PC freezes trying to run some apps

Hi all,
I haven't posted here in quite a while. I appreciate any help I can get on this problem. I have a system that was built up for me, and it has been running perfer=ct until last weekend. When I start the system up, it starts beautiful. But once it has finished, nothing on the desktop works. I ran Norton Anti-Virus and no viruses were found. The Computer is a 2.2 gig, 2- 40gig HD's. 2 CD players 1 is a RW. 512 megs ram. I ran a defrag on the computer, everything all good there. Also when I try to type something, the computer freezes up. And I have to restart the computer. Also even in safe mode the computer does the same thing. Is this possibly a Hard Drive problem? Or am I missing something here. Please help.

Edit note: as specified in Posting Rule #3 you need to use a meaningful title when you post. Windows XP Problems in the XP forum was not meaningful. I changed this one for you. Newt

 

Suggest you first run a spyware detector such as
AdAware
http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/ or
SpybotS&D
http://www.safer-networking.org/
In either case update to latest reference files before you scan.
If no problems, perhaps System Restore to a date before the problems started?
P.S. Did you add or subtract any soft/hardware just before the problems started? Did you just update to SP2?

 

Welshjim

I'm unable to connect online to do any updates. Right now I am trying to redetect the modem in the computer. I tried doing the system restore froma previous date, but there is no other dates except todays. Any suggestions.

Brian

 

GoodWrench29--

If you mean that you cannot download program from the Internet, then, combined with your other problems, it is difficult to advise.
If we were just talking about reconnecting with the Internet, then you would click Start|Run|Control Panel|Network Connections|right click on your Local Connection| Repair.
But combined with the other problems I would guess you have Spyware. Can you get someone else to download AdAware or SpybotS&D to a CD so you can run?
I hope someone else has a solution, because the alternative would seem to be to reformat. In other words, wiping your HD followed by a reinstall of your OS, which will wipe your other files. So if you can still back up personal data, do so.

 

Do you have your recovery CDs? You can do a Standard Recovery which will leave your user files in tact but restore important windows files, drivers and factory settings - the other option on the CDs is a complete System Recovery which will completely wipe out everything and reinstal XP.

I would still back up my personal files and settings before ...if you can. I have run the Standard Recovery and all my files were still there afterwards but better to be safe than sorry.

If you have the CDs, disconnect everything but your mouse, monitor and keyboard. Insert your 1st Recovery Cd. You will be given the option to do a Standard Recovery which will save your personal files first and then recover and reset your computer using your partition. It will take time but hopefully it will give you a computer that will be up and running again. You will need to reinstall software and hardware (eg printer) from your installation cds.

Another quick question. Is your norton subscription up to date? It only lasts for one year and then you have to pay to activate it again. A good free antivirus is Avast Antivirus

Hope Things Get UP and Running
Beamuse

 

Hey everyone,
Thankyou very much for the assistance. After further checking I figured out that the HD was fried. I was able to check the temp of the 2 HD's. The primary was 185 degrees and the secondary was only 90 degrees. I was able to run a scan on it & there was errors everywhere in the primary drive. So I replaced it with a new one & all is well with the system now. Thanks again.
Brian