Computer freezing - Windows XP Pro

Hello everyone.

I had a nasty virus/malware that the forum helped me get rid of. Now my computer freezes up every now and then - which it never did before.

Is there some sort of diagnostic I can run or any other suggestions?

I'm running Windows XP Pro.

Thanks in advance.

 

When does the computer freeze? Does it freeze even during idle?

What are your basic system specs?

What applications are running on startup?

 

Computer freezes at any time - including idle.

Gateway 450SX4 Laptop with Pentium 4, 256 MB DDR SODIMM, 30GB 4200 Hard Drive,

Start up includes some microsoft software and:
Java 2
Trend Micro PCcillin
Wlan utility
Windows Defender
Explorer
and my start up software for mouse, screen and keyboard.

Is that what you are asking for?

 

How long does it take for the computer to become locked?

Also, have you tried running msconfig and unchecking "load startup items"?

 

Computer locks up after various times of use - it can be immediately after boot up or after hours and hours of work.

On the msconfig -if you mean using normal startup instead of selective start up - yes, I do that. It was one of the things recommended when I when through the malware removal process. By using the normal - that box is not utilized.

 

Actually, I meant using selective startup, instead of normal startup, and removing all items on startup.

In addition, if this hasn't been already done, go into msconfig, select the services tab, check the box "Hide Microsoft Services", then click the "disable all" button.

 

When I do this, will I have to manually start all of my malware protection software each time I boot?

 

Now I can't get any of my malware protection software to start - even manually. However, my freezing problem seems to be gone. Are these things connected?

 

They could be. If the freezing has stopped, then you have a startup item that is causing conflicts.

I'd recommend starting ONE startup item at a time. Yes, this is tedious, but, it is the best action to do, rebooting after every new check in the box.

BTW, I'd startup all your items, EXCEPT your protection programs. See if this works. Then I'd work with Trend micro. Then defender......

 

ok - that seems to be working. No freezes yet and both are working. I'll check back if the problem continues. Thanks a bunch.