XP locks up intermittently and stays locked up

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G

Guest

I am running xp on a dell dimension 8400 and recently the problem began while
working in outlook and other programs. The curser just freezes and the
computer becomes locked up. The only way to restart is to hold the start
button to shut down, and startup again.

Spyware and antivirus are running, (Norton)....

Is there a Windows XP diagnostic utility to check the Windows XP operating
system and fix errors?

Dell support says that the problem is with the software and I do not want to
have to reload XP and all the software on the computer if I do not have to.

Thanks,
 
I am running xp on a dell dimension 8400 and recently the problem began while
working in outlook and other programs. The curser just freezes and the
computer becomes locked up. The only way to restart is to hold the start
button to shut down, and startup again.

Spyware and antivirus are running, (Norton)....

Is there a Windows XP diagnostic utility to check the Windows XP operating
system and fix errors?

Dell support says that the problem is with the software and I do not want to
have to reload XP and all the software on the computer if I do not have to.

Thanks,
Click to expand...

The most common cause seems to be overheating and memory problems.
Check to see that all the internal fans are working correctly and not clogged or obstructed.
Reseat the memory, or try 1 stick at a time.
Leave the case cover off to see if it runs cooler and stops freezing.

Try lowering the "Hardware Accelerator" setting a notch or three.
Right-click the desktop, select Properties. Click the "Settings" tab.
Click the "Advanced" button, click the "Troubleshoot" tab.

DocMemory
http://www.simmtester.com/PAGE/products/doc/docinfo.asp

Microsoft WinDiag
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

MemTest
http://hcidesign.com/memtest/
http://www.memtest86.com/
http://www.memtest86.com/memt32.zip
 
How about a word or two about static-electricity precautions, if you're
going to recklessly advise people to rummage around inside their PC to
"re-seat memory" etc. !

regards, Richard
 
Did Dell lead you through your BIOS settings to check them ? i.e. have you
checked to make sure they haven't dropped back to "failsafe defaults" ?

If the problem started after making a change to your system such as
installing a program - uninstall it !

As advised by "Unk" on this thread, check that all fans are spinning up to
speed, paying particular attention to the CPU fan and the one in the Power
Supply unit - if both are present in your ssytem.

After satisfying yourself that all hardware is working properly, work
through the "clean-boot" procedure if you feel competent enough to do it :-
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353/en-us

regards, Richard
 
How about a word or two about static-electricity precautions, if you're
going to recklessly advise people to rummage around inside their PC to
"re-seat memory" etc. !

regards, Richard
Click to expand...
I wouldn't be one bit surprised if you are the reason there's a "Do not use while taking a
shower" label on hair dryers...
 
| I am running xp on a dell dimension 8400 and recently the problem began while
| working in outlook and other programs. The curser just freezes and the
| computer becomes locked up. The only way to restart is to hold the start
| button to shut down, and startup again.
|
| Spyware and antivirus are running, (Norton)....
|

I would blame the Norton AV. Uninstall the NAV portion and either reinstall it,
or get a different AV program.
 
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