Stop PC From Freezing

There are several ways to stop a PC from freezing, and the method you choose will largely depend upon what is triggering your computer to freeze in the first place.

Before you try to fix the problem, it's important for you to note when the freeze occurs, and if there are any error messages associated with the problem. Following are the 3 most common PC freeze triggers, with a step-by-step method for fixing each one:

Problem #1: Your PC Freezes at Startup.

Solution: Usually, if your computer freezes during startup, it's because too many programs are attempting to load at once. To correct this issue, take these steps:

1. Go to Start--Run. Type in "msconfig."

2. This will show a listing of all the programs that load during startup. You can then clear the checkboxes of any you do not want to automatically load at startup. Then select apply and click OK.

3. Restart your computer. These steps should fix any computer freezes at startup.

Problem #2: Your PC Freezes and Shows a Series of Pop-Up Ads or a Scary-Looking "Blue Screen of Death."

Solution: Usually, these pop-ups messages and fake blue screen messages are brought about by spyware or malware.

These are programs that can be downloaded, with or without your consent, from your web browser, such as Internet Explorer. They are designed to scare you into thinking you have downloaded a virus onto your computer. To correct this problem, you'll need to remove the malware:

1. You can download an anti-malware program that works in real-time to keep you from accidentally accessing websites that try to install malware on your computer; and

2. The anti-malware program can detect and remove malware that has already been installed on your computer.

3. Before downloading any anti-malware software to your computer, make sure you are getting it from a reliable and trustworthy source. Unfortunately, there are scammers out there who actually make fake anti-malware programs that actually put malware on your computer. So make sure you are purchasing it from a reliable outlet.

Problem #3: Your PC Freezes During Start-Up and Shut Down, or You Can't Open Some Programs On Your PC.

Solution: In this case, your PC registry is to blame. The registry stores all valuable information about your computer, such as system hardware and software configuration, user profiles, and your system settings.

If anything is changed--for example, you delete a program from your computer, the system registry is supposed to log this.

However, sometimes the registry still leaves the "keys" of this program behind, and these vacant spaces will cause problems with your computer's performance. To fix this issue, take these steps:

1. Download a registry cleaner that is compatible with your operating system (i.e., Windows XP).

2. Run the registry cleaner to clean up your system, remove errors, and even remove some malware problems that may be undetectable to your anti-malware software. This will also create a backup of your registry once it is error-free, in case you ever need to have a back-up for emergency.

3. This will also "defragment" your system, allowing it to start-up and shut down more quickly, and function at its optimum condition.