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General discussion

Computer Freezes, Reboots itself - Need Best Advice

by warrencharlot Sep 4, 2010 4:36PM PDT

I don't know but lately my computer has noticeably slowed. I started deleting some files because I thought it is just a low available memory issue. But it didn't solve the problem. Days later, the computer freezes even if I am not opening multiple programs at the same time. I tried updating and scanning for virus but there isn't. And now, it turns off itself and reboots. I can't afford to buy a new computer and I know that there is a solution to this. I know this is just a piece of cake for experts and computer savvy people.

Any suggestions on how to fix this? Help. Thanks.

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
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Solution?
by Kees Bakker Sep 4, 2010 5:56PM PDT

1. One of those bootable antivirus CD's from http://www.techmixer.com/free-bootable-antivirus-rescue-cds-download-list/
2. See if it boots in Safe Mode, although it's doubtful you will be able to find the cause then. However, having a look at the startup tab of msconfig won't harm and might reveal strange things.
3. Back to where it all begon: a clean install of Windows XP from 'system recovery' disk. You might lose all that you don't have backed up to another medium.

Kees

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Those are symptoms of BOTH ...
by Edward ODaniel Sep 8, 2010 2:34AM PDT

malware and HEAT.

Do as Kees suggested but also open the case and see how dirty the inside might be. While inside the case check to make sure the fans are functioning. Try leaving the case cover off and directing the air flow of a household fan into the case to see if the additional cooling helps.

If the additional cooling helps and the interior of the case didn't look too dirty it might well be that you need to remove the old and use fresh thermal paste between the CPU and the heatsink/fan unit.

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A video to help with the cleaning.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Sep 8, 2010 2:44AM PDT
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Other poster suggested sites
by manmur Sep 9, 2010 8:47PM PDT

I took a look at both of the sites posted by julia_taylor before posting.
The digeus site comes up red on Web-of-Trust. It is a Spam site according to most users.

The other was not rated I would not recommend that you use any of them. Also the program that she is recommending is for Windows 7 and might be too 'new' for your PC.

As for the consent rebooting, Use a compressed air can to remove any dust from the vents, fans, and any other place that dust likes to gather. Also as Suggested for you to change the thermal paste at this time.

Your PC could be showing its age. However I recommend that you back-up all of your important data on to a other hard-drive, CD, DVD, or Flash drive. As it could be hardware failure.

If your PC is more than 10 years old; then I recommend that you start saving for a new one.

manmur

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