New CPU Freezes After Login

Hello,

Just picked up this computer last week. Since then, I have had several program crashes, but I'm quite used to that with windows. However, last night I was playing a game and all of the sudden the program crashed. I tried to ctrl-alt-delete which didn't work, and also tried to get to the desktop via windows key, and that also did not work.

So, I hard restarted the computer. And now, every time I login, Windows Explorer freezes including the task manager. However, any program I have open, such as itunes or mozilla thunderbird seems to be okay (so long as I don't minimize them).

I've tried updating drivers, checked the event log, uninstalled programs, etc. And, I tried to do a system restore, however the system restore program states that the restore is impossible due to an error likely with an anti-virus software. Which I find funny because Norton AV was one of the programs I uninstalled, heh.

Now, I bought this computer as a temporary replacement as my main work computer is being repaired. However, if I cannot figure this out it seems all the money I just spent was wasted. So, any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

Do a clean install of Windows 7. When at desktop, be very careful about installing any 3rd party antivirus apps. Stay away from Norton and AVG.

Install the latest video driver from ATI's website.

Thanks for the help. I do have a few questions though. Well, i did install the latest ATI drivers, which did not help.

Also, Norton came with the computer and can we assume it's the reason why the computer is freezing? I remember from experiences past that Norton was the reason some viruses spread, but this experience is entirely new to me. So, is it possible that if I reinstall everything I won't see this happen again? I'm certainly hoping not. I thought reinstalling Windows once a month was a thing of the past.

Once a month is a thing of the past. My computers have uptimes longer than that lately.

Anyhow, ya. Clean install, no Norton or AVG and you'll be alright.