How to Fix a Computer That Has Frozen

Computers freeze up or stop running for many reasons. These ideas will help get you going again, assuming your computer is malfunctioning due to a minor problem.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Microsoft Windows
• Blow off Duster

1. Save your work often. If you are on the Internet often, save your work as a draft and come back to edit it. In case you are working on a document, click the save button every so often. This will save you grief when your computer does freeze up.
2. Try the three finger salute by pressing Control-Alt-Delete. This will bring up your Windows Task Manager. It will appear differently in different versions of Windows, just so you are aware.
   
   Once you are in this screen you should go to the Applications tab. If any applications are frozen, click on them and click, End Task at the bottom of that screen.
3. If you still cannot get Windows to respond, then simply touch Control-Alt-Delete again and shut the computer down.
4. If this does not get the computer to shut down, or if you want an alternative, push and hold your power button for at least ten seconds. Wait up to a minute, then push it again to restart it.
5. You can also pull the power cord out and leave it sit for ten minutes. You can do this for new and old computers alike. This allows the computer to "reset" itself. Then push the power button and start normally.
6. Another factor that makes computers freeze is having too many software programs running at once. Keep open windows to a minimum, especially if your machine is three years old or more.
7. If your computer feels hot, it could be that it is overheating. Use a blow-off duster by the fan area (for desktops) when the computer is not powered on. The dust can cause your computer to overheat. If this does not help the situation, take it in for professional evaluation.
8. If the computer only freezes on a certain website, try not to visit that website. Or, if your web browser continually freezes, try to uninstall and reinstall it. Alternatively, try to use another web browser that will function better.
9. You could also be infected with viruses or spyware. These can freeze your computer in ways you never imagined. Run a spyware and antivirus check, and make sure security software is on your computer.
   
   Also, update this software when prompted. See the article links below for more help on this problem.
10. Your Internet connection could also be locking you up. Call their tech support phone number for help with this.

Tips & Warnings

• Call a computer professional if you cannot get the computer to start again after trying these steps.

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