system locks-up

Question

I have a Dimension B110 with a Cleron D processor...Running XP and my computer frequently locks-up.It just started doing this about a week ago.Task manager indicates 100% CPU usage. I've tried a half dozen 'fixes' from the Microsoft website and none have worked for more than a day.Virus scan shows no viruses. Being 'cyber-challenged' doesn't help much either. I would welcome any suggestions

tomron · Answer

Scan with your AV and avg anti spyware in safe mode.   http://free.grisoft.com/doc/20/lng/us/tpl/v5   This link will explain some possibilites,including how to get in to safe mode.   http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000616.htm   Which programs does task manager indicate to be the culprit of high cpu usage   Tom

tomron · Answer

Again,Which program(s) does task manager indicate to be the culprit of high cpu usage?   Does this happen with many hours of computer use,or when booting up?   I presume the amount of ram is 512 MB?   I thinking a possible virtual memory issue.Do you get any virtual memory errors?   Could be a corrupt registry.

9007johnd · Answer

Ran the virus scan. No viruses...Task manager only showing 10% usage tonight. System sill locks-up.Only thing that doesn't lock-up is the error reporting.(which gets a lot of use)

9007johnd · Answer

The lock-up can occur anytime. Just opening a short e-mail or trying to surf websites that I've visited 100's of times. I tried to view your response the other day and it locked -up 3x...same thing happened again tonight 3x...RAM is 512 MB...When it locked-up tonight, it only showed CPU usage of 10%. I tried the virus scan again...No viruses detected.

9007johnd · Answer

tried to open the computerhope.com link and it locked-up instantly..This time showing 100% CPU usage

9007johnd · Answer

High CPU usage always occurs with Internet explorer

tomron · Answer

It could be anything from software,hardware,virsesheat,......   Lets try process of elimination.Try Safe Mode with Networking .you know,F8   Install firefox and if no problems than you know its IE.   http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

9007johnd · Answer

sorry.don't understand safe mode with networking..but willing to try with explanation

tomron · Answer

This link will explain how to start in safe mode,"to start the computer in safe mode"

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/boot_overview.mspx?mfr=true

At the menu choose "Safe Mode with Networking"

Than install firefox.

Than boot in norm mode and try firefox see if high cpu usage still exists.

Message Edited by tomron on 09-27-2007 11:04 PM

9007johnd · Answer

Thank you for your help. I was able to start in safe mode and download Mozilla...We'll try this a few days and if the bugger continues to lock-up, I'll get back with you. Thanks again for your help!

9007johnd · Answer

I installed firefox and haven't had any problems with the computer locking-up since...What do you suppose might have been the problem with IE?..also ran a Yahoo anti-spy check and it found 1 cookie from hijackThis??

tomron · Answer

I don't know what a 'cookie from hijackThis' is.   IE is a popular target of virus writers and thus more susceptible.   I only use firefox which has google as a home page.   I'm glad its solved.

Windows General

system locks-up

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