ME: Freezing on opening programs and power down

My parents' computer is acting funny and I haven't been able to come up with a colution. I could use any help I can get here.

The system:
A 3-year old Gateway computer (model number unknown to me)
1GHz processor (I think AMD Duron, but I don't know)
Software:
Windows ME (updated with all Critical and Recommended Updates except for language packs)
Norton Internet Security 2003
SpyBot Search & Destroy 1.3

The issues (some of many, anyway):
* When opening e-mail attachments in Outlook Express, the program freezes up. Reboot is often necessary.
* When you double-click on ANY file (including applications) in Windows Explorer, Windows Explorer freezes up and reboot is often necessary.
* On power down, the window appears stating that a program is not responding and gives the "Wait" or "End Task" options. The title bar of that window (which normally states the name of the program or file which isn't responding) is blank.
* When attaching their USB memory card reader (a Dazzle 6-in-1 reader, model unknown), the computer doesn't recognize the reader until after the computer is rebooted. Once rebooted, it appears as expected.
* Often the computer will not power down or reboot without pressing and holding the power button for 4 seconds (hard power down).

Attempted fixes:
* No viruses were detected using Norton AntiVirus.
* For a while, one of the programs giving the "Wait" or "End Task" options when tryingto power down was the SymEvnt subsystem of Norton Internet Security 2003. To narrow down any issues, I have requested that they disable all Norton programs right before power-down to see if that window goes away. It doesn't.
* One time, after running a full scan using an updated SpyBot Search & Destroy which didn't find anything wrong, they were able to operate their computer without any of the above-mentioned issues occuring. The computer even powered down as it should. I am waiting to hear from them if they can repeat the situation.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what is going on here and how to fix it?

 

Hello Kheldar,

What I would suggest is doing a series of selective startups: 1st the OS by itself (safe mode) then selective startup options (with drivers) and then adding Applications one at a time. Go thru the routine of starting - shutting under each of these conditions. This is time consuming, but I think has to be done in order to narrow the problem down.

If this doesn't point you in the direction of where the problem is, then I think hardware problems indicated - most likely the HD. There are tests available from the HD Mfg. for this sort diagnostic.

BTW, an excellent post, don't have to waste time by wondering about what measures taken so far.

Regards - Charles