computer freeze ups

[mike13]

My Dell 4700 Dimension P4 computer is freezing up lately. I am running XP Pro with all the service packs. 256 Meg. of memory, and a 3.0 processor. I have AVG AV which I update and do a manual scan every third day. AdAware and Spybot are also run about every four days. The only things that load at startup are two items for AVG, one item for Cloudmark (a spam stopper for Outlook Express), and an item for Microsoft antispyware. If I do that Control Alt Del, (when it freezes), sometimes I can get to Task Manager. If I look at the Performance tab I see the CPU usage is about 50% when the freezeup occurs. Other times the CPU usage is between 0 and 10 %. Under the CPU usage is DF Usage which is 182 MB. Then there are four other areas below. TOTALS has Handles at 7183, Threads at 414, and Processes at 30. The next group is COMMIT CHARGE (k)with Total at 187,008, Limit at 619,385, Peak at 187, 680. The next area is PHYSICAL MEMORY (K) with Total at 251,980, Available at 36,650, and System Cache at 100,860 The last group is KERNAL MEMORY (K) with Total at 40,348, Paged at 34,992, and Non Paged at 5.356 I guess I could probably use more memory, but my other Dell 4600 never froze with basically the same programs and same amount of memory. . There was about three times when this freeze up was accompanied by a continous beep from the computer in the last two months. I e-mailed Dell since the computer is only about 6 months old. They responded that the beep usually means a hardware failure, and that the next time it happens, I should check the status of the four diagnostic lights on the back of the computer. Well, the computer still freezes up, but no more beeps. I have run the Dell diagnostics which takes about 90 minutes and everything checks out OK. I even ran the diagnostics at Pit Stop, and averything comes up OK. Very confused.
The computer has 256 MB DDR2 SDRAM at 400 Mhz. The freezeups always occur when using Internet Exployer or Outlook Express. In fact, a friend sent me a link to a special fireworks site. If I go there, and then click on the sky to make fireworks happen, the computer freezes every time. I tried it a few times. And I always had to manually shut down the computer. I was able to get to Task manager, but was unable to "End" any of the tasks. All help and suggestions are greatly appreciated

[rik]

So what are the 4 LEDs on the back doing when it freezes? Are they all still green? PLZ keep me posted...

[mike13]

rik--thanks for the reply. I just went to that fireworks site again. And sure enough, after I clicked four times in the sky, the computer froze. I then checked those four diagnostic lights on the back of the computer, and they were all green like they are supposed to be.

[rik]

Kinda figures. If the diags have all been run then it's pretty much a given that the hardware is ok. You'll need to start checking out the SW. Although you may be running some spyware cleaning apps, there can still be some naughties present.

But...as you pointed out the memory amount is at the minimum that I would recommend for running XP, adding more would not hurt. The other thing to look at is, are you using the onboard video or do you have a video card in the system?

[lynchknot]

Have you tried disabling all or some of the possibly suspect startup apps in msconfig (http://netsquirrel.com/msconfig/)? Perhaps, close all but your firewall and see if It still freezes then start one by one. Give us the link to the fireworks site. I want to try it.

[mike13]

rik--what do you mean checking SW ? I never installed a video card. I believe it is an on board video card.
lynchknot---the address is www.njagyouth.org/liberty.htm

[lynchknot]

Try using another browser (opera or firefox) to rule out or in the fact that:

The freezeups always occur when using Internet Exployer or Outlook Express

[rik]

I was just wondering if the video card that your system has may not be able to render the video from that website. But after seeing it, that should not be the case. If it's only happening when on the internet, it may still be related to spyware/malware being on the system. Could also be related to any ISP software that you may have loaded. Are you using broadband internet or dialup?

Lynchknot posted a great link in post #5 as to how to use MSCONFIG if you aren't familiar with it. If you are, then disable all the apps that start when the system cranks up. That way you can rule out any software that is running in the background that you may not be aware of. Try disabling all startup items at first,except for your anti-virus, and see how it runs.

Also, just for giggles, if you have another keyboard please connect it to the system for testing purposes.

[efc]

Rik, MSCONFIG can be a little intiminating to some. Startman.exe (http://home.ptd.net/%7Edon5408/toolbox/startupcpl/) can be found at the bottom of the above link. It provides easy control of programs that start during boot process.

[mike13]

I went into msconfig, and disabled two of the four items that were there. The only two remaining items are for AVG antivirus. I then went to that fireworks site and it froze after three clicks in the sky. Had to manually shut down, could not get to task manager.
Then just for fun, I left IE and OE open. I then put a video in the DVD player, no problems at all. I watch about three minutes with no problem.
I have cable internet, behind a linksys router, and have the XP firewall enabled.

[egghead]

uninstall your java software. once uninstalled you can re-install and that will clear any fault with java applets.

if you don't uninstall first i have seen java stay corrupted even after re-install

[mike13]

egghead---Not sure what you mean about Java software.

[mike13]

I just went back to msconfig. I see that memory dump thing again. DUMPREP O-U
I have disabled it before, and even followed the instructions about going into My computer / Properties/Advanced tab etc. but it is back. Guess I did not do something correct. Will try again.

[1badger11]

I visited the site and while I did not have my computer freeze entirely, it did cause Firefox 1.04 to freeze that tab and screw up the display in the other open tabs. I would definitely be thinking along the lines of a Java problem.

Badger

[mike13]

I found two sites by typing Java in at Google, that supposedly can fix Java problems, but you need to buy them. Is there anything out there that can fix the Java problems (free) if I have Java problems ?

[lynchknot]

Uninstall then reinstall. Java is a bad thing right now anyway. I have it disabled in Firefox.

[rik]

Uninstall your Java thru Add/remove Programs in control panel. Then you can reinstall from the website at http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp

[mike13]

Sorry guys, but I do not see anything labeled JAVA in Add / Remove programs in Control Panel. What am I missing here ?

[lynchknot]

Look for J2SE runtime environment- I'm not sure how to uninstall Java. There's no uninstall in it's folder. I would probably just delete the folder and clean up using reg cleaner. I don't have java listed either but I have this

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/2720/java7cj.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

[mike13]

Don't have that entry Lynchknot Here are five entries that could be questionable. The firsty three I have no idea what they do or are for. SHOCKWAVE, SOLID PEER, AND SP2 CONNECTION PATCHER. I also have had Kazaa Lite K+++ v2.4.3 for months without any problem. The last one is Morpheous, which I guess might be the problem, since I downloaded it recently. Not sure if that is when the problems started.

[lynchknot]

sounds like you don't have Java installed but rather MS JavaVM maybe: http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:fS0DToN791gJ:www.iamnotageek.com/a/404-p1.php+how+to+uninstall+java&hl=en&start=7&client=firefox-a

Or try installing the latest sun Java. Let it check your configuration (use IE): http://www.java.com/en/download/windows_automatic.jsp

[mike13]

Hi lynchknot--I think we got it. I downloaded that latest Sun Java that you gave me the link to. Then I went back to that fireworks site. I was able to click about 10 to 12 times without a freeze up. Before, the computer froze up after 3 or 4 clicks.
Many thanks to you, efc, rik, 1badger11, and egghead for all the help and suggestions. I knew sooner or later you experts would figure it out !!!! Mike

[lynchknot]

You're welcome mike.

hehe, wow - he said "expert" - Hang around mike, you'll see the truth before long (I'm usually the one with bizarre problems) :p

I was able to click about 10 to 12 times without a freeze up - wait. Are you saying it still freezes? That's wrong. I can click it 1000 or all week+ without a freeze.

[mike13]

Hi lynchknot---no freezes. I just meant that I clicked up to about 12 times without a freeze up. Before it would freeze up at about the third or fourth click. I just went back again and clicked about 20 times very fast, and all was fine. Thanks again to all !!!

[mike13]

I'm back. Had two freeze ups this evening. I was filling out a form on the internet, and I tried to copy / paste an address and the computer froze. Had to manually shut down. Then I was on that Hallmark site to send e-cards, well when I went to send the card, the computer froze up again. This time I could at least get to task manager but was unable to "end task" the problem application. All I got was that the program was not responding. I then went back to that fireworks site, and was able to click about 20 times or so, very fast, without a freeze up ????? Vey confused. Should I maybe format the computer and reload everything, or maybe try that "Repair function" by booting to the XP disc ?

[rik]

It's gonna be hard to say in this. On a sitye that requires intense JAVA it works fine but on a "lite" JAVA site it freezes...

Try other card sites and see what it does. Ensure that those sites aren't "Flash" or Shockwave enabled. Then if they aren't, we have more work.

[lynchknot]

does this occur with any browser you use?

[FastGame]

Vey confused. Should I maybe format the computer and reload everything, or maybe try that "Repair function" by booting to the XP disc ?
Well its always best to try and fix the problem and understand why its happening. If that becomes a chore and to much time spent without a solution here's the steps I always take...

I try to remember what I (or someone else) did to the PC right before the problems started, then I undo. If that fails....

System Restore- I always go back to a point where things worked fine, System Restore is nice because it eliminates programs that may be causing the problem. If that doesn't work.....

XP Repair- Usually always works for me, you'll need to install SP2 and updates after. Remember that XP Repair only fixes a broken OS, it doesn't fix programs that are causing problems.

Format & clean install- This is the last resort for me but it sure in the heck is a good one ;)

All the above is what I suggest.

I have backups and Image of my HD, thats what I'll use if the need ever arises.

Get your PC working perfect and make an Image or Backup ;)

[lynchknot]

sfc /Scannow should fit in that list nicely.

[FastGame]

sfc /Scannow should fit in that list nicely.
It should but its my list so it doesn't :p

I never use "sfc /Scannow" , its like a cheap half done XP Repair. If your going to use the CD and wait and still install updates after... might as well go for the gusto of XP Repair ;)

[lynchknot]

sometimes it works. You can surf while repairing. Maybe all you need is one file that's corrupt - which is why I choose it before having to run repair - why go the full gusto version when it may be you can go for the quick fix.

[FastGame]

sometimes it works. You can surf while repairing. Maybe all you need is one file that's corrupt - which is why I choose it before having to run repair - why go the full gusto version when it may be you can go for the quick fix.Ok lets take it from there....

When your trying to fix your broken OS the least of worries should be being able to surf the net at the same time :rolleyes:

It doesn't matter if only one file needs to be replaced, "sfc /scannow is going to compair all system files with the files on the CD. If they aren't the same as on CD then they're going to be replaced=more than one on SP2 with all updates ;)

[edit]= I'm not saying that people shouldn't do "sfc /scannow ", I'm saying I don't :)

[mike13]

rik---will try other greeting cards tomorrow. But I am pretty sure I have sent a few cards after I thought the problem was fixed, and no freezeups.
lynchknot---only have IE and OE. Also ran that sfc /scannow. It asked me for the xp disc. I put the disc in, and it ran for about 5 minutes, but never gave me a report. I assume that everything was OK ???
fastgame---it has been a pretty long time since it started to freeze up. About two months or so. Would not know what restore point to use, would only be guessing. Am considering that XP Repair. You said it only fixes problems with the OS. How about any problems with IE or OE ??
Thanks guys for the suggestions so far.
PS, since I did that sfc /scannow, must I do all the updates now ?

[rik]

It should be able to fix "any" file problems with the OS...should anyway. Sorry to sound like a heretic but I've seen to much. software problems are the hardest to diagnose, simply because you can install the same SW again and not have the same problems occur.

[lynchknot]

Ok lets take it from there....

When your trying to fix your broken OS the least of worries should be being able to surf the net at the same time :rolleyes: It not a worry, it's a bonus to be able to replace faulty files and not have to wait.

It doesn't matter if only one file needs to be replaced, "sfc /scannow is going to compair all system files with the files on the CD. If they aren't the same as on CD then they're going to be replaced=more than one on SP2 with all updates ;) - good thing it compares all files. I have xp with sp2

[edit]= I'm not saying that people shouldn't do "sfc /scannow ", I'm saying I don't :)

I use up all available possible solutions (after trying the net boards for fix) based on convenience - the last three are repair, image, then format