Multiple Reports Of Windows 7 Freezing

[Snaz]

I do computer support for a living and multiple customers have contacted me in the last 2 weeks stating that their Windows 7 computers are freezing intermittantly. Does anyone have any info on this?
I have performed a number of tasks on one of my customers PC. I updated the video drivers, I updated any programs that were requesting updates (Java, Adobe, Microsoft). I cleaned out all the temp files. I changed the anti-virus software from Webroot to Malwarebytes. I have searched through the event logs (both System & Application) and there are no patterns.

 

[Golden]

Hi,

Thats too generic to be able to give you any advice - have you tried the system file checker for corruptions?

Regards,
Golden

 

[Britton30]

Welcome to Seven Forums Snaz.
I don't think there are more freezing complaints than normal here. They are usually drivers, bad hardware, i-Crap, bad PSU, bad GPU, etc. Maybe it is a coincidence you have got several complaints recently.

 

[edwar]

I run 3 Windows 7 Computers, 2 Windows PCs and one Mac with Boot Camped Windows 7.

None are freezing, Ever.

 

[Snaz]

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I'll try SFC. Just strange that I've had 4 customers call in the last couple weeks.

 

[gregrocker]

MBAM is the best general anti-malware scan however it is not an A/V. Install Microsoft Security Essentials for best performance from an effective A/V from those who have the most at stake protecting Win7.

These Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7 should cover most hangs which should not happen on Win7 ever if it has a perfect install and adequate hardware.

 

[Snaz]

Thanks Greg. I'm using Malwarebytes Pro...not free. The Pro version has active protection. I'll check out your links tonight. I appreciate your feedback.

 

[chillz]

I had a freezing problem on my computer that went on for a few months, up until a few weeks ago when I finally discovered what was causing it. It was hard to diagnose because it didn't happen right away. I had to leave my computer on for at least a day for it to strike. Usually it occured when I was using Firefox and it was never when I was doing anything cpu/graphic intensive. Just browsing the web or reading some news, which made me even more confused. When it happened my mouse would start lagging and within 10-20 seconds my computer would freeze up and a restart was the only way to fix it. Occasionally I could open Task Manager in time and end Firefox and that could sometimes save it, although things still felt a little sluggish afterwards.

At first I thought it was hardware related because it was a new computer, so I ran all sorts of tests: Prime95, Intel Burn Test, Memtest, OCCT GPU, Kombustor, Seatools, and it passed all of them with no problems. Then I ran virus and malware scans and it didn't find anything. Turns out it was a software problem caused by Internet Download Manager. I used it all the time when using Firefox so I guess it made sense it usually happened when using the browser. I figured it out when I opened the program one time and it immediately started to make my mouse lag. I couldn't believe that was the problem. I quickly uninstalled IDM and have not had one freeze yet so I'm confident that was the culprit. Just dumb luck that it happened right when I opened the program. I don't know why it causes it but I remember I had to restart the computer after installing so maybe it installs some kind of hook or low-level driver, I don't know. I just know I'm never using that program again, which sucks because I thought IDM was one of the best download managers ever.

I don't know if this helps you but just wanted to share my story. Never thought a download manager program would screw up my computer like that. Lesson learned.

 

[DeaconFrost]

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I'll try SFC. Just strange that I've had 4 customers call in the last couple weeks.

Depending on the number of clients you have, 4 calls in a few weeks aren't that many. As for the solutions, as mentioned, it could be due to quite a few different factors. None of your listed steps include hardware testing, which can easily be the cause of a freeze that doesn't generate an event log item. Could be the PSU, memory, motherboard, etc.

 

[Sir George]

I do computer support for a living and multiple customers have contacted me in the last 2 weeks stating that their Windows 7 computers are freezing intermittantly. Does anyone have any info on this?
I have performed a number of tasks on one of my customers PC. I updated the video drivers, I updated any programs that were requesting updates (Java, Adobe, Microsoft). I cleaned out all the temp files. I changed the anti-virus software from Webroot to Malwarebytes. I have searched through the event logs (both System & Application) and there are no patterns.

Just a "heads-up" for you. Malwarebytes is not the same as an Antivirus program. The two are different and if you removed Webroot and did not replace it with an AV program, the system is mostly unprotected from virus infections.

Definitions;

The word Malware is short for malicious software, and is a general term used to describe all of the viruses, worms, spyware, and pretty much anything that is specifically designed to cause harm to your PC or steal your information.

Most viruses attach themselves to executable files, but some can target a master boot record, autorun scripts, MS Office macros, or even in some cases, arbitrary files. Many of these viruses, like CIH, are designed to render your PC completely inoperable, while others simply delete or corrupt your files—the general point is that a virus is designed to cause havoc and break stuff.

The term computer virus is often used interchangeably with malware, though the two don't actually have the same meaning. In the strictest sense, a virus is a program that copies itself and infects a PC, spreading from one file to another, and then from one PC to another when the files are copied or shared.

HTH

 

[DeaconFrost]

Just a "heads-up" for you. Malwarebytes is not the same as an Antivirus program. The two are different and if you removed Webroot and did not replace it with an AV program, the system is mostly unprotected from virus infections.

Absolutely correct, and also why I don't ever recommend getting or using the Pro version of Malwarebytes. It's a great program, don't get me wrong, but I don't see the need to have two active scanners running at once. You should have a good AV app running all the time, and then use Malwarebytes as an on-demand scanner if you suspect something strange is happening with your computer.

 

[Britton30]

I've found MBAM will detect badware that Norton or Super Anti Spyware won't, each security program has a different scan engine and definition data bases. I use Norton on auto scan and run other 1-2 times a month.

I think most non-tech users now use the term "virus" to include all types of badware, worms, Trojans, viruses, rootkits, run time exploits, info stealers, etc.

To reiterate Deacon's advice, I've found many hardware issues too. New and experienced builders often buy very high end components and try to run them with a $40 PSU.

 

[candora]

I am actually having problems with my system freezing up as well. It happens only when I delete a file. I've had this laptop for about a year without any problems, and it suddenly just started doing this. I hadn't installed any programs or made any changes to the computer since I was on vacation; I was just using it to check my email every once in a while.

I'm thinking it might be a Windows Update that ended up screwing up something since it installed about a dozen updates while I was on vacation.

 

[Britton30]

I am actually having problems with my system freezing up as well. It happens only when I delete a file. I've had this laptop for about a year without any problems, and it suddenly just started doing this. I hadn't installed any programs or made any changes to the computer since I was on vacation; I was just using it to check my email every once in a while.

I'm thinking it might be a Windows Update that ended up screwing up something since it installed about a dozen updates while I was on vacation.

Hi Welcome to Seven Forums candora.
To help us help you would you please add your systems specs? Here's how: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/180324-system-info-see-your-system-specs.html#post1530002
Under System Manufacturer/Model Number add whether it is a desktop or laptop and whether self built.

Log in to Seven Forums and you will be able to transfer the info directly to the specs page in your profile from within the System Info app.
After doing this your specs will be available in each of your posts. Click on mine in the lower left to see how it should look.
Full instructions in the tutorial.

I would suggest you start a new thread in the Crashes and Debugging - Windows 7 Forums, following the posting guide there.

 

[candora]

Alrighty, thank you for the suggestions, Britton 30. I have uploaded my specs and will post in the forum you suggested.

 

[chillz]

New and experienced builders often buy very high end components and try to run them with a $40 PSU.

You can find a perfectly good PSU for $40 if you know what and where to buy. I bought a Antec NEO ECO 400C 400 watt PSU for $30. (But I ended up returning it and getting the 620 watt version)

 

[Britton30]

You can find a perfectly good PSU for $40 if you know what and where to buy. I bought a Antec NEO ECO 400C 400 watt PSU for $30. (But I ended up returning it and getting the 620 watt version)

But why?

 

[chillz]

I wasn't sure if 400 watts was going to be enough for the video card I was buying so I bought a higher capacity one just to be safe.

 

[gregrocker]

You don't need to guess. Use this Psu calculator - Windows 7 Forums

 

[Layback Bear]

Thanks Greg. I'm using Malwarebytes Pro...not free. The Pro version has active protection. I'll check out your links tonight. I appreciate your feedback.

For information only: I use MAM Pro and MSE both active at the same time without any problems. From my reading this Forum the reason for computer problems I will list in order.
1. Drivers
2. Owner induced problems. Mostly tweaking Windows 7 without knowing what they are doing. This is a very long list of things.
3. So called Tune up programs and registry programs.
4. Using a Anti Virus that just doesn't get along with Windows 7.
5. Infections
6. Not proper hardware and hardware combinations.
Seldom is the problem Windows 7 if left alone to do what it was designed to do.