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General discussion

Computer freezes from time to time

Aug 2, 2010 9:04AM PDT

I was using Firefox and all of a sudden my machine froze. I couldn't move my mouse, and the keyboard stopped responding. The clock on the task bar also remained unchanged. Pressing Control Alt Delete didn't help. I had to unplugged my machine.

This problem started yesterday and has happened twice (once yesterday and once today). Every time it happened I was navigating on Firefox. I was on a legitimate site (microsoft, toshiba).

I ran a check disc, and didn't notice anything (but frankly I don't know what to look for anyway). Also ran sfc /scannow, and at the end of the scan I saw "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them". So I followed http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928228 to analyze my logs, but the only entry that mentions repair are:

Repairing 0 components
Beginning Verify and Repair transaction
Repair complete

So it looks like nothing needs to be repaired. I also looked at the Event Viewer. I am not familiar with this tool so didn't know exactly what to look for, but found the following to be a bit suspicious:

Event ID: 7026
Task Category: None
Level: Error
Keywords: Classic
Description:
The following boot-start or system-start driver(s) failed to load:
Tosrfcom

Any suggestion would be very much appreciated. I will be using my machine for some online tests soon so I need to make sure that it's working fine. Thanks a lot!

System Info: Vista (SP2), Firefox 3.6.8
This problem only started yesterday, I haven't installed anything except virus definitions for my Anti-Malware programs (the programs themselves have been installed for many months).

Discussion is locked

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How long since you cleaned it?
Aug 2, 2010 9:09AM PDT
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By cleaning did you mean
Aug 2, 2010 9:23AM PDT

Thanks. By cleaning did you mean an anti-malware scan?

I scan my machine everyday or every other day (update to latest definitions, full scan).

I also use Windows Disk Cleanup tool once every few days.

If you meant a system reformat, then it's been over a year since the last time I did it.

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Sorry I misunderstood you
Aug 2, 2010 9:27AM PDT

I clean my PC every week (keyboard, mouse, monitor). This one that I have problem with is a laptop so I can't clean the interior, but I do try to use those PC vacuum to clean the dust around it. Thanks.

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Sorry.
Aug 2, 2010 12:05PM PDT
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Anything else I can check
Aug 2, 2010 12:49PM PDT

Thanks, but, you think the freezing has to do with dirt?

Is there anything else like virus scanning, checking for failed services or conflict or something like that that I can do?

And, when a crash happens, is there any way to find out what the cause is? I have been searching in various forums but haven't been able to find out.

Cheers.

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Just sharing
Aug 2, 2010 12:57PM PDT

I'm sharing that about half or better of the machines with crashes like you noted have me do the deep cleaning. And if it's easy I will pull the heatsinks off, wipe off the old compound and apply fresh compound. Cleaning as I re-assemble the machine usually fairs much better.

As to services I use the next link to push the services back to stock -> http://www.blackviper.com/WinVista/servicecfg.htm

As to malware, I use Grif's advice at http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6121_102-0.html?threadID=378815&tag=forums06;forum-threads

And to your question the clues are often in the full story. But given your story so far and no make or model or much else I have to pick out what the usual is.

But to state the make and model can radically change my answer. For example if this is the HP dv6000/9000 or certain other tx1000 and similar models I'll just note the recalls and suggest you move on.
Bob

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PS. Link, comment.
Aug 2, 2010 1:00PM PDT
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Thanks
Aug 3, 2010 3:50AM PDT

Thanks again Bob.

I have a Toshiba Satellite A135, Vista SP2.

You are right, it might be worth it (and quicker) to just reformat my laptop and install back the SP's.