Windows 7: Monitor puts itself in power safe mode and comp won't respond

When I'm using the computer...at very random times, the screen goes black, then a blue window pops up telling me it has gone into power safe mode. I'm assuming, when this happens the computer freezes because, when I hit the hot key I set up on my keyboard to shut down, nothing happens...So, the only option I have is unplugging or holding the power button until the machine shuts off. Then, I restart.

When I try my hotkey for shut down during normal usage, it works just fine, but not when the monitor decides to take a coffee break and leave me hanging.

If I was doing something lame, like work, it wouldn't be so bad, but right in the middle of online gaming??? COME ON!!

Anywho, any suggestions what might be causing this/how to fix it?

To sneak another question in...which might, very well, be linked to the issue above, the computer freezes at random times as well. Especially, at startup. I have to hold the power button 3 or 4 times...with beep beep beeps...until it finally decides to show for work and do what its job description states.

Most of the time, the freezing is right during...or within a minute or two of startup.

I found 7 Steps online outlining possible fixes (taking me through various, progressively more complicated, steps). The final one, suggested to reinstall Windows. GULP...I knew, doing that, I would lose everything...but I did it...after that, is when the monitor problem began. Prior to that (and still currently) the freezing thing.

GPU drivers up to date after OS install?