Computer freezing up when CPU usage is low

Question

My Dell Inspiron is a rebuild but the newest computer I've ever owned.  I'm used to certain programs being too much to handle due to memory issues and using basic functions to get around this, but although this machine has more capabilities the basic functions (like CTRL-ALT-DEL) are compromised.  Task Manager takes so long to load it is not useful in ending unresponsive programs or finding out what is wrong.  Programs often freeze to a halt when Process Manager says the CPU usage is quite low, and sometimes the computer freezes when no programs are running at all.  Online I have trouble loading websites that looks like a bandwidth issue, but there is nothing wrong with my DSL connection and during these hangups a program like notepad or solitaire becomes unresponsive, something a connection issue should not cause.  I get a blue 'dump' screen that forces a restart.  I used to trust Task Manager to be able to diagnose problems like memory maxing out or a bad process, but this one leaves me completely in the dark as to what it's doing.  I'd rather increase my understanding than just replace the PC or get it wiped because that kind of solution has not educated me as a user.  ty

Dell-Kuldeep M · Answer

Hi lenrely,

I will suggest you to run the diagnostics to check the hardware functionality.

Shut down and restart the computer.
Press the F12 key immediately when the Dell logo appears. The Boot Device list appears.
Select Diagnostics and press the Enter key.

Check the system functionality in ‘Safe Mode’. The steps are given below:

Restart or Power on the system.
Tap at dell logo until ‘Advanced Boot Options’ appear.
Choose ‘Safe Mode’ and hit ‘Enter’

As you are getting blue screen error, please share the complete error message.

Also, share the exact system model and operating system in question for further assistance.

Locked Topics – Laptops General

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