How do I fix my computer (details below)?

Question

My computer keeps freezing. It loads up OK( usually) but then crashes after a couple of minutes. Been trying to fix it but it doesn't run long enough to finish running a registry patrol scan or virus scan. Any ideas? Can I run it in a different mode or something to stop it from crashing whilst I run tests.

I'm on windows XP, (am using registry patrol because it looks simpler to run than XP medic).

(Can I have simple jargon free step by step instructions please, I can work a computer but am definately not an expert).

Answer 1

It could be overheating, you might just need to unplug it, get a can of air and give it a quick blast then hoover out the dust.
If the fan is clogged with dust it can make your computer freeze because the chip overheats, so you need to do this once a year.
And check the air holes in the case aren't clogged up.

Answer 2

when a p.c freezes it can be a number of things,this happened to me about 3 weeks ago and i found it was a defective ide cable,so when i replaced this the p.c has been fine since
another reason could be a hardware conflict,this is when a certain peice of hardware is conflicting with another peice of hardware,this can be caused by the hardware using the same i.r.q.,and if this is the case you need to either 1)go into bios and change the irq address in bios settings or 2)if you can do without the peice of hardware you should disable it to stop the conflict
as you are not a computer expert the best plan of action would be to test every bit of hardware one by one,starting with the cd-rom and then the hard drive.
1st go to device manager(right click my computer>hardware>device manager) and go through each item and check to see it says "no conflicts"
then you should get hold of a usb mouse and try using that,this will check for a problem with your ps/2 mouse connector,this can sometimes be the reason for mouse crashes and also saves you having to uninstall any hardware
after trying all the hardware you should then run all avalible securty scans,as certain viruses and spyware can make certain hardware malfunction as the infection starts to eat away at your operating system
if you are using a illegal copy of windows xp,this can also be a reason as microsoft is apparently installing items on non-genuine copies of windows xp that will disable (or in some cases destroy) hardware on your p.c after around 6 to 8 months,i dont know if this is true ,as its only something i read on a forum
if all else fails a fresh windows installation should be done,as windows might be to bad to be rescued,this wil also cancel out a motherboard problem,however if your mouse continues to play up after re-installing windows this means your motherboard is either faulty or damaged and a new motherboard is required,but dont worry they can be bought from around £24 from dabs.com(http://www.dabs.com/productlist.aspx?&CategorySelectedId=11143&NavigationKey=11143&PageMode=1)
you should also make sure that your connectors on your mouse are not damaged,take a torch and check all the metal connectors on your green plug,check to see if any are bent,if they are use a pair of tweezers to straighten them and then try your mouse again
if you are using a ball mouse it can be something as simple as a damaged or old ball,best solution in this instance is upgrade to a optical mouse,they are much more reliable and better to use
good luck

Answer 3

Start the System Restore tool at a command prompt

1. Restart your computer, and then press F8 during the initial start up to start your computer in Safe Mode with a command prompt.


2. Log on to your computer with an administrator account or with an account that has administrator credentials.

3. Type the following command at a command prompt, and then press ENTER:
%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

4. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to restore your computer to an earlier state.

Answer 4

when you restart your computer press F* ( works in most cases) it should then give you an option to start in safe mode
do this and then try running your virus/antispyware software hoping it will find the problem, if id doesnt then one more thing you could try since your running xp is restore it to an earlier date....
To do this ----> click Start ----> Programs ----> Accessories -----> System tools ----> system resore,
Unless you turned this feature off it should give you a list of dates that you will be able to restore your computer to an earlier date ( before it started going crazy )

tho to me it sounds as tho your computer has got quite a few things on it and might be time to think about wiping your computer and starting again from scratch, good things about that is that you get a clean computer just as you bought it, the bad thing is you lose all your documents unless you manage to or have managed to back them up onto cd

If you have all your documents on cd, then you should be able to format ( wipe ) your computer and start again, all you need to do is put your Windows XP disk into your computer and restart it, it should bring up an option,PRESS ANY KEY BOOT FROM CD ROM you basically press enter and thats it, follow instructions on screen and your on your way to a clean just like new computer

Answer 5

simple way
boot to safemode by pressing F8 as you start system
run all your scans then reboot
if still problems boot to cd (general key is the Del or Delete key )
refresh your system using the xp disc second repare option
NO NEED to format just refresh the windows folder
all data will be safe
giving you time to back up your important data
after that do a complete format and install of windows xp

Answer 6

Check the physical heat dissipation in and around the computer, fans inside suppose to be powered all the time and humming noise from them. System crash soon after bootup is a sign of heat problem.

There are at least two fans in modern day computer, the one on top the CPU chip is absolutely necessary.

Answer 7

Sorry to say that when my pc started doing this it was because of a virus I got from downloading stuff from Limewire. I tried everything - formatting the drives and reinstalling windows etc. but nothing cured it. I had to buy a new one. Have you got a repair disk ? I would try that first - then reinstall windows next if that doesnt work. Good luck and hope you can mend yours x

Answer 8

you're able to do it 2 techniques; a million:commence ur computing device and keeep pressing F8 ket till show soliciting for which mode you choose to login to. reproduction the needed SHDOCVW.dll record with command DriveName:>> reproduction E: SHDOCVW.dll C:Windowssystem the place E: is the trip spot on your CD force for the record. After form regsvr32 c:windowssystemSHDOCVW.dll and press enter. via doing this technically u register the lacking Dll yet there may well be a threat that window now ask for yet another dll and window got here across lacking, as window do line via line execution. you probbly have been given sufferer of a few virus. 2: the final is to reinstall your window. because it won't smash your archives stored on ur computing device. It ll be a replica reproduction of window on ur computing device as quickly as u backup ur device U can format anf re setting up a clean window. it is going to talke the main 30 minute time each and every time.

Answer 9

actualy i just fixed a computer doing the same thing, if your tech inclined enuff to do it open up your case and make sure the fans and all are clear of dust, your computer will lock up if the processer is running to hot so make sure all the fans are in good working order, just make sure not to touch any of the boards with your hands because you could transfer static electricty and fry the parts

Answer 10

since it crashes ... when you start your pc, right when you get the black screen ... keep pressing F8, you will get list of choices ... choose .. this way the most important stuff are loaded ... here you can try fixing your problem, try restoring it or backing it up just in case you want to format it later