PC locking up every 10 min

[kayef]

Hi, hoping for some expert help!

Extremely frustrating. It doesn't matter if I boot it up and let it sit untouched or if I use it, it will still lock up. Now, I don't need to reboot it to get out of the problem, all I have to do is ctrl+alt+delete then just close the Windows Task Manager window. The only common issue I can see for the lockup is when I open a new window from a web link or similar and click the maximize "X" before that window is completely loaded, then it will lock up...but not every time.

Lockup symptoms:
-Drag and drop functions stop working after a few lockups so graphic programs etc wont work properly.

-Music programs and plugins (Pro Tools, Fruity loops, Sampletank, Line6) stop functioning properly since they contain a lot of drag controls like "panning", "volume", "start", "stop" etc.

-Right before the lockup happens there is usually a quick flicker similar to popup blocker supressing popups and the cursor usually jumps to a different position by itself. (tried disable popup blocker but same result)

-You can still move the mouse around but you can't close any windows and the shortcuts in the taskbar are not working either. Basically a "blind" mouse that can't click on anything.

I use Spy Doctor, registry Mechanic, Avast anti virus and I keep mu PC pretty clean and use mostly the same sites all the time...not random surfing and no messanger and other "****".

My system:
Windows XP Home edition service pack 2
Intel Pentium 4, 2.8GHz
1GB Ram (i think)

Thanks for any help!

[Whyzman]

Welcome tohttp://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif Forums!

Is there anything you recall adding, software or hardware, that might have preceeded the lock-ups? Any software updates?

[kayef]

Welcome tohttp://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif Forums!

Is there anything you recall adding, software or hardware, that might have preceeded the lock-ups? Any software updates?Thanks:)
Unfortunately it's been going on for longer than I can recall so that's a difficult question. I guess I could un install most of them but that would lead to other problems such as plugins for music studio that have midi events and samples etc already linked, and I didn't keep track of registration codes for some of them.

I was hoping it would be a XP issue but I realize it could be any of my other programs. Are there other ways than to un install everything?

[Sylvander]

Start a new thread in the Applications & Security forum to have you software checked for infection.
Link the two threads.

Have you tried running in Safe Mode to see how it performs in that environment?

Make a KNOPPIX Linux Live CD (http://www.knoppix.org/), boot Knoppix from that, and if it runs just fine you know there's no hardware problem and it's probably a problem with the Windows environment.

If the software is clean, you might then try an old Restore Point from way back before the problems began.
Or else run a "repair" reinstallation.
If all else fails, you may need to save your data files [in an image backup of the partition? The free TBIView (http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/utilities.html) will restore chosen folders/files from within those whilst running in Windows], reformat [or zero-fill] and begin anew installing Windows and programs .

STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE
1. Move all your data files [including personal data like emails, address book, My Documents etc] off the system partition [C: probably] to keep it "lean and mean". C: would only hold Windows, Programs, swap file, configuration files like the registry.

2. Use a backup program that loads from a bootable floppy or CD and runs outside Windows to make image backups of the contents of your various partitions [particularly C:]. The image files must be held on a partition other than those being backed up.
The free "Emergency Boot CD" [EBCD] below includes a free trial version of "Image for DOS". It can backup ANY KIND of partition but it must be to a FAT[32] partition other than that being backed up and only the paid-for version can save to an external USB HDD.

3. As you move forward in time, make backups at strategic points when all's well with the software.
Keep a written log of all this. I keep mine on lined A4 sheets.
Save making significant changes [like installing a program, or drivers, or changing configuration settings] until just after making a routine backup.
It would be a good idea to [B]make a backup now, before you attempt to fix your present problem just in case your attempts at a fix make things worse rather than better.

4. If you so much as suspect that all's not well [an infection?], restore your latest suitable good backup to "jump back" to a previous good arrangement [a change had undesirable effects].

a. How to make a free “Smart Boot Manager” floppy
http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=41498
This makes it easier to boot a chosen drive [particularly the one holding the EBCD].

b. How to make a free EBCD bootable CD
http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=41485
This has a number of useful utilities included including "Image" [for DOS, by Terabyte] & "File Manager".
MS Scandisk does an excellent job of scanning for and fixing errors in the file system.

[Sylvander]

You might want to use this at some point rather than or before resorting to a "repair" reinstall.

XP's No-Reformat, Nondestructive Total-Rebuild Option (http://www.informationweek.com/windows/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=189400897)

[amac4me]

Good luck fixing your issues.

[Quantax]

You might want to use this at some point rather than or before resorting to a "repair" reinstall.

XP's No-Reformat, Nondestructive Total-Rebuild Option (http://www.informationweek.com/windows/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=189400897)
Good article on that subject.