[jamespaper]

I have an old computer that has and is still serving me well; except that for the past three weeks, now, it keeps freezing whenever I use the Internet. Please bear in mind that the computer works fine for [almost] everything else – games, word processing, listening to CDs and MP3s – but once connected to the Internet, it freezes.

I’m aware of three possibilities which are: bad motherboard; BIOS; and a defective RAM stick. Well, I’ve changed and upgraded the RAM. So, could it still be the BIOS and/or motherboard? Even though the computer works fine except when connected to the Internet? Let me point out that I can go on the Internet and surf for about 5 minutes. Or, 10 minutes. Or, even 15 minutes, sometimes. But at some point it will freeze. Not shut off. Nor reboot. Just FREEZES. It doesn’t matter if I browse with Firefox, Netscape, Avant, or Internet Explorer. Likewise, if I use any one of my three RSS Readers that has built-in web browser, the computer freezes.

I did three successful virus scans with three different anti-virus software. Also, I scanned for adware/spyware by using three different software. But the computer freezes – only – whenever I surf the Internet. Also, I [cleaned up] the registry and defragmented the harddrive, twice. But no luck.

Here are three things to consider:

• I was using ZoneAlarm Firewall (free version) when the problem started. I switched to Ashampoo FireWall free. The problem persisted. I’m currently using Comodo Firewall Pro; and still have the same problems. Could it be firewall configurations?
• I have high speed Internet via cable modem. The cable company is currently phasing out the [old] modems – including the one I have – for a newer model. It’s my choice to make the upgrade or not. (Obviously, more money per month.) I still use the [old] modem. Is it the modem?
• Is it the network card? But I can still surf the net until the computer freezes. So what could be the problem(s)?

[Simon8029]

Whenever i have problems like this, first thing i would do is run all Anti Vorus software and spyware software (in safe mode if need be). If they all come back fine i would then reinstall windows from dos but select the repair function R instaed of a full install. That will replace any missing or corrupted files. If it still isnt working properly i would unistall IE or upgrade to IE7 if not already. That should fix the problem i theory as I dont suspect and hardware problem more likely to be software related.

I assume you are using Windows XP and have applied all available updates from Microsoft.

Also when it crashes hit CTRL+ALT+DELETE to start task manager and have a look at what processes are running and what the CPU usage is.

If there is a dumprep.exe running with high CPU usage right click and End process this is a common problem i find. This always kills my Windows XP installation and once the error reporting to microsoft has been cancelled it usually runs fine.
Hope this helps.

Letting people know a little about the specs of the pc and operating system can help people help you.
Simon

[jamespaper]

Hi, Simon. Thanks for the reply.

But will CTRL+ALT+DEL bring up the Task Manager even though the system (computer) is "frozen"?

Nothing moves. Not even the mouse pointer/cursor. And it's only when using the internet irrespective of any web browser I used. And remember, the RSS readers with their built in web browser keep freezing too.

[jamespaper]

Oh, by the way; my old computer is using Windows XP with built-in graphics and sound card -- as per the motherboard.

I use the [old] computer for homework, assignments, and general internet surfing.

[Simon8029]

Hi there, task manager should work probably 95% of the time sometimes you just have to wait quite a while depends on how much a pain it is being. If it doesnt respond at all then get a big hammer LOL. Or turn it off then on.

[Razer]

try removing the rss devices, a download might have them all broken and nasty. i also advise resetting the BIOS incase you made a small problem bigger, just remove the CMOS battery for about 2 minutes, re assemble your pc and try again.

the cmos batter is pretty easy to find, a little silver disk which you pop out and pop back in a little while later.