XP freezes

[StressedTechie]

I have just taken delivery of a nice new laptop with XP Home installed.

My problem is it occasionally freezes. Ctrl Alt Del does not bring up task manager either. It cant be a hardware compatibility error becuase the its bulk standard.

I tell you what I have installed lately and that is Plus XP. The screensavers work but occasionally freeze the machine. I am beginning to wonder about the graphics card setup. Its a SIS300 which is supported.
ANy ideas

 

[lkinninmont]

I am having the same problem with an HP machine - after updating all drivers etc. My system always freezes when connected to the internet (dsl) and only occassionally while I am not connected. C-A-D doesn't work and I have to disconnect power.
Did you find a fix??

Thanks

 

[linney]

Have a look in the Event Viewer (at the System folder and also the Application one). This will show you details of system or application errors you are having. Event Viewer is found via right clicking on My Computer then selecting manage. Any errors you find right click on them for further information.



Some general things to try.

Check for virus with latest virus definitions.

Spybot

http://security.kolla.de/

Ad-aware

http://www.lavasoft.nu

Will check your computer for spyware and adware.



To checkout unnecessary services you are running.

http://www.blkviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm

To check out unknown programs.

http://www.greatis.com/regrun3appdatabase.htm

Type MSCONFIG in the Run Box to see what is loading at start up.

See if System Restore will get you back to a restore point before your problem with Windows.

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp

If they don't work you could try repairing windows itself by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp