Computer Hangs - Diagnostic Software advice pls

[taxboy]

My computer started to hang infrequently but this problem has got worse much recently - even using task manager doesn't always seem to be able to close the programme.

Avast has not identified anything nor Malywarebytes either. So any suggestions please - it appears to happen most frequently with Firefox but this may just be coincidence

So any suggestions on what to try and track down the cause please

I'm running Windows XP & FireFox v26 1.1

 

[kendo1]

You've probably installed too much. I'd install AVG PC TuneUp.
It's free for 24 hours and works miracles in minutes. Let it clear out everything you don't need and optimise your computer.

http://www.avg.com/gb-en/pctu_buy_2014_ppc?gclid=COCrmKXombwCFQ3JtAodCjQAyg

...and then delete it!

 

[gramps]

CCleaner to clear unused files and clean the registry (choose yes to backup).
Malwarebytes to check for trouble software.

 

[robhooley167]

Until I switched to chrome 2 weeks ago I was having issues with Firefox causing my computer to hang. So try chrome for a week and see if it stops hanging?

 

[neil_g]

You mention trying to close a program in task manager? Is it a specific process hanging?

 

[landwomble]

Try a clean boot. This is Windows and no other processes. Easy to do and if it helps, just start adding back the services and applications gradually. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

 

[Yellowbelly]

I'd second the Firefox theory. It is a good browser used on a high spec. machine, but my old XP laptop cannot handle it. I swapped to SR Iron (http://download.cnet.com/SRWare-Iron/3000-2356_4-10889248.html), got rid of accumulated rubbish and all is now blisteringly fast.

 

[taxboy]

Thanks for all your input - I ran CCleaner and so far everything is good. The Firefox theory sounds good as I realised I was trying to multitask at the time it decided to hang each time.

This is only a sticking plaster fix as I'm looking to get a new PC next month

 

[kendo1]

Yep, the latest Firefox is quite heavy usage.
It's worth giving AVG Tuneup a go. It clears your start menu, cleans up your registry and so on.
It really speeds things up.
Just make sure you uninstall it after 24 hours.

 

[Steep]

I've been having similar issues, the pc will just stop responding and I have to reset. I've traced it to (I'm pretty sure) the new Chrome based Opera, I can be playing games, burning processor time on images and there's never a problem. It seems to be only when I'm running Opera for an extended time and then only once every few days.