windows stops responding frequently (hardware or software problem)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Brad Roy
  • Start date Start date
B

Brad Roy

Over the last month, my computer will frequently just stop responding,
regardless of whether I am using it or not. It will just lock up in
whatever state its currently in. It's locked up in programs, such as excel.
Its locked up with nothing running and only the screensaver is shown. Its
locked up in stand by mode and only a black screen shows. The only way out
of it is to restart the computer each time. This happens several times a
day. I am wondering if this is a software or hardware problem. What can I
do?
 
Brad said:
Over the last month, my computer will frequently just stop responding,
regardless of whether I am using it or not. It will just lock up in
whatever state its currently in. It's locked up in programs, such as
excel. Its locked up with nothing running and only the screensaver is
shown. Its
locked up in stand by mode and only a black screen shows. The only
way out
of it is to restart the computer each time. This happens several
times a
day. I am wondering if this is a software or hardware problem. What
can I do?
Click to expand...

Generally speaking, random lockups are caused by bad hardware. Here are
generic troubleshooting steps for hardware:

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) test the motherboard. If you can't do this testing
yourself, take the machine to a good local computer repair shop (not a
CompUSA or Best Buy type of store).

Malke
 
1) Open the computer and run it open, cleaning out all dust bunnies and
observing all fans (overheating will cause system freezing);
Click to expand...
<snip>

And DO NOT use vacuum cleaner to clean up dust!!!
 
Just Curious, why no vaccuum. I have already cleaned the dust out of the
computer. Still no help.
Thanks
 
In
Brad Roy said:
Just Curious, why no vaccuum. I have already cleaned the dust out of
the computer. Still no help.
Click to expand...


The static charges on a vacuum cleaner can destroy the
electronics in yourcomputer.
 
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