I have very limited knowledge with SQL 7. Our system slows and locks up at least five to six times a week. We have found that if we stop SQL and start it, it "frees" up. I need some step by step type of help on how to track down what I suspect may be deadlocks are occurring but do not know how to tell what if anything is happening when this occurs on the system. I know how to check "spids" and "locks" but dont know how to pinpoint actual definite performance issues. Please help. Thanks.