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 (This is absolutely necessary, outdated antivirus is not going to be of any use!)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 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 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: 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 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 HowToFixcomputers.com and CertFAQ.com.
Flow Text Around a GraphicQuestion: I have inserted a photo... Read More
Are you stymied by the vast offerings in cheap mp3... Read More
You use Ctrl+Alt+Del to see what's running on your PC,... Read More
Microsoft Business Solutions is on the way to popularize it's... Read More
Youâ??ve studied hard; youâ??ve practiced your configurations; youâ??ve used your... Read More
When browsing the internet you are likely to come across... Read More
There are plenty of articles out there about how to... Read More
Maybe you always wanted a feature that hasn't been available... Read More
This article describes the basic properties of color, what the... Read More
Computers are supposed to speed up our productivity?to help us... Read More
Your Bible At Your FingertipsIt is fairly easy to find... Read More
First and foremost before I begin my ranting it is... Read More
For those seeking to buy their first flat panel TV... Read More
Simone is exasperated. She has to work on her university... Read More
In the first part of this home lab tutorial, CCNA... Read More
Not sure what Windows registry is or how it works?... Read More
It seems like fast never quite rates fast enough.No matter... Read More
Digital Video Disc or as it is sometimes referred to... Read More
Spyware is the software that collects information about your online... Read More
Not so many years ago, homes across the country watched... Read More
Maintaining your computer is extremely important ? especially if you... Read More
Just The Facts, Ma'mPalm pilots are all the rage now.... Read More
Cameras: still known for taking pictures but assumed as digital... Read More
So I'll start from the very beginning.One day I was... Read More
Cisco Certification: Taking Your First Certification ExamYou've studied hard; you've... Read More
I do a holiday letter every year and send them... Read More
Surf the 'Net for about 10 minutes and chances rate... Read More
Yes, it's true. You may have inadvertently invited a spy... Read More
No matter how fast your processor and regardless of how... Read More
Stimulus thru Caffiene or Visual Input?It appears that the Mobi... Read More
Passwords have a strange dual nature. The stronger and safer... Read More
CCNAs and CCNA candidates hear it all the time: â??Get... Read More
This is not your typical lost data story. I was... Read More
I got my eyes set on a iPod mini, as... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
Winter?the official start of the cold and flu season. Though,... Read More
All over the world, people carry with them walkmans and... Read More
Tip #1 -- Rebates: A rebate is not always a... Read More
Good Morning Mr. Sampson. Please type in you Personal Identification... Read More
Spyware is the software that collects information about your online... Read More
You have your television and home theater receiver; you just... Read More
If you're a computer expert, you'll probably already know about... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
I have always been interested in computers, but in the... Read More
This tip is on sharing files and folders on a... Read More
In Windows Xp, you can install two operating systems on... Read More
In the 1950's and 1960's Polaroid's instant cameras were all... Read More
It seems like fast never quite rates fast enough.No matter... Read More
Plenty! When we made the decision to be our own... Read More
I would like to tell you about a magic home.... Read More
"Automated Testing" is automating the manual testing process currently in... Read More
Nothing is worse than having to negotiate all kinds of... Read More
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification is meant for... Read More
Your first step in removing dangerous infections from your computer... Read More
We all enjoy our favorite screensavers but in the same... Read More
If you use a computer, you need to know more... Read More
With a little tweaking and with proper tools, you can... Read More
A Computer in Your HandCarrying around an address book and... Read More
The Internet can be a dangerous place.While you're enjoying the... Read More
Millions have enjoyed recorded music since 1877 when Thomas Edison... Read More
I recently took a good look at what was keeping... Read More
If you have a computer for home use or for... Read More
We've all seen them, you've been browsing a website and... Read More
Surf the 'Net for about 10 minutes and chances rate... Read More
Using SQL Server 2000 and above versions you can retrieve... Read More
Most people download and save so much information on their... Read More
Personal Technology |