computer hungover?

I am using Dell optiplex 755, WinXP pro 2002, sp3, autoupdate ON.
It routinely goes into screensaver without problem during the day. IF it goes to sleep overnight, it acts "hungover" on awakening.
Maybe it'll respond to a mouse click on an icon, maybe not.
If it responds to the icon, it'll partly load program, but not go any further, as in within the program no functionality.
Maybe it'll not load the program at all.
Sometimes it'll respond to ctrl-alt-del, sometimes not.
IF it gives me the screen to invoke task manager, it gives me the "strum" of error.
IF I CAN click on shutdown, it'll sometimes respond, sometimes not.
The only shure-fire 100% way to get going again is to hold the power button 'til it shuts down (cold).
This began about 8 months ago.
Is there any hope?

 

Hi and welcome to WindowsBBS.

Hibernation/standby can be a problem on many systems and I for one decided long ago to stop using it since it put my data at risk.

Even so, if you choose to use it, you'll have to do some troubleshooting and possibly modify your operating habits. Please See. Good luck with your quest.

 

seems to be acquired illness

This wasn't always a problem, seems developed along the way, I suspect an "update ".
This doesn't happen with my home machine a Dell XPS720 Win MCE 2005, updates on