when it is
running on the internet (that seems to be the common link for this
problem) using either IE or Firefox, the computer will randomly freeze
completely. I cannot use the ALT CTRL DEL to stop the task - there
is no cursor, nothing. I need to reset the computer to get it back.

Now, I have tried to reinstall Win XP the other day but that doesn't
seem to have fixed the issue.
I am wondering if it is a anti virus issue or do I need to FORMAT and
reinstall?

Thanks

Did you add anything, such as a NIC, or wireless card? The freeze
suggests a hardware conflict. I've seen a few after installing a
wireless card; it conflicted with the sound card. Device Manager didn't
show any conflicts, but the first time the card was used and the
computer was online, it froze.

The solution in that case was a USB wireless device; no interrupts, no
freezes.

 

[dadiOH]

I am experiencing this issue with my father computer - when it is
running on the internet (that seems to be the common link for this
problem) using either IE or Firefox, the computer will randomly freeze
completely. I cannot use the ALT CNTRL DEL to stop the task - there
is no cursor, nothing. I need to reset the computer to get it back.

Now, I have tried to reinstall winxp the other day but that doesn't
seem to have fixed the issue.
I am wondering if it is a anti virus issue or do I need to FORMAT and
reinstall?

Thanks

Start with the simple stuff...

1. Do you have USB keyboard and mouse?
2. If so, are they on a USB extension or plugged directly into the computer?
3. In either case, any lights on the KB (for NUM/CAPS lock, etc.)?
4. If no lights, try unplugging KB and S L O W L Y plugging it back in. Any
lights even if only momentarily?
5. If on USB extension (HUB), tried a new one?

I ask these things because I sometimes have the same problem as you. I
blamed XP but that is not the cause...it is the USB connection. Rebooting
the comp always fixes it so it isn't a case of the USB extension
cord/connection being bad or loose; therefore, I have no clue as to the
cause.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

 

[windmap]

I am experiencing this issue with my father computer - when it is
running on the internet (that seems to be the common link for this
problem) using either IE or Firefox, the computer will randomly freeze
completely.  I cannot use the ALT CNTRL DEL to stop the task - there
is no cursor, nothing.  I need to reset the computer to get it back.

Now, I have tried to reinstall winxp the other day but that doesn't
seem to have fixed the issue.
I am wondering if it is a anti virus issue or do I need to FORMAT and
reinstall?

Thanks

See if running them in No addons mode fix the problem.In firefox
disable all extensions.

 

[daviddschool]

Did you add anything, such as a NIC, or wireless card? The freeze
suggests a hardware conflict. I've seen a few after installing a
wireless card; it conflicted with the sound card. Device Manager didn't
show any conflicts, but the first time the card was used and the
computer was online, it froze.

The solution in that case was a USB wireless device; no interrupts, no
freezes.

I will check the System Devices, but nothing new was added.

The keyboard and mouse are not USB.

 

[daviddschool]

Also, this time when it froze, my dad left the computer alone and it
rebooted on its own after some time. Not sure why.
I am going to reformat the drive now and see if that helps.