My laptop freezes, do I have a virus?

Question

Lately, for no reason, my computer will just freeze, cntl+alt+del won't even work. I have to shut it down and restart it, then it works ok. I have no other problems, do I have a virus?

Answer 1

You can't really tell from those signs. I suggest you download avast (avast.com). After the step by step installation it will ask you to run a "boot scan". Update the antivirus and then reboot the computer. WHen it starts up again it will automatically go to avast before Windows( or whatever OS you happen to be using) starts. If it detects anything press the number on the screen which corresponds with "place in chest". That should tell you whether you have a virus or not. Beware that this will not tell you if you have spyware or more extreme hacking software on your computer (I know from personal experience). If you have truly exposed yourself to the worst of the web ( I have done this before) you should completely reset your computer with the system reset disc ( I did that also).

Answer 2

Hi AJL,

There are a lot of reasons why your laptop will freeze. The first is the ram (Memory) may have gone bad or is overheating.

The processor or the motherboard might be overheating.

Windows might be causing the problem but I doubt it.

Judging from what you've said it sounds like something in the laptop is overheating. When does this happen the most? Just anytime? when you're using a memory intenstive program like encoding videos?

A little more info might help here.

Answer 3

Try Defragmeting the hard drive first

Here's what you do
Open the start menu
select the programs menu
select accessories
select system tools
and disk defragmenter should be in that menu

If that doesn't change anything use an antivirus program to scan for viruses and delete them

Overheating or low memory may be a problem but if it worked fine before It is probably the hard drive saving files in a random fragmented order causing the computer to take longer to acess it's hard drive

Answer 4

Sounds like you have registry problems more than a possible virus. When this all started happening had you installed any new software, especially BETA type software?

I ask this because it is usually something very small like that which starts this type of thing happening. As I am unsure of your system or your installed software etc I am unable to help any further than this but it might be worth just trying to think back to when it all started happening.

If you can remember and you did install software at that time you might want to try roling back your system or just removing the software that you installed.

For me personally I re-install my whole system once every 2 months, that way it is always fresh and yes it takes a bit of time but very rarely do I have any major problems, so you might want to look at re-installing XP, and when you do just be careful as to what you install on your system from then onwards OR always create a restore point before installing any new software.

Answer 5

you did not provide enogh info of how and what. but,
based of my experience, its less likely a virus problem but more the problem caused by a damaged / colaborated operating system.
how to fix:
dont get into fixing the registery and stuff like that. the best solution is to
1- back-up your files
2-restore the windows and select the complete restore with reformating
3- this will remove the possible virus if any also will reinstall a fresh operating system
4-after the windows is in place, copy back your files and programs and start a happy new computer again.
the above is probably the most effective and the easiest solution to the proble you mentioned.
if you need further detial of how to do, send me a msg.
RM
north-cal

Answer 6

It is a possibility; use an Anti-Virus software on the market to scan.

Recommended (Pay):
Norton Antivirus
Kaspersky
McAfee

Free:
AVG Free Edition

Also, make sure your laptop is cool enough so that it does not overheat. If your laptop overheats (Too hot), it may create the same problem. To avoid overheating, lay your laptop on a wood, steel, or a general metallic surface. Avoid cloth, or fabric.

Answer 7

you may have a spyware or a virus that prevents you to do some of the functions, better scan it. if it finds nothing i suggest you format and install a fresh OS

dont forget to back up your files

Answer 8

Just a guess but sounds like low vitual memory add more memory

Answer 9

You should run your virus scanner just in case.

Answer 10

there is not enough info here but it is possible if it has nothing really on it you might as well reformat it and then reinstall