Why does my PC lock-up?

My computer freezes up approx. 2 minutes after it boots up. I am not in any type of programs, nor am I doing anythng on my computer.

I have run some diagnostics and no errors are found.

At first, it would freeze up occasionally (I thought it might be a Cox Highspeed Internet problem), now it freezes up minutes after it boots up.

Thanks, for your help.

This question was answered on December 5, 2002. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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First, be sure all the air vents going to the front, back and sides of the computer are clear for at least a couple of inches Lock-ups can be a sign of overheating

Check to see the fan in the back is spinning and not blocked with dust.

Unplug the power cord and remove the case.

Ground out any static electricity on yourself by touching something

metal.

Reconnect the cord, power up the computer, and be certain the CPU fan is turning Hope it is If not, the processor might have burned up.

Disconnect power once again.

Blow out the inside of the case with a can of compressed air available at computer shops and office supply stores for such purposes Be certain a jacket of dust hasn't formed around the CPU You may even have to gently the pick dust off with your fingers, but be careful.

Put the case back on and boot the PC Don't run any software, and

after a few minutes, see if the computer is still operational Try

running each software program one at a time for a while to see if any

particular program seems to lock-up the PC.

From your description, there isn't much else you can do before the

machine locks-up Could be time for a service call.

About the author

Posted by Robert of Mesa Community College on December 5, 2002

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