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Everything Freezes for 20sec, then unfreezes for 20sec, then re-freezes.

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by Dale Heath, 2008/10/25.

  1. 2008/10/25
    Dale Heath

    Dale Heath Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
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    I am typing this on my New computer (Aug, 2006 Gateway) cause it would take hours on my troublesome Old computer (Nov, 1999 Gateway).

    My old computer has worked great for nine years, but now for past 2 wks has gotten slower and slower with "freezing" problems. My old computer is still my main computer with most of my files, e-mail, pics and links thereon. But it now takes Forever to use!

    My old computer "freezes-up" Very Frequently. ...usually for ~20sec, then unfreezes for ~20sec, then refreezes. These freeze and unfreeze periods actually vary from 10sec to 2min or more. When I say "freeze ", my mouse and keyboard are non-functional. (curser won't move, mouse won't click. When typing, everything stops in mid-word for 20sec or more.) (If viewing a video, the video stops and makes make a stuttering sound for several sec, then continues for a while and the re-stops!) It is difficult to get anything done!!

    Other weird things are also happening: A few times a day, something called "Autoplay" suddenly appears. It is always difficult to close. I get a "Not Responding" message. When I click 'End Now', I frequently get another "Not Responding" message.

    Another weird thing: A few times per day, the contents of my "E" drive (an old backup disk) appears and is difficult to close with more "Not Responding" messages! I even get "Not Responding" on web pages sometimes with more problems closing the 'frozen' page.
    Sometimes "Ctrl-Alt-Del" won't even work! (Is there any other way to call up the "Task Manager "??) When things are 'frozen', the only way I can shut down my computer is by hitting the Power button to OFF!

    I consider myself "very computer knowledgeable" and I have tried Everything. My Norton 360 runs an Antivirus scan daily. I have cleaned my Registry frequently. I have checked my Security and Advanced settings in "Internet Options ".
    I think I have done Everything? Do any of you nice Experts have any suggestions for me? Please Help!

    Dale Heath Age 69 Columbus, OH
     
    Dale Heath,
    #1
  2. 2008/10/25
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Hmm - 9 years is quite an age for a computer and may be coming to the end of it's useful life. However it may be possible to resuscitate it and return it to something like it's former glory :)

    You say that you have tried 'everything' - it would help to pad out some details here ....

    My first reaction is that you should back up all your data if you have not already done so.

    Have you cleaned out all the temp files .....

    Start > Run > %temp% > enter - all files shown are safe to delete.

    Clear out all Temp Internet files and set the max disk space to 50 Mb

    Clear out all Windows temp files

    Have you defragged the drive? - how much free space left? - really need 20 - 25% for smooth operation.

    Have you checked the drive with the manufacturer's disk diagnostic software ....

    ExcelStore ....
    http://www.excelstor.com/en/download.asp
    Hitachi/IBM .....
    http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm
    Samsung ....
    http://www.samsung.com/global/business/hdd/support/utilities/Support_HUTIL.html
    Seagate, Maxtor, Quantum .....
    http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downloads/
    Western Digital ....
    http://support.wdc.com/download/

    Which Service Pack is it running? How much RAM installed?

    Have you removed all the plug in cards and the RAM, cleaned the contacts with a soft pencil eraser - down the contacts and then across and degrease with an alcohol based cleaner.

    Have you dedusted the interior with special reference to the CPU heat sink

    Have you checked out the PSU? - may well be getting flaky after all those years.

    In the years that you have used the computer how often has the OS been reinstalled?

    There's a few pointers - come back with a summary of what you have done so far.
     
    PeteC,
    #2


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