WinXP SP2 hangs after idle for an hour

[Guest]

1. When I leave my windows xp computer open at the Windows desktop for an
hour or so, (say I go to lunch or something), when I return, the computer is
totally hung up (frozen). I cannot do anything, cannot use any program,
cannot open start,
cannot even shut it down. The mouse is not active. The only way I can shut it
down is to use the tower power on/off button. When I turn it off and reboot,
then it is fine.

2. Am I causing any damage by constantly shutting down using the on/off power
button instead of windows shut down in the os? thx for advice. swellmel

By the way, should this be posted somewhere else?

 

[Terry]

On 4/7/2007 2:22 PM On a whim, swellmel pounded out on the keyboard

1. When I leave my windows xp computer open at the Windows desktop for an
hour or so, (say I go to lunch or something), when I return, the computer is
totally hung up (frozen). I cannot do anything, cannot use any program,
cannot open start,
cannot even shut it down. The mouse is not active. The only way I can shut it
down is to use the tower power on/off button. When I turn it off and reboot,
then it is fine.

2. Am I causing any damage by constantly shutting down using the on/off power
button instead of windows shut down in the os? thx for advice. swellmel

By the way, should this be posted somewhere else?

First couple of things to check:
It could be caused by overheating. Open the case and see if all the
fans are working. If the openings are plugged with dust, you a vacuum
to remove it. Download a program that can monitor the heat of the CPU
(here's one, Sisoft Sandra Lite:
http://www.sisoftware.net/index.html?dir=&location=downandbuy&langx=en&a= ).

It could be bad RAM. Memtest is a free program with programs for floppy,
USB & burning to CD. http://www.memtest.org/#downiso Run a memory test.

Also try booting into Safe Mode (reboot, after you see the BIOS screen
press F8 repeatedly until the menu appears) and see if it happens. If
not, you may have a driver that is hanging and crashing the OS.

Report back,

--
Terry

***Reply Note***
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

 

[Guest]

gThanks Terry. I will try your suggestions in the next few days., Happy
Easter. Swellmel