Windows FREEZES

[simon]

Hi,

I have updated windows XP (family) on my laptop using
windows update a few days ago, and since then, the computer
completely freezes (mouse does not move, no answer to
keyboard, etc...) several times a day, even when I am not
actively using it. This is *really* annoying. I tried to
restore the system to a past point but no restoration point
is listed (I guess because I've always been a little short
on disk place).

The system used to work correctly before.

So... what could I do ?

Thx,
Simon.

 

[cimex]

The type of behavior you are seeing is more likely due to a hardware
failure. XP, being more demanding of your hardware resources, often unmasks
preexisting problems. You may want to test your system with some diagnostics
to gain further insight:

www.memtest86.com (you need a floppy drive)

http://www.sisoftware.co.uk/index.html?dir=dload&location=sware_dl_x86&langx=en&a=
for an advanced diagnostic that tests more than RAM.

http://www.mersenne.org/freesoft.htm A "torture tester" involving the
computations for finding certain prime numbers.

You can download a disk diagnostic from the website of your hard disk
manufacturer. Since the test may be able to alter stored data, read the
instructions carefully before using.

Alternatively, a good computer repair shop can do these same tests for you,
and more besides (power supplies can be flaky, etc.)