Frank said:
My computer freezes after about 1 minute of inactivity.
This occurs whether I have a screen saver selected or
not. The computer will freeze on a blank screen or a
screen saver if I have one selected. After a few minutes
the system will try to restart and freeze on the Windows
XP Home Edition screen. Ctl Alt Delete will not unfreeze
the computer. I have to force a shut down by turning off
the computer. I can then restart the computer but the
same problem will start all over again.
Help !!!!!!!!!!!
I would like to avoid re-installing Windows.
Hi, Frank. Your problems could be caused by either software or hardware.
Here are generic troubleshooting steps for you to take:
A. For software issues - 1) scan with current antivirus ("current" means
a version not earlier than 2002 but using updated virus definitions);
2) remove spyware with Spybot Search & Destroy (
www.security.kolla.de)
and Ad-aware (
www.lavasoftusa.com). Be sure to update these programs
before running, and it is a good idea to do virus/spyware scans in Safe
Mode; 3) delete temporary and Temporary Internet Files; 4) stop
unnecessary services/programs from starting with Windows - see
www.blackviper.com for services info and
www.pacs-portal.co.uk
startup_index.htm for programs info - 5) look in Event Viewer for
clues.
B. For hardware issues - 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) the power supply may
be going bad or be inadequate for the devices you have in the system;
5) test the motherboard with something like TuffTest from
www.tufftest.com. Testing hardware failures often involves swapping out
suspected parts with known-good parts. If you can't do the testing
yourself and/or are uncomfortable opening your computer, take the
machine to a good local computer repair shop (not a CompUSA or Best Buy
type of store).
You definitely should back up any important data because although you
may not *want* to reinstall Windows, you may *have* to. Here's hoping
you don't, but why take a chance on losing your stuff?
Malke
