My computer keeps freezing in the middle of a program and i have to keep restarting,what can i do to stop it?

Question

I have a gateway computer with dvd and cd burner that i got for a gift last year its brand new and every time after about a half hour sometimes less it will freeze in between the middle of the program and sometimes it just starts over by itself but it wont go back to the regular program i have to keep turning off for a half hour or more before i can turn it back on so it will work.i've tried a system restore and it still doesn't work,so is there something i can do to make it work the same way it used to or something i can do to keep it from freezing.Its still new i have only had it for a year.Can any one help me.?Or do i have to get a new computer.

Answer 1

First: Without knowing a LOT more specific information about your situation (OS, specific program, running tasks, etc), we can only give generic answers.

Usually, when a computer freezes, it is due to a driver misbehaving. Now before you ask how to fix, there are hundreds of drivers on your computer.

You might want to try windows update (the custom, not just critical) to see if there are updated drivers that it can detect. I would also do any updates of the application that you said was running when it froze. Any hardware being used (CD/DVD R/RW) might have some software updates as well.

Check for malware, startup programs, and active services.

You say that system restore 'still doesnt work'. Does that mean that you were not able to restore, or that the restore point made no difference. If the latter, how far back did you go? Try an earlier date - then do the custom windows update BEFORE trying to use your questionable program.

Answer 2

Failing Power Supply, faulty memory, over heating CPU, badly fragmented hard drive with little or no room to write files.
Too, if you have been physically Turing off the system instead of Windows shutting the system down, you have seriously effected Windows capability to rewrite addressing for file and data location.

1. Unplug computer, open case, check for cleanliness
Turn on computer and see if all fans are turning. Do not do anything, just let the system run for an hour to see if it shuts down.

If it shuts down - you may be looking at a New Power Supply.
If your system guarantee will not replace, then you must buy one, ANTEC or PC Power&Cooling- at least 450 Watts.

2. Close system, (System did not turn off in 1. above)
You need a Copy of Windows XP with the registratio number.
Your restore disk will not allow you to install XP.
You will have to buy Windows XP.
www.directron.com, www.newegg.com
or any other site that you pick.
Disconnect system from Internet.
With the WIN XP Installation disk, during installation, delete all partitions, create two partitions, one for 20GB. Format NTFS, and install windows in to the 20GB partition.
Install all drivers and utilitries from your motherboard CD. Install
all devices and software that came with your system. Install fire wall and anti virus software.

Connect to internet, go to www.microsoft.com - Update - and let that site update your system

Answer 3

I would say you have a virus or several you need to get rid of. It sounds like it has your computer tied up. If you have virus protection, run a full scan, if the program will run long enough. Then get rid of the virus, or quarantine it, or them. Try AVG Free edition 7.5 at Grisoft.com It works good. Uninstall whatever anti virus program you have now, because it's obviously not working.

Answer 4

You may have a virus...I would invest in some anti-virus programs...