Computingmadeasy

How to fix a freezing computer

February 2, 2012

Computers freeze all the time, there can be a wide range of causes to this issue. It can be that the Random Access Memory Module (RAM) is faulty, there could be a virus, there could be a configuration problem, there could be a conflicting software, conflicting RAM types.

Let’s go through the conflicting RAM types first. This can happen when using a high performance RAM with a normal RAM module. This potent mixtures causes programs to randomly crash all the time and can cause the screen to freeze. Remedy is to remove the normal RAM.

After removing the normal RAM you either replace it with a high performance RAM the exact same model and specifications as its counterpart or else you will face the same issue all over again. Then we go to a faulty RAM, this can only be confirmed after a full format.

If the computer is facing the same issue after a full format, the most probable cause would be the RAM. Before we go to the hardware part, always and always remember to troubleshoot the software issues first. Most of the time the issue is with the software and not the hardware.

Computer hardware is made to last, and the testing actually exceeds what a home user can put it through. Though if the conditions are hot (high temperatures) the electronics will fail much faster. One more reason we always troubleshoot software first is because it is cheaper to do so.

Let’s try to meddle with the task manager first and see what is running at the time. Later we shall see the msconfig.exe configurations, this will further isolate software issues, and of course lastly we have our good old method of “system restore”.

Task Manager

Firstly like shown in the picture, right click on an empty space on the taskbar.

Now once we have clicked on “task bar” we shall see the taskbar, do bear in mind this might take a little while depending on some computers. If the infection is really bad the task manager may not even show. So let’s see how does the task manager looks like.

The button that says “show processes from all users” is not available to the users of windows XP so don’t worry, if it’s there click it, if not let it be. Now after clicking on it, you will see all the tasks that are currently running . What you have to look for is some task that is unknown to you, ok we all know that is difficult for most of us.

So look for something weird, for instance too much usage of memory or CPU. Once you find it, please Google the name to determine whether it is a virus or otherwise. If you are not able to switch on the task manager, shutdown the computer. Switch it back on and start tapping away the “F8″ key.

Too much here means if one instance takes up more than 30% of CPU and/or 200 MB of memory. In another case there could be repetitions in the task manager, all with the same name consuming little resources for each. Now imagine having about 50 of these instances, that is a strain on the system.

Now if there are repetitions other than your internet browser(because each browser tab is a process), check the name and Google it to determine what it is. If you know it is a virus select it and click on “end process” on the bottom right corner. Once you have done that proceed with the actions below.

Let’s look at something called “msconfig.exe”. This is a method used to disable unwanted software during startup. MSconfig lists down all the software that run at startup, it is imperative that the software that causes your computer to freeze, is listed here too.

msconfig.exe

This prompt is called “run”, as the name suggests, it can run software for you if you know the specific command. For what we want to do today, the command would be “msconfig.exe” type it in the area where it says “open”.

Once you hit “enter” you will see a prompt that asks for permission, this is called the User Access Control or UAC. Click on “continue”. If you don’t see the UAC don’t bother and just continue, simply put if it is there click it if not let it be. There will not be a UAC on Windows XP.

What we will do here is disable some software that start up when your computer is switching ON. These software take up precious resources and cause the computer to become slow.

Click on startup as shown, here you will see a list of software, I agree that there are many software that you use, but there are also some that you don’t know existed. For instance once you install Yahoo Messenger, you might know that it runs by default at startup. NEVER swith off the Anti-Virus.

Look closely at all the entries, As you can see I have disabled many of the items in startup. For items that have been disabled, there is a date associated with it, i.e. the date that particular entry was disabled. Anything than the anti-virus can be switched off.

I have not disabled some of the entries as I require them for my work, and the computer is fast enough to take it without slowing down. Computers that have not been formatted for a very long time, get tediously slow at times. This is a very good way to shed off some load.

After you click on disable, you can choose to restart immediately or later. Before going through the steps try to make sure all the documents have been saved. This is to ensure that work is in safe hands if you accidentally click on “restart now”.

Now some recommendations, switch off anything to do with Yahoo, Google, Adobe, any type of updates, etc. You can also switch off software that you don’t like running, and this includes trojans (not always but they can be there).

If you can’t access msconfig.exe in the standard windows try to access it using safe mode. Restart the computer, and once the computer gets back on, start tapping away on the “F8″ key.

Stop when you see a menu, and select “safe mode”, yes you are right only “safe mode”. Now once in, do the same thing, on the task bar right click and select task manager. Once you are done you would see all the tasks, see if the task manager can show. If it does show that means there is a virus.

If you would like to isolate the issue or you need some software to execute at startup, use the computer as you would after the restart. If all is well try to enable the software one by one to determine what is causing the problem. You will be able to isolate the issue soon.

This operation will take time, but will leave you with a working computer.

System restore

What happens when you have a virus? For users of Windows Vista and Windows 7, select the start menu and type “system restore”. And select “system restore” for users of Windows XP, start -> All programs -> Accessories -> system tools -> system restore.

Once you have clicked “system restore” you will see another screen. This is the system restore screen, before you do anything here, just think hard on when did the issue begin, this is very important as you will see. And by the way if anything asks for permission please click “allow”.

When you choose a different restore point it gives you more options to restore your computer to a much earlier time. Now you remember when I told you to figure out when all this started to happen? Now click on “Show restore points older than 5 days” and find a date before that.

Preferably try to find a date a few days before the issue started. Once you have selected, just click next all the way. Don’t worry you won’t loose your saved files. Sit back and enjoy. This can take some time depending on the size of the restoration. Luckily we don’t have to go to Vegas and find Rick.

Once this restoration is complete, just pray real hard that all the problems go away. If this does not resolve the issue, then only formatting will. But don’t worry to much this method works most of the time. More than 90% of the time you can get your computer back to its original condition.

By the way, system restore can also be accessed in the normal mode, but it is always better to access it in safe mode. This is because, safe mode is the minimalist’s version of Windows, and not many sofware can run in Safe mode, it is like water without oxygen for a fish it is that minimal.

Some programs that you installed after the restore date will be gone and you will have to reinstall them. Oh and remember always original no pirated versions. I know this was a bit too serious, but then we were busy fixing something. If you guys need advise feel free to drop a comment.

Filed under: Tips & Tricks

Tags: computer freezes in desktop, computer hangs, computer is slow and freezes, computer that freezes, freezing computer, how to fix a freezing computer