W7 Home Premium Freeze/Not Responding ALL programs

My Windows 7 Home desktop is only 6 months old. About 3 weeks ago, it started freezing progams with the message of (Not Responding). They would remain frozen anywhere from 10 seconds to 5 minutes. During this time, the mouse is NOT frozen and am able to select other windows and start menu, but if selecting another program or window typically has a the same delay/freeze/no operation (if opening new program, etc). Also, the CTL+ALT+DEL is either non-functional during this time, or is just as delayed as the programs currently frozen. The Task Manager will finally appear, but this is after the other open programs have unfrozen, as well.

So far, I have done the following:

> Ran the desktop in CLEAN BOOT - no effect

> Retored the desktop back to a previous date before the problem began - no effect

> Reset the desktop back to Factory Default - no effect

> Only have one (1) AV program (MS Security Essentials)

> I have opened the Device Manager, selected and updated all drivers of devices installed. All said were up-to-date. I then uninstalled and re-installed my graphics driver (just to see) - no effect

> I have set the Power Option to HIGH PERFORMANCE as I have heard others claim this fixed their problem - no effect

> I have taken the desktop to my retailer who checked for Hardware/Software conflicts/issues - no issues were found.

> I have turned off the Aero effect. Set back to Win7 Basic. - no effect

> I have completed and continue to be up-to-date with Windows Update - no effect

I'm sure there is more I have already tried, but am probably drawing a blank at this point.

My major question is -- why did the desktop run fine for 6 months, then all of a sudden have these issues? If it was something I had installed, downloaded or had a virus/malware, it would have been wiped during the re-install of the OS and/or the support technicians would have found issues left behind (is what they claimed).

Anyone have any resolutions/suggestions besides what I have already mentioned above?

Thanks

It isn't memory. I only need 512 mb, as I don't do any more now than 10 years ago. In terms of multitasking. But the computer came with 4 GB, and a large graphics card I don't use. I am not a gamer. The problem started today. It is like a beached whale, everything is not responding but if I let it go, it probably will after 5 minutes. It acts like memory, but that seems impossible.

Itunes doesn't need that much to operate, and it won't run right with nothing else even running.

On mine the Task Manager also fails to respond.

Did you actually test the memory, which is the only way to know for sure?

If you don't want to download and burn to CD the superior memtest86 to run 5-6 passes, then use the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic Test. Memtest86 - Download Page.URL

It sounds to me like you need a clean reinstall of a bloated corrupted factory OEM install. Do you have the install DVD or can you borrow one for your version to clean install using Product Key on the COA sticker attached to machine? Clean Install Windows 7 - Windows 7 Forums.URL

Until you are ready to do that, run sfc /scannow as Administrator by typing CMD in Start search box then rightclick result at top to Run As Admin, type sfc /scannow into box.

Next consider a Repair Install - Windows 7 Forums.URL

I bought Windows 7 about 6 months ago to upgrade over the Vista. Sadly, it sucks the same as Vista. I heard it was like XP, and that is not the case. Anyway, I reinstalled Windows 7 without updates. I read the security features were holding it up, and I did a huge download at Microsofts suggestion on security. The memo said it was holding things up to check. Whatever the deal, it is working. Also, I couldn't restore to an earlier point. It said I had no restore point.

An Upgrade over Vista is an inferior install which imports any corruption from Vista. You need to clean reinstall.