How do I stop freeze-ups on my Windows computer?

Question

This isn't a question as much as it is a thank you...My system has been doing the freeze up you described in your June 14th column in the AZ Republic. I backed my system down to the basic setting on the hardware accelerator and viola....the freezeups stopped. This problem has been driving me nuts since I purchased the system last November. Thanks again for the tips and keep up the good work

Chris

Avondale, AZ

Answer

This question was answered on June 17, 1999. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

Dear Chris,

We are glad that the newspaper tip helped you, as freeze ups can be a major problem for many users. It is great to know that people are being helped by these tips. Here is a copy of the article for others who may have the same problem:

Possible solution to freeze-up

June 14, 1999

Question: Whenever I get on the Internet, after approximately 4 to 7 minutes the cursor on the computer suddenly disappears and the computer freezes up. This forces me to turn the power off the computer. After turning the power back and going through the routine of the computer making its self adjustments and getting back on the Internet, the problem keeps repeating itself! What is my problem? How do I correct it?

Answer: Many things can contribute to the lock-ups or freezing, but if the lock-ups occur only when you open your Web browser, especially Microsoft's Internet Explorer 4.x or the Outlook Express e-mail program, I may have a possible solution for you.

It has been documented that in some cases the video acceleration setting in Windows 95/98 can cause freezing in IE 4.x and Outlook Express. To see if this is the problem with your system try this:

Click the Start button, then Settings, then Control Panel. Double-click on the Display icon to open the Display Properties window. Next, click on the Settings tab (far right, across the top), then click on the "Advanced" or "Advanced Properties" button. Click on the Performance tab at the top to expose the Graphics Hardware Acceleration slide bar. (See Image 1 ) Move the Hardware Acceleration slider to "None," then click on the OK button at the bottom. The computer will need to restart in order for the change to take effect.

This setting will potentially slow down video performance in some gaming programs or anything that constantly updates video images. If you are simply surfing the Net, balancing your checkbook or writing a letter to Mom, you should not experience any degradation in performance.

If the freezing problem goes away when set to "None" you can try moving it up one notch to the "Basic' mode, but I would only recommend this if you notice a difference in video speed. If the Basic mode works, continue the increase until the system starts freezing again to figure out the optimum setting.

Author

Posted by Ken of Data Doctors on June 17, 1999