System Freezes Possible Causes:

1. Memory is needlessly overtaxed or insufficient:

Start >Run >Msconfig >Selective Startup >Uncheck load startup group
>apply >OK >Restart PC

For Win98 128MB RAM minimum is needed.
For WinXP 256MB RAM minimum is needed.
Install additional RAM!


2. Not enough free space on HD (Windows partition):

DoublClick MyComputer >Right Click On C: >Properties 
Observe Pink and Blue areas. 
Win98 Min Free = 600 MB.  WinXP Min Free = 1.2GB.
The more free the better!

For WinXP: turn off system restore 

First Turn Off System Resore before you remove viruses on XP

Right click my computer >properties >select turn off system restore
Restart Computer

For WinME: turn off system restore 
First Turn Off System Resore before you remove viruses on ME

Right click my computer >properties >Performance >File System
>Troubleshooting Tab >select turn off system restore
Restart Computer

To limit the size to which System Restore can grow:
   a. Right click on "My Computer", select Properties
   b. Select the Perfomance tab, then the File System button 
   c. Move the slider "System Restore disk space uses" to the Minimum
      200MB
   d. If 200MB is too much, open the Troubleshooting tab,
      select Disable System Restore.

For All Windows:
Install IL system wiper
Install Sequoia HD Viewer.  Remember to refresh (F5)
Remove unwanted programs and files
Delete Temp Files and Cookies
Empty Recycle Bin


3. Spyware:

First Power Off Highspeed Internet Modem!
Excessive spyware, malware and virus causes sloth-like freezing.
Remove them with tools like Avast Antivirus, adaware SE, spybot,
SpywareBlaster 3.3, Hijackthis, process explorer, IL system wiper.


4. Virus, trojans and worms
Remove virus.  Use Avast Antivirus.  It's the greatest!
Remove any other antivirus software first before installing Avast.


5. Corrupted System Files

For Win95/98/ME With Cabfiles On HD Or Windows CD in CD Drive

Perform this after removing viruses from system

Start >Run >Type sfc

Click settings >never backup before restoring >apply >OK

Click start

If file is found corrupt then select restore file >OK

A window will appear showing the source and target locations
You may need to browse to the source Windows CD or Cab Files.

Click OK to restore corrupted file

When Finished, Click OK >Restart Computer

---------------------------------------------------------------
System File Checker:

For WinXP With Windows CD in CD Drive:

First Turn Off System Resore before you remove viruses on XP

Right click my computer >properties >select turn off system restore

Restart Computer

Do System File Check after removing viruses and malware from system

Start >Run >Type sfc /scannow

Do not backup before restoring corrupt system files.

Restart computer


6. Errors on HD:

Run standard scandisk >Automatically fix errors
DoublClick MyComputer >Right Click On C: >Properties >Tools 
>Error Checking Status >Check Now
If erros found then delete errors >skip undo


7. Fragmented HD:

Restart PC in safe mode. (Press F8 key)
Turn off any screen savers:
Right Click Desktop >Properties >Screen Saver >None >Apply >OK

DoublClick MyComputer >Right Click On C: >Properties >Tools 
>Defragmentation Status >Defragment Now

While Defraging
Start >Run >Msconfig >Uncheck load startup group
Click Startup tab at top right >select firewall and antivirus only.
>apply >OK >Don't Restart PC. Continue defrag.

Leave PC alone while defrag is running

Restart PC after Defrag is completed.


8. If CMOS battery is low replace with new one. Unplug power chord to PC first!
If improper contact between clip and battery, apply pressure on clip to make proper contact.


9. Defective Hardware:

Usually when you are using devices like:
HDs, CDROMs, MODEMs, Mice, KeyBd, etc

If freezing is not associated with any device then
your cpu or motherboard is bad

Replace defective device, cpu or motherboard.


10. For Win 95/98/ME:

Power management in contol panel is set to turn off HD.  
When HD is turned off, PC freezes.  Set to NEVER turn off HD.