My computer is constantly not responding, what is going on?

[ComeOVeneer]

Apologies for my ineptitude with all this "computer".

For the last couple of days my computer keeps "freezing". IE I have windows internet explorer open and try to do something and it works fine, then suddenly doesn't respond and I have to "ned now", then the error report send message appears. Now I know this happens sometimes but it is happening 50-60 times a day!

What is it and what can I do about it?

[southeastastra]

have you done virus scans?

[ComeOVeneer]

Scans come back clear. It seems to be at its worst when I click on a link, or for example click on the log in at the top off the page, then it freezes and says its not responding.

It did it just now and I have to re-open a new window and log in by typing on a thread.

[RubberDuck]

When was the last time you did a complete reinstall? Windows tends to get bloaty and sluggish after a while (used to do a reinstall every 6 months or so when I was using Windows, but I was a fairly heavy user - would say once a year is a good guideline).

Big things to remember before a reinstall:

• write down every program you currently use and make sure you have any registration keys etc that you need. Remember things like anti-virus/anti-spyware programs too.

• make sure you have all the drivers you installed with it (like for a camera or printer etc) and the original OS installation disks.

• make sure you back up all your data (in two separate places if possible)

• write down an order of what you need to install to get yourself up and running again as quickly as possible. I start with the OS (obviously) and get that patched right up, then install anti-virus/anti-spyware, then email/alternative browser and work from there.

• allow at least a full day to do it in.

• if you're not confident then get a techy to do it for you

[ComeOVeneer]

Wierdly, I have just logged in through dd's account rather than my own (on the same computer obviously) and it is working fine.

[ComeOVeneer]

I tell a lie it is just as bad. Funnily it is only if I click on a link or anything that opens another window it happens, any ideas?

[ComeOVeneer]

Help. It is driving me crazy

[RubberDuck]

When did you last reinstall?

Also, in addition XP or Vista?

[ComeOVeneer]

Sorry rubberduck. Computer is only 5 months old, so never reinstalled. Rest of Q is more for dh to answer rather than me. He has snaekded home sick and gone o bed whilst I was out with children, but when he has a mo/feels better I am going to let him see what he cn do. Thanks anyway.

[RubberDuck]

Hmm... 5 months old I wouldn't have thought you'd have needed to reinstall then.

I had a google search and there do seem to be a few people with IE hanging issues. Knowing which OS will help narrow it down more

[ThePettyandIllinformedGoat]

are you running something like itunes or realplayer. both tend to kill my pc but then it is about 6 years old so that is not a big surprise. take it back to the shop under warranty.