Am I the only one ???

jvsimo1 · 24 Mar 2012

I have a Dell computor running Windows 7 Home Premiun which is about 15 months old. The dam thing has been freezing up for about 2 months

. It does this from 5 to 50 times a day

. Also like right now the screen letters from my typing can be up to 30 to 50 seconds behind me hitting the keys

. Being a 72 year old pensioner I don't want to throw a heap of cash at my local so-called country Computor Wizzard. Can somebody please give me some tips on what sort of checks and balances I can do. I have run disc defragmentor many times without any joy. If I can not fix it, is an "Apple" Computor a better proposision these days.? I only ask that question because every time I look at the news on TV, they mostly seem to have Apples. Otherwise I am a happy chappy

.

marsmimar · 24 Mar 2012

A computer can freeze up and do other weird things because of hardware issues, Windows Updates, malware, or damaged or corrupt system files. Some things you can try:

1. Full scan with your antivirus/antispyware of choice. You could also try a couple of free on-demand scanners like Malwarebytes, HitmanPro, etc because no anti-malware program is 100% effective 100% of the time.

2. Run Check Disk to see if your hard drive has any problems. You could also run some other free diagnostic tools as well.

Disk Check

7 Free Hard Drive Testing Software Tools

3. You could run the Windows 7 Memory Diagnostic tool or another free program called Memtest86 to test your memory modules. (If you use Memtest86 it should run over night for 7-8 passes.)

Memory Diagnostics Tool

Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

4. Try running a System File Checker scan from an elevated command prompt (option two, this tutorial) to see if your system files are damaged or corrupt. If any problems are found run the scan 3 times rebooting in between each scan.

SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

I think these scans and checks will cover the basics. But there other factors like a bad power supply, perhaps an issue with your internet provider, or a failing router/modem, etc that can lead to issues such as you've described.

essenbe · 24 Mar 2012

My first inclination is that it is a hardware issue not software. If it were me, I would start running tests on the hardware. Also, I would download and keep watck on my CPU temps by using free Core temp. If you CPU gets overheated the computer will freeze up. I would run Memtest.How to Test and Diagnose RAM Issues with Memtest86+ , Prime 95 to test the CPU. I would go to the manufacturer of you hard drive and download their diagnostic test to check the hard drive for errors. In the mean time I would check the Operating system for any errors by opening an elevated command prompt (click start, type in the search box cmd, on the entry that appears, right click it and select 'run as administrator) In the window that opens, copy/paste sfc /scannow and press enter. If it shows errors, you may need to run it up to three times. During the prime 95 test, be sure to keep a close watch on your temps. The test will make them rise rapidly. If it gets too high, stop the test. As far as an Apple, the cost about 3 times as much as a PC and are very propritary, meaning you cannot go just anywhere to buy a needed part. Also, on your post, in the bottom left corner it says system specs, click that and select edit system specs and fill it out as completely as possible. If you don't know the answers, Download Speccy which will give you a lot of info about your sustem. Knowing your system will help us help you.

jvsimo1 · 29 Mar 2012

Thanks for the tips everybody. I think I have the problem under control. About a year ago I downloaded a free Malwearbytes program and never ever did anything with it. After your advice I went into it and was told it was 270 days since it has been updated. Anyway I followed the instructions and it came up with 274 problems after 27 minutes of scanning. Anyway it all looks good at the moment. If my explanation can help somebody else, you are welcome. From now on I will run Malwarebytes at least on a weekly basis and see how things turn out.
Cheers......Simo

essenbe · 29 Mar 2012

I'm glad you have it sorted out. Malwarebytes is an excellent program and highly recommended here. But, it is not active protection, only the paid version has active protection. You may try Microsoft Security Essentials for a free active protection A/V program. It works well with Malwarebytes and is a good program.