What is computer lock-up?

Question

the computer completely locks up for a couple of seconds at a time. No keyboard or mouse activity. I have tried a second mouse(neither of them USB)and am using a new monitor(15"LCD) although the problem has occured since computer built. If playing a time based game such as minesweeper, the time is stopped as well, and starts up where it left off.

I would say that it does this 10-15 times an hour, at least.

I recall hearing that this might be an added feature of XP. Is there any fix for this short of taking a sledge hammer to the computer?

Thanks,

Russ

Answer

This question was answered on July 12, 2005. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

Sounds like your computer is running out of memory. This may cause the computer to lock up temorarily while the computer clears the remaining ques in its memory. To help prevent this, make sure you are not running any unnessary programs, or are not running any programs that use a significant amount of memory. However, the best option is to try a simple memory upgrade. This costs anywhere from $20-$200 dollars, depending on how much memory you want to have. This can be purchased at any electronics store.

Author

Posted by adam of Chandler-Gilbert Community College on July 12, 2005