Why does my computer lockup when I dissconnect from the internet?

lately about an average of 3-4 times a week when i disconnect to go off line my computer locks up on desktop screen. the cursor does not move. i hit ctrl,alt,delete and nothing happens.have to hit reset button to reboot.i've been told it could be software conflict to a bad modem.hope you can help me out.thank you,

marty darway

This question was answered on June 30, 1999. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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I am making the assumption that when you mention "disconnect to go off line" you mean to get off the internet

Many things can contribute to the lock-ups or freezing, but if the lock-ups occur only when you open or close 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.

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Posted by Ken Colburn of Data Doctors on June 30, 1999

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