Troubleshooting Computer Freeze (Lockup) Problems
How familiar does the following sound? Your computer was working fine, but then suddenly started locking up (aka hanging or freezing), rebooting itself (crashing) or shutting down spontaneously? If you know only too well what I am talking about, then read on! Performing the simple steps below can fix the majority of lockup cases. 1. Check for recently installed software or hardware.
If the lockups started to happen after you installed a new peace of hardware, new software program, or new drivers, uninstall it and see if the problem goes away. 2. Run your antivirus program.
One of the first things to do in the case of sudden lockups is to run your antivirus program. Check your antivirus manufacturer's website for updates and latest virus definition files. (This is absolutely necessary, outdated antivirus is not going to be of any use!) If you don't have antivirus software installed - or if updates are unavailable - run one of the web-based antivirus scans that some major antivirus vendors like Trend Micro are offering for free. You can find a comprehensive list of available web-based scans and free antivirus programs on http://www.free-antivirus.info. 3. Run some good spyware removal tool.
If your machine is not infected with any viruses, it is still possible that it has some harmful adware or spyware is present. Download and run some good spyware removal tool such as AdAware or Microsoft AntiSpyware. Check http://www.free-antivirus.info for a list of free spyware removal applications. 4. Check for free hard drive space.
When no viruses are found, check out free hard drive space on drive C:. Make sure there is more than 20% of free space available; low disk space can lead to random lockups. 5. Check for overheating.
Overheating is another known cause of lockups. It can be caused by problems with fans inside the case, dust buildup, or other cooling problems. Make sure the power supply fan and CPU fan are running and free of dust buildup. You can check the temperatures inside the case by running Motherboard monitor
mbm.livewiredev.com/">http://mbm.livewiredev.com
- make sure the temperatures are within the preset limits. Be very careful while cleaning inside the computer case (use plastic vacuum crevice tool) and NEVER OPEN THE POWER SUPPLY CASE as it contains high voltage. 6. Check the hard disk.
Check the hard disk - it is possible that its logical structure is corrupted. To check the disk for errors, right-click on the disk C: icon in "My Computer", select the "Tools" tab, check all check boxes in the "Check disk options" field, and press the "Check now" button. It should ask whether you want to schedule the check next time you restart your computer - answer "Yes" and restart your PC. The check will be performed automatically after startup; it can take a while, so be patient. The program will attempt to fix some problems automatically - however, if the hard disk is failing physically, it will need to be replaced. It is also a good idea to run Disk Defragmenter (located in Start Menu > Programs > Accessories > System Tools) to optimize data placement on the hard disk for increased performance and reliability. 7. Check the memory.
Sometimes random lockups can be attributed to the computer memory (RAM) starting to fail. You can test the memory by running Windows Memory Diagnostic that can be downloaded from http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp. If memory problems are found, try re-seating the RAM (pull it out and plug it back in). If it doesn't work, replace the defective RAM. 8. Check for other hardware problems (advanced users).
More hardware-related problems can be diagnosed by running hardware tests from the Ultimate Boot CD that can be downloaded from www.ultimatebootcd.com/">http://www.ultimatebootcd.com. However, you should only use it if you know what are you doing - some programs on that CD can be dangerous when used inappropriately (for example, some of them can wipe the contents of your hard disk). 9. Update Windows and drivers.
Some lockups can be caused by outdated software components - update your windows and drives by running a windows update: windowsupdate.microsoft.com/">http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com (it's good idea to run it regularly). The above steps will help diagnose and eliminate the most common causes of lockups. Hundreds more of other possible scenarios need to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, as it all goes down to your particular computer configuration. Asking on www.howtofixcomputers.com/bb/index.php">PC
troubleshooting forums/newsgroups should help you figure out solutions to not-so-obvious lockup cases. Michael Woodford is a computer expert from a team that runs www.howtofixcomputers.com/bb/index.php">HowToFixcomputers.com and www.certfaq.com/">CertFAQ.com.
MORE RESOURCES:
Publ.Date : Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:18:13 GMT
Ask the experts - The tech consultantTimes Online, UK - 38 minutes agoOur experts cannot send personal replies. Questions may be edited for reasons of space, and advice is given without responsibility. ... |
Publ.Date : Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:07:05 GMT
Publ.Date : Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:50:54 GMT
It's inches, not pounds, that countMinneapolis Star Tribune, MN - 6 hours agoLuckily, we have lots of them: calipers that measure body fat, heart rate monitors that guide aerobic workouts and fancy high-tech tools for the pros. ... |
Publ.Date : Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:50:25 GMT
Publ.Date : Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:23:13 GMT
Washington Post Personal Technology ColumnistWashington Post, United States - Jun 26, 2008Read transcripts of Rob's past tech discussions here. Rob Pegoraro: Welcome! My story today is about shooting things with a handheld device--no, ... |
Publ.Date : Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:20:34 GMT
Personal TechBoston Globe, United States - Jun 8, 2008Proximity sensing is that creepy technology that allows marketers to tailor the actions of digital billboards and posters as you walk by them. ... |
Publ.Date : Mon, 09 Jun 2008 05:00:41 GMT
Personal tech briefs: Game-to-film trend continuesSalt Lake Tribune, United States - Jun 24, 2008The TV uses stereoscopic technology called TriDef from DDD Group Plc in Santa Monica, Calif., which works by sending the same image separately for the left ... |
Publ.Date : Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:03:48 GMT
Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:35:24 GMT
|
|