Windows 7 Freezes

[TastyCookies]

Hi, I bought a new computer with windows 7 already installed on it in January. Everything was working great. But now I have a problem. Whenever I on my computer, and don't click on anything. After a few minutes I try to open a new application, it won't open. It just has the loading sign, and it doesn't open. Sometimes when I'm Firefox, it'll just stop responding, the screen will turn kinda white, and everything will freeze. I tried to do ctrl+alt+delete, and end the program. That doesn't work, so the only way to fix it. is to restart the computer. This has been happening with a lot of programs like msn. I have no idea what's causing this. When I try to do a scan to check if there's any viruses causing this, the program will usually freeze half way through the scan. I went into safe mode and did scan with a couple of programs. I used McAfee, Spybot and Malwarbytes. The program just detected a couple of cookies, and spybot detected a couple of browser entries and it fixed the problem. So I'm really not sure what's causing the problem.

I'm really a beginner on the computer, so I would appreciate it if you can provide detailed instructions.

Please and thank you.

Windows 7 home premium
Model: p6211f
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) II X4 620 Processor 2.60 GHz
RAM: 6.00GB
System Type: 64-bit

 

[mike3rdof5]

Hello TC
Your problem could be caused by any number of issues. Typically Win 7 is very stable and reliable.
You say everything was working great. Until when exactly? What did you change or install at that point?
I had issues with Anti-virus programs running properly under my version (Win7 Pro 64 bit) and after inquiring in this forum about it, I installed Microsoft Security Essentials. It's a free anti-virus program, written and provided by the same people who wrote windows. And it works perfectly.
My suggestion would be to un-install all anti virus programs you currently have, and install Microsoft Security Essentials and see if that helps.
It can be found at the following link:
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Good luck and Welcome to the Forum!

 

[a1yjg]

Hi, dell has just replaced my studio xps with windows xp under warranty, to a new xps 8100 with windows 7 ultimate 64 bit and boy am i having problems, my computer keeps freezing even when i have just turned it on, looking at other problems is it ie8?, or looking at other posts my norton antivirus 2010, also i have noticed that when i come of wireless and connect through erthernet that sometimes helps, is there more probs with the 64 bit compared to 32 bit and what is the difference? at the moment i have got to the stage where the computer goes flying or will install xp pro into it, and why can't i have my outlook express mail, can anybody help or try to convince me that it is teething probs
thanks yvonne

 

[ARTSR3]

Windows/ie/outlook freezes

Win 7 ultimate 64 and Office 2010 64, IE an Outlook 2010 freeze intermittenly. ctl-alt-delete will unfreeze it sometimes. Freezes are reduced as session continues

HP dz9000
2 gig ram

amd x64
avast! for Win 7 x64

 

[TrainableMan]

Tasty, I have not experienced this myself so I can't help much but there are a few ideas tossed around in this old "Win 7 Freezes" forum that might be worth a look...
https://www.w7forums.com/windows-7-freezes-t114.html

 

[catilley1092]

Hi, I bought a new computer with windows 7 already installed on it in January. Everything was working great. But now I have a problem. Whenever I on my computer, and don't click on anything. After a few minutes I try to open a new application, it won't open. It just has the loading sign, and it doesn't open. Sometimes when I'm Firefox, it'll just stop responding, the screen will turn kinda white, and everything will freeze. I tried to do ctrl+alt+delete, and end the program. That doesn't work, so the only way to fix it. is to restart the computer. This has been happening with a lot of programs like msn. I have no idea what's causing this. When I try to do a scan to check if there's any viruses causing this, the program will usually freeze half way through the scan. I went into safe mode and did scan with a couple of programs. I used McAfee, Spybot and Malwarbytes. The program just detected a couple of cookies, and spybot detected a couple of browser entries and it fixed the problem. So I'm really not sure what's causing the problem.

I'm really a beginner on the computer, so I would appreciate it if you can provide detailed instructions.

Please and thank you.

Windows 7 home premium
Model: p6211f
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) II X4 620 Processor 2.60 GHz
RAM: 6.00GB
System Type: 64-bit

TastyCookies, welcome to the forum! I understand you're a beginner, so I'm going to try and keep this simple. First of all, you don't need McAfee. It caused severe damage to many XP based computers with a single update, history tends to repeat itself, you're better off without it. It's possible that you have file corruption somewhere, so you may be better off reinstalling Windows 7 on your computer, and start over fresh. Did you have a program to create recovery discs when it was new, and did you do it? Too, you may have a recovery partition built in to your computer. You need to pull your manual out and get the instructions for recovery. It's spelled out fairly simple. Usually, you hold down a certain key (F11 or F12 on a lot) until the recovery program shows. Your manual will spell this out for you. This computer is too new to be having this many problems. Therefore, I suggest the reinstall. Should you require further assistance, feel free to post back.

 

[luckysaad]

First Use Manual Steps to Turn Off on System Restore
Steps to turn off System Restore

1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. In the System Properties dialog box, click the System Restore tab.
3. Click to select the Turn off System Restore check box. Or, click to select the Turn off System Restore on all drives check box.
4. Click OK.
5. When you receive the following message, click Yes to confirm that you want to turn off System Restore.

Then After Restart you Computer Safe Mode with Networking How To Restart? To get into the Windows Safe Mode with Networking computer is booting press and hold your "F8 Key" which should bring up the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" as shown below. Use your arrow keys to move to Safe Mode with Networking and press your Enter key. Then Download Update and Scan Use Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Press This Link http://www.download.com/Malwarebytes-Ant…

Download and Scan By using Remove Fake Antivirus description
This application is used to remove fake Antiviruses from your computers press herehttp://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/R…

Download and Scan by Use Super Anti-spyware Press herehttp://www.superantispyware.com/

Download and Scan by Use Norman Malware Cleaner Press herehttp://majorgeeks.com/downloadget.php?id…


After Finish Remove Virus/Malware/Trojan Fake Anti-Virus Worm and
Rougue Spyware and
Adware
Restart You Computer To Be Normal Then After Turn On System Restore.Steps to turn on System Restore

1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. In the System Properties dialog box, click the System Restore tab.
3. Click to clear the Turn off System Restore check box. Or, click the Turn off System Restore on all drives check box.
4. Click OK.

After a few moments, the System Properties dialog box closes.
Restart you Computer to be Normal.
Let me know if the solution worked

Then Downloan
Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 10.0.0.567 press here


http://download.cnet.com/Avira-AntiVir-Personal-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10322935.html

why
Avira AntiVir Personal it is Best Anti-Virus ThanAVAST,AVG,KASPERSKY,NORTON,NOD ESET,AND MAC-AFEE ANTI-VIRUS PRESS HERE http://www.virusbtn.com/news/2008/09_02

 

[Fire cat]

First Use Manual Steps to Turn Off on System Restore
Steps to turn off System Restore

1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. In the System Properties dialog box, click the System Restore tab.
3. Click to select the Turn off System Restore check box. Or, click to select the Turn off System Restore on all drives check box.
4. Click OK.
5. When you receive the following message, click Yes to confirm that you want to turn off System Restore.

Then After Restart you Computer Safe Mode with Networking How To Restart? To get into the Windows Safe Mode with Networking computer is booting press and hold your "F8 Key" which should bring up the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" as shown below. Use your arrow keys to move to Safe Mode with Networking and press your Enter key. Then Download Update and Scan Use Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Press This Link http://www.download.com/Malwarebytes-Ant…

Download and Scan By using Remove Fake Antivirus description
This application is used to remove fake Antiviruses from your computers press herehttp://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/R…

Download and Scan by Use Super Anti-spyware Press herehttp://www.superantispyware.com/

Download and Scan by Use Norman Malware Cleaner Press herehttp://majorgeeks.com/downloadget.php?id…


After Finish Remove Virus/Malware/Trojan Fake Anti-Virus Worm and
Rougue Spyware and
Adware
Restart You Computer To Be Normal Then After Turn On System Restore.Steps to turn on System Restore

1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. In the System Properties dialog box, click the System Restore tab.
3. Click to clear the Turn off System Restore check box. Or, click the Turn off System Restore on all drives check box.
4. Click OK.

After a few moments, the System Properties dialog box closes.
Restart you Computer to be Normal.
Let me know if the solution worked

Then Downloan
Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 10.0.0.567 press here


http://download.cnet.com/Avira-AntiVir-Personal-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10322935.html

why
Avira AntiVir Personal it is Best Anti-Virus ThanAVAST,AVG,KASPERSKY,NORTON,NOD ESET,AND MAC-AFEE ANTI-VIRUS PRESS HERE http://www.virusbtn.com/news/2008/09_02

Don't bother posting, if it is to post the same everytime. Your advice of running so many apps, will just bloat the system, making it worse.

Anyway, back to the OP question, reinstalling will most probably work, as Cat suggested. Also, is the computer getting enough power?

Cheers,
Fire Cat

 

[Macroman]

Hello TC
Your problem could be caused by any number of issues. Typically Win 7 is very stable and reliable.
You say everything was working great. Until when exactly? What did you change or install at that point?
I had issues with Anti-virus programs running properly under my version (Win7 Pro 64 bit) and after inquiring in this forum about it, I installed Microsoft Security Essentials. It's a free anti-virus program, written and provided by the same people who wrote windows. And it works perfectly.
My suggestion would be to un-install all anti virus programs you currently have, and install Microsoft Security Essentials and see if that helps.
It can be found at the following link:
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Good luck and Welcome to the Forum!

I would say NO
I'v had this for the last 5 day IE8 lockup and the computer lockup,lineage II not working and it was all down to Microsoft Security Essentials I just installed, now it off and it working fine

 

[catilley1092]

First Use Manual Steps to Turn Off on System Restore
Steps to turn off System Restore

1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. In the System Properties dialog box, click the System Restore tab.
3. Click to select the Turn off System Restore check box. Or, click to select the Turn off System Restore on all drives check box.
4. Click OK.
5. When you receive the following message, click Yes to confirm that you want to turn off System Restore.

Then After Restart you Computer Safe Mode with Networking How To Restart? To get into the Windows Safe Mode with Networking computer is booting press and hold your "F8 Key" which should bring up the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" as shown below. Use your arrow keys to move to Safe Mode with Networking and press your Enter key. Then Download Update and Scan Use Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Press This Link http://www.download.com/Malwarebytes-Ant…

Download and Scan By using Remove Fake Antivirus description
This application is used to remove fake Antiviruses from your computers press herehttp://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/R…

Download and Scan by Use Super Anti-spyware Press herehttp://www.superantispyware.com/

Download and Scan by Use Norman Malware Cleaner Press herehttp://majorgeeks.com/downloadget.php?id…


After Finish Remove Virus/Malware/Trojan Fake Anti-Virus Worm and
Rougue Spyware and
Adware
Restart You Computer To Be Normal Then After Turn On System Restore.Steps to turn on System Restore

1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. In the System Properties dialog box, click the System Restore tab.
3. Click to clear the Turn off System Restore check box. Or, click the Turn off System Restore on all drives check box.
4. Click OK.

After a few moments, the System Properties dialog box closes.
Restart you Computer to be Normal.
Let me know if the solution worked

Then Downloan
Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 10.0.0.567 press here


http://download.cnet.com/Avira-AntiVir-Personal-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10322935.html

why
Avira AntiVir Personal it is Best Anti-Virus ThanAVAST,AVG,KASPERSKY,NORTON,NOD ESET,AND MAC-AFEE ANTI-VIRUS PRESS HERE http://www.virusbtn.com/news/2008/09_02

Everytime I run into one of your posts, it's the same for every problem. This is a lot of programs to run for someone who asked to keep things simple. All advice is appreciated, but it would help to mix things up a little. I ran into this same exact post, six posts straight.

 

[luckysaad]

Don't bother posting, if it is to post the same everytime. Your advice of running so many apps, will just bloat the system, making it worse.

Anyway, back to the OP question, reinstalling will most probably work, as Cat suggested. Also, is the computer getting enough power?

Cheers,
Fire Cat

Where you post? you didn't give any Advice you Start to blame me?Why?

 

[luckysaad]

Everytime I run into one of your posts, it's the same for every problem. This is a lot of programs to run for someone who asked to keep things simple. All advice is appreciated, but it would help to mix things up a little. I ran into this same exact post, six posts straight.

First of all you Use McAfee and Spybot it was not good to fix you Problem, then you blame to my Advice ? i don't know why? my program only 4 is that a lot for you to run in you PC?My Self i have more than Five program it is Run on my Computer and My Computer is very first i Don't any Problem about Spyware,Virus,Worm and Fake Anti-Virus. If you like my Advice take it if you don't like my Advice leave it. it is you choose thanks.

 

[luckysaad]

Based on your description, I noticed that that the issue can occur due to hardware or software conflictions. Let us try the steps below to narrow down the cause of the issue. Please check if we can boot in Win7 normally:
Device Clean Boot
==============
In this situation, your system will only have the basic hardware devices and it should be more stable. If it is inconvenient to unplug the devices, we can disable them in Device Manager. Please refer to the following steps:

1. Click "Start", type "DEVMGMT.MSC" in the Search textbox and press Enter.
2. Expand "Sound, video and game controllers".
3. Right click on your Sound Card, select "Properties"
4. Click "Driver" tab, click Disable (Disable the selected device). Click OK
5. Please use the same method to disable other hardware such as: Modem, network card, CD-R drive. Please note some devices such as video adapter are not available to be disabled.
6. Please restart the computer. Can we boot in Win7 properly?
Clean Boot
==================
1. Click the Start Button, type MSCONFIG in the Search Bar and Press Enter to start the System Configuration Utility.
Note: Please click the Continue if the "User Account Control" window pops up.
2. Click the Services tab, check the "Hide All Microsoft Services" box and click Disable All (if it is not gray).
3. Click the Startup tab, click Disable All and click OK.
4. Restart the computer and test the result.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135
Note: Clean Boot is just a troubleshooting step. If some programs have been disabled, we can enable them later on. If you see the System Configuration Utility, check the box of "Don't show this message" and then click OK.
To restore the computer to use a Normal Startup, repeat step 1 above. Then click "Normal Startup" on the General tab, click "OK", and then restart the computer.

I hope we can fix this issue together as soon as possible. Don't Forget to said to me Thanks.

 

[luckysaad]

Computer Keeps Freezing Up
When your computer keeps freezing up by itself, it indicates a fault somewhere in the system. Read the article for possible reasons and solutions to implement, when your computer keeps on freezing randomly.
Why does my computer keep freezing up?, is a very frustrating cry from people who face this problem. Frustration or irritation rises because they could be in the middle of some important work on the computer, and suddenly the machine comes to a standstill. There is no other option left, but to restart the computer and start the work from scratch. If your computer keeps freezing up by itself, causes could be numerous. Some usual causes along with their solutions are discussed below.

Causes For Computer to Freeze Up by Itself

If your desktop computer or laptop computer keeps freezing up frequently or on any random occasion, the cause could be any of the reasons given below:
Some kind of virus present in the system affecting its performance
The computer lacks enough sources to function well
Issues with the computer hardware compatibility
System configuration is inadequate to run the program or application you are trying to run
When there are compatibility issues with the software you are trying to run on the computer
The page file might be getting stuck in the cache for a significant time
There is very little free memory space on the computer
Solutions to Prevent Computer From Freezing Randomly

Possible solutions you can try out if your computer keeps freezing up randomly:

Virus Check
The foremost thing you should do when your computer keeps on freezing up by itself, is to run an anti-virus application, which will help you in identifying and deleting viruses from the computer. The anti-virus software you would be running should be an updated copy and not an outdated version, as the latter won't prove effective. These updates are easily available on the manufacturer's website and can be downloaded for free. If you don't have an anti-virus software installed in your computer, use any free web-based anti-virus software available on the internet (generally not recommended).

Spyware Check
Other than computer virus, there could also be unwanted spyware or ad-ware present in the system, which could be the reason if your computer keeps freezing randomly. Hence, it is essential to run a spyware removal tool, to delete the troublesome spyware from the system. The spyware removal tool can either be downloaded for free from the net, or be bought from a local software store.

Computer Memory Check
In case the Random Access Memory (RAM) is defective, there are chances that due to this your computer keeps on freezing frequently. Run a quick memory check with the help of a relevant software from the internet. If needed, try reinstalling or replacing the RAM.

Go Through Recently Installed Items
There are chances of your computer not having the correct configuration needed to run some software or support certain hardware devices. To ensure this is not the case, uninstall and remove all recently installed software or hardware devices. Check whether you are still facing the same problem. In case your computer still keeps freezing up, it is because of a different reason. It is safe to reinstall deleted software on to the system.

Check for Excess Heating
Sometimes the fan(s) responsible for keeping the CPU cool render faulty, thereby resulting in your computer freezing randomly on its own. Dust gathers on these fans due to which their ability to keep the system cool also suffers. Try cleaning these fans or if necessary, replace them.

Check the Hard Disk
The minimum free space on the hard disk should be equal to 20% of the total available space in the C drive. In case this drive is cluttered and does not have enough free space, it could be the reason why your computer keeps freezing up for a few seconds after start up. Perform a hard disk check, by right clicking on 'My Computer' icon, and clicking - Tools → Check Disk Options → Check Now → Yes. After the computer restarts, the 'check' will run and try fixing few hard disk issues by itself. Also run the 'disk defragmenter' application, from the 'system tools' option present in the accessories menu list. This will allow you to utilize available space on the disk in the best possible manner and enhance the computer's performance. Learn how to defrag a computer.

Update Your System
At times, the computer keeps on freezing after startup, in case you are still using redundant versions of some software. Keep your operating system up-to-date by downloading and installing necessary drives from the internet. Doing this regularly will ensure optimum performance of the system and also keep a few other computer problems at bay.

 

[Nibiru2012]

luckysaad - this last post of yours fairly extensive and informative. Make the English a little more readable and should be fine.

Most freezing problems I have experienced in the distant past were from RAM not configured properly in the BIOS, overheating CPU due to poorly seated heatsink or seated without the correct application of thermal compound.

 

[ARTSR3]

Win 7 freezes

updated my Invidia driver and haven't gotten a freeze in Windows, however,outlook still freezes.

 

[Fire cat]

updated my Invidia driver and haven't gotten a freeze in Windows, however,outlook still freezes.

That's good.
Though, when you say outlook still freezes, can you get it to startup and work a bit? Is there a particular task that causes it to freeze, or is it just random?

By the way Luckysaad, when Cat says that that running 4 apps is a lot, it means that when dealing with common problems like this, it is better to start of with basic things like updating drivers, before going in with the whole load of scanners.

Cheers,
Fire Cat

 

[Mychael]

I cant offer solutions here but thought this might be of interest to others having problems. My mate/geek who makes his living in computer repairs/troubleshooting etc is pulling his hair out trying to fix a freezing windows 7 installation.
To use his own words the only thing he has not replaced is the case and the M/B.

I don't have all the details but it is a full version store bought genuine windows copy on an ASUS M/B. It does seem to be something in the O/S itself as he tried a full drive copy onto another HDD, in another machine and the problem went across with it.

He's been in the business for many yrs and I reckon he knows what he's doing. Also been following forums to see others expereinces as well.

I'm wondering if there are some windows copies that are bad?

 

[Fire cat]

I cant offer solutions here but thought this might be of interest to others having problems. My mate/geek who makes his living in computer repairs/troubleshooting etc is pulling his hair out trying to fix a freezing windows 7 installation.
To use his own words the only thing he has not replaced is the case and the M/B.

I don't have all the details but it is a full version store bought genuine windows copy on an ASUS M/B. It does seem to be something in the O/S itself as he tried a full drive copy onto another HDD, in another machine and the problem went across with it.

He's been in the business for many yrs and I reckon he knows what he's doing. Also been following forums to see others expereinces as well.

I'm wondering if there are some windows copies that are bad?

Well, I don't know if you could call them "bad", but the installation can sometimes go wrong. Why? I don't know. Also, the OS can become corrupted after installation because of bad software.

Cheers,
Fire Cat

 

[Mychael]

He's tried the easy things first with re-installations. If I'm understanding him correctly, he is experiencing freezing with the O/S alone. Cant get as far as installing other software.
By 'bad' I mean perhaps some copies were not produced correctly when made. Unlikely I know but when just about every other likely cause is excluded it leaves only the unlikely ones.