My anti-virus program states there are no viruses, i run real-time anit-spyware protection, i have a firewall. The cpu OS is Windows ME, so this cpu is pretty old. 20 GB hard drive.
2006-06-20 09:47:52 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
If this a new problem then it is unlikely that your operating system is the cause. You might be overheating your CPU. It is summer so it is not too far fetch. To check the CPU temperature, you will need to install a system utility like: SpeedFan, Motherboard Monitor or Lavalys' Everest home edition. They all are freeware and they provide a lot information about your computer. A CPU temperature above 60 C is a problem. Make sure to clean your computer with some compressed air and get rid of all those dust bunnies. Make sure the fan is working properly. You might need to buy a new fan or cooling system. You can find the free software programs at: www.betanews.com
Have you installed any new software? Does the CPU crashed everytime you tried to use a particular software? Try using the Task Manager and see if there is a process eating up all your CPU cycles. Video editing software like Nero and Roxio are very demanding and might crash your system.
Someone mentioned your 20GB drive might be the problem. There is a chance that it is your problem. On any computer, it is recommended at least 10% of the hard drive space should be free. Windows converts some hard drive space to be used as virtual memory to augment your RAM. Usually the virtual memory is 1.5 x RAM. If you don't have enough hard drive space to serve as virtual memory then your system will become unstable and crash.
2006-06-20 14:01:28 · answer #1 · answered by What the...?!? 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
HEAT! Unplug the computer from the wall. Remove the cover and clean the fans and computer chip surfaces with alcohol and Q-Tips. Used canned air and blow the dust from inside the computer. Preferrably do this outside so the dust doesn't settle back in the computer. Blow it out a few times to ensure is dust free.
Leave the cover off and plug it in and check to see if the fans are running. You wll know if they are not running fast enough by watching them. Do your normal computing and see if the CPU crashes again. If not put the cover back on and see what happens then. If it does crash, then ensure there is plenty of air circulation around it. If you have to, put a fan nearby to move fresh air around the computer. Even a small 6" fan can accomplish this.
If you still have the problem, then you will need to check if it is being caused by one of your programs. You will need to disable all autostart program in the Startup menu in MSCONFIG. Disable all and then check one at a time and run. Watch the performance of the program and CPU using the Task Manager Performance section. Any programs not in the AutoStart list in MSCONFIG will need to be started through All Programs or Desktop Icon and checked.
If all this is ok. Then I recommend you either update your computer or get a new one. Microsoft will stop all support for 95,98 and ME on Oct. 1, 2006. This mean no support at all. No updates or anything.
2006-06-20 17:28:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ME is unstable. Start saving your pennies for a Vista system after the first of the year.
You can try defragging your hard drive and optimizing your registry with some of the programs available on download.com, but I think it's time for a new computer.
Systems will be really cheap right before the Christmas season, and I'll bet some of the manufacturers will include free or cheap upgrades to Windows Vista when it comes out in 2007.
good luck
2006-06-20 16:53:42 · answer #3 · answered by Joe the answer man 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it overheating?
Have you cleaned out the dust from your computer lately? If you aren't sure how, it's best to have a tech come and do it.
How much free space is left on your hard drive? You should try to keep at least 5% free space.
Have you defraged your hard drive lately?
Have you run a scandisk lately?
Try all these then add some comments to your question.
2006-06-20 16:52:52 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. Scientist 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
20 gig hard drive? and windows ME? Yeah you better just break down and buy a new PC you can get a dell desktop with 128 RAM, 80 gig hardrive, Windows XP, and a CD burner for like 300 dollars (watch the sales they have a lot) this is what i have and it works pretty good.
2006-06-20 16:50:29 · answer #5 · answered by geeksquad 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I definetly agree with the upgrade idea. But something you might want to try before that is just re-installing windows. Windows tends to get slow and unstable the longer it has been since the installation.
2006-06-20 16:49:43 · answer #6 · answered by Wilochka 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the fan on your processor and power supply, heat can definately cause this. Both are an easy replacement if you encounter this.. Also, if you hard drive is very near capacity you can see this as well.
2006-06-20 16:50:19 · answer #7 · answered by Sam F 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of the issues is that Windows ME is very unstable. Think about upgrading that to XP and see what happens then.
2006-06-20 16:48:56 · answer #8 · answered by thunder2sys 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, i think that's easy, get a new computer..... or delete alot of stuff u do not need, same thing happened to me till i broke down and bought a new comp.... I'm alot happier now
2006-06-20 19:39:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i agree too, but you should also think of what kind of progammes you use because they can be demanding and can cause failure of your system, if your proccessor is old. for example games, design programmes e.t.c
2006-06-20 16:54:17 · answer #10 · answered by NikGeo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋