[Garigoun]

Hi, I'm new on the forum, posted this question once before but did not get a result from the answers given. My pc keeps locking up/freezing. The pointer becomes immoveable, the keyboard is inoperative, the on/off switch won't work. the only way to continue is to press the reset button. This happens whether I'm on the internet, using any other program e.g word processing or even if the pc is idling.
so far I have had an 'expert' to the house for two hours who charged me £45 and the problem recurred two hours after he left. (He since does not answer phone messages or emails). I have returned the pc to the shop who kept it for 12 days and pronounced it 'cured' after reorganising the start programme. (whatever that means) and the problem came back after the pc had been on 8 hours. (I wont tell you what that cost) The operating temp is well within the parameters. Everyone agrees it's a software problem but I have removed all but the most essential software i.e. pc security programs, windows office etc. and still it happens.
I am operating windows XP home. I have loads of disc space and memory to spare. Can anyone help me in really simple terms please, i would be so grateful.
Garigoun.

[alex]

In my experience causes of a 'lock up' can be:

Windows instability
Hard drive errors
Incorrect or corrupt driver
Loose or reversed mouse and keyboard connections
Running out of RAM memory
Resource leaks
Software conflicts
Computer viruses
Bad RAM memory
IRQ conflicts

This isn't going to be simple, or quick as you're going to have to troubleshoot so i'd put an evening aside.

Firstly, removed ANY external device (except the monitor) whilst your pc is off, then boot (if you've a password set to get into windows remove the option as your keyboard and mouse won't be connected). Then just leave the pc running for a few hours.

If this works, and it doesnt lock up at least then you know its narrowed down to one of the devices you've removed. This could either be down to a driver thats been installed or the LACK of a driver for a device.

If it doesnt work , and the pc does lock up, switch off and reconnect each device you disconnected.

Reboot windows and run a full hdd defrag with windows whether it tells you you need to or not.

Then download the free trial of disk checker from here:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/...-Checker.shtml

This is rather a good piece of software as it will not only tell you if you've any bad sectors but will actively attempt to repair them.

Once downloaded run the software, if it reports any bad sectors etc run the repair, reboot and leave for a few hours.

If the pc then works, cool. If not....keep reading.

With the pc off, mains switch off, psu switch off. disconnect every cable whether external or internal and reconnect ENSURING the cables are in the correct slots/holes. I don't mean the same slots/holes just before you disconnected them. Also check for dust build up.

If the pc has a lot of dust DO NOT use a household vacuum cleaner as they are too powerful, use a handheld if one is available. If one isn't available you can use a can of compressed air but ensure you keep it at least 12" away from each component. For any hard to reach areas use an UNUSED paintbrush.

Reboot and leave for 4 hours on gas mark 7.......just kidding. But do leave the pc running for a few hours.

If this works, thank F***, if not, keep reading...

Now, with the power off, and if you've got more than one stick of ram, remove one, reboot and leave. If it works cool, if not, switch off and replace the stick you removed and remove the other stick. It might even be worth seeing if you can borrow some ram and remove both sticks.

If this doesnt work, and with the power off, remove the graphics card (if you've onboard graphics, if you havn't try to borrow a card).

Repeat with all internal components such as a sound card etc.

Leave each time for a few hours, replacing the component removed, and just removing another one.

If this works then its going to be the hardware, or the motherboard, or the driver for that particular piece of kit.

If that works YAY!! if not, read on....

Run a full scan with your antivirus software, deleting any emails in your inbox/outbox/drafts etc firt.

Then leave for a few hours.

If this works, cool, if not read on....

Do a roll-back of windows as far back as you possibly can.

If that works, cool, if not, <<tears hair out and headbutts wall....read on....

Back up/copy what files you can onto an external hdd (if you've any documents and no external hdd you could copy them onto an mp3 player but create a folder on the mp3 player called 'documents' or similar first)

Then delete absolutely everything you don't have a disc for BUT not drivers JUST games/works/office etc. Obviously, don't format your hdd.

Then reboot and leave.

If that doesn't work come back to us.

Actually, considering everything i've put, you might have to do this over a few days. I've said leave a few hours each time due to the timescales you've given in your post.

I've, as per your post, tried to put this in as simple terms as possible, but if you're stuck on any aspect of my entry feel free to ask.

Hope this helps.