How can I keep my computer from freezing?

computer will freeze at different times,sometimes on startup and others maybe after10 to 20 minutes or so,has even gone for several hours on some startups.does not matter which program we are running at that time. thanks

This question was answered on June 7, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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WHAT TO DO IF YOUR COMPUTER FREEZES (Windows 98/ME):

In the event that your computer freezes and the mouse and keys on the keyboard don't work:

1) Hold down the Control (Ctrl) and Alt keys and lightly press the Delete key once Release the Control and Alt keys.

2) On the Close Program window that pops up, click on anything that says "(Not responding)"- for example, "Microsoft Word (Not responding)".

3) Click on the End Task button (or press the Enter key on the keyboard).

[4) Wait up to 20-30 seconds and click on the second End Task button (or press the Enter key) if one pops up on the screen.]

5) The program that is not responding should close down and allow you to return to the "desktop" Then you can go on to another task on the computer, or you can restart the computer by clicking on Start, then on Shutdown, then in the white circle next to "Restart the computer," then on Yes.

6) If the program that is not responding doesn't close down, try the Control-Alt-Delete key combination again (you may have to do it twice or three times in a row) This should restart the computer.

7) If the above doesn't restart your computer, look for the tiny Reset button on the front panel of your computer and push it in briefly (you may have to use the point of a ballpoint pen to push it in).

8) If the Reset button doesn't work (or your computer doesn't have a Reset button), then push the Power button or switch.

Note: On some computers, you have to hold the Power button in for four seconds or more to turn the computer off.

9) If the Power button doesn't work, then unplug the power cord from the wall outlet or surge protector, wait 5-10 seconds, and then plug it back in Restart the computer by pushing the Power button again.

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Posted by Raymond of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on June 7, 2004

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