I need some computer help

[Tasha405]

My computer is freezing up on me every few minutes. In the past 10 minutes I've had to restart it three times. :mad: I can't get anything done. What would be causing this? I've ran a virus scan, spyware scan, disk cleanup and defrag. What else can I do? HELP! This is driving me crazy.

I have windows xp
I've ran Adaware & SpyBot Search & Destroy
and my virus program (Avast)
done a disk cleanup and defrag

Are there any other free programs out there than I can use to find and fix the problem?

TIA!

[Shann]

I can't think of anything but I notice starting at 9 p.m. here through when I shut down the comp.. mm.. somewhere around 3-4 a.m. my computer will freeze up sometimes for a few minutes and then start again, I believe in my case it's the modem. It's absolutely annoying b/c most of the times the curser will freeze up too. We're going to have to call the cable company and have them look at it... sorry I am no help but you are not alone, when it happens I want to pull my hair out and scream, I'm not a patient person.

[Tasha405]

I think I only have a few strands of hair left now. LOL This is gonna make me lose my mind.


I just went through and deleted some things that I don't use much. Maybe that will help. I don't know. lol

[renagade]

When mine does that I have to just unplug it and wait a few minutes then its okay for a month or so.

[cleaningla]

Might want to try PC Pitstop.

http://www.pcpitstop.com/pcpitstop/default.asp

[YankeeMary]

Tasha did you by chance spill an alcoholic drink in it? Are you drunk and just think its freezing up??? Good Luck getting it to work better...computer troubles can drive one batty.

[eve17]

Good Luck getting it to work better...computer troubles can drive one batty.
i'll second that :eek: :D hope you get it figured out, try everything thats been suggested

[tngirl]

Tasha did you by chance spill an alcoholic drink in it? Are you drunk and just think its freezing up??? Good Luck getting it to work better...computer troubles can drive one batty.

yeah, and maybe that is why she is drunk and imagining things....her computer has driven her crazy!! :eek:

[llbriteyes]

Here's what I recommend to all my clients. Most of these programs are free. When you're done running them all go to www.pcpitstop.com to test it. I'd also recommend going to house call by trend micro. Its another free utility.

If you run all this and are still having problems, try restoring your computer to a time when it was running well.

Linda

There are several things you can do, and get them for free...

Check for them at http://www.download.com

They're quick and easy, but its important to make sure you do them WEEKLY.

1. Anti-Virus – Should be run daily, however, weekly, with real time scan should be sufficient. Detects and deletes viruses of all types in files located on user-predefined disks, in boot sectors and RAM. Be certain to update your software before each scan. I use AVG. Its free, and its the best of all I've tried. Available at www.download.com

2. Ad-Aware – Scans your memory, registry, hard, removable and optical drives for known Data-mining, aggressive advertising, Parasites, Scumware, Keyloggers, selected traditional trojans, dialers, malware, browser hijackers, and tracking components. Again, make sure you update the software each time it's run. Also free, available at www.download.com

3. A cookie manager. This will allow certain cookies that you specify to stay on your computer, while getting rid of all the other ones. Many free ones at www.download.com. I use Cookie Terminator (not free).

4. CrapCleaner. Cleans up the crap on your computer. Temporary files, caches, etc. Available at www.download.com as ccleaner. I use this one.

5. Bazooka Scanner. Quick scan for spyware, adware, trojan, keylogger, foistware and trackware components; sources of irritation that antivirus software does not deal with. Available at www.download.com. I use this in addition to others.

6. Microsoft AntiSpyware. Available directly from Microsoft. Detects and removes spyware and other potentially unwanted software from your computer. I love this program. It also runs in real time to catch any weirdness coming through. Available at www.download.com.

7. Disk Cleanup - You can use disk cleanup to free up space on your hard disk by removing temporary internet files, removing installed components and programs that you no longer use, and emptying the Recycle Bin. This is already on your computer.

8. Scandisk – Searches for errors in allocation table and fixes bad sectors on drive. This is already on your computer.

9. Defragment - Disk Defragmenter consolidates fragmented files and folders on your computer's hard disk so that each occupies a single, contiguous space on the volume. As a result, your system can gain access to your files and folders and save new ones more efficiently. This is already on your computer.

10. PC Bug Doctor - PC Bug Doctor will fix hidden bugs and errors on your PC and restore lost performance and speed that is lost over time. Available at www.download.com. This is not a free program, however, they do have a free trial. It will run on your computer and tell you what's wrong, but it won't fix it unless you buy it. I think its well worth the money.

11. PCPitstop – www.pcpitstop.com Automated tests will get your PC running faster, make it more stable, and identify security problems. The diagnostic tests don't change any settings on your system. The results will show you the details of your PC's operating status, and the advice will help both experts and novices to find and fix system problems. I use this EVERY time I run all the diagnostics on my computer. FREE

If you use these programs, or equivilent programs on a weekly basis, you won't have to worry about most problems you'll encounter on your computer.

Linda





I think I only have a few strands of hair left now. LOL This is gonna make me lose my mind.


I just went through and deleted some things that I don't use much. Maybe that will help. I don't know. lol

[Tasha405]

Thanks yall. I ran the virus scans and so far nothing has been found. I ran the PC Pitstop program too and it told me about different things that could be changed or deleted but none of it can be performed until I buy the program. :(

I can't find ccleaner on download.com

[Tasha405]

Tasha did you by chance spill an alcoholic drink in it? Are you drunk and just think its freezing up???
Nope, haven't spilled a drink... yet. ;)

I'm not drunk yet but I'll need a drink by the time I'm done messing with this darn thing. :o


LOL! :p

[fjp999]

Linda,
thanks for putting all these sites and options in one place.
Many of the options you gave were also suggested by Microsoft and Dell plus some others.
If I might add, be sure to use updaters weekly.
If all else fails, even Dell suggests that when things get too crazy, a reinstall is necessary. I did that and immediatly installed the virus, firewall safeties then ran all the windows updates and boy am I happy. Running better and with more interesting options (after the many, many updates). Then I added all my other programs and hardware.
Lastly, I hate Nortons Anti-Virus. It allowes ad-aware spyware to enter and you have to pay them to instruct removal. It did lots of caos to my machine and after weeks (many hours to folks in India) a native speaker finally answered my cry for help and told me that for legal reasons they cannot include an ad-aware blocker or remover.
My verizon has a free years use of McAffee and it hasnt allowed anything in (knock on wood).

[Eyore]

I am by far a computer whiz. I am one that needs help with them as well. But have you installed any programs or hardware or downloaded anything before this started happening? There could be a conflict causing it.
How long has it been since you opened the pc and sprayed it out with air? Maybe needs the dust removed.