How to Fix PC Freeze-Ups

Fix errors on your computer causing system freezes with Windows Automatic Updates.

One of the most frustrating instances of using a computer is when the system freezes up, causing the entire computer to lock up on you, forcing a restart and possibly losing all of the work you had up on the screen. Freeze-ups can be caused by several different factors, all of which you are able to correct. You may not know exactly what is causing the freeze-ups until you diagnose, troubleshoot and perform all of the possible solutions.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-Virus software

Instructions

1. Remove excess programs and files from the computer's hard drive. If the computer's hard drive is nearing max capacity the computer is more likely to freeze up as it attempts to search through the drive for information. Delete any program you no longer use and files that are outdated and have no further use. Click "Start," then open the "Control Panel," and select "Add or Remove Programs" to remove any unwanted or unused programs.

2. Compare the system requirements of the computer to a program you use whenever the computer crashes. The system requirements are printed on the packaging of the software. To see what is running on the computer click "Start" followed by "Control Panel" and finally "System." If the hardware is not up-to-date on your computer you must upgrade the system to keep the program from causing freeze-ups.

3. Run an anti-virus scan on the computer. A virus may be causing the freeze-ups. If you don't have a program installed CNET.com and PCmag.com offers lots of free and low-cost anti-virus programs through its download page (See Resources). Once installed, run the scan option to remove all detected viruses.

4. Check for system updates. The Windows computer may not be completely up-to-date, causing freeze up problems. Click the "Start" button on the desktop, followed by "Control Panel," "Automatic Updates," then check "Automatic." The computer connects with the Windows server (without loading the Internet browser) and checks for any updates. If there are updates available click the prompt that states updates are available to download. Once the download has finished follow the prompts to update and restart the computer.

References

• Microsoft: Crashes in Internet Explorer or Windows programs
• Microsoft: Performance Issues
• Microsoft: Diagnose and Repair Windows Files and Folder Problems

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Cnet.com: Antivirus Software
• PCMag.com: Security Product Finder
• Microsoft: Windows Update