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4. Get Rid of Unresponsive Programs
If your computer freezes often check to see if an unresponsive
program is the cause. To do this, open the Close Program
box (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) and make a note of all the programs
listed. End Task on each program (except Explorer and
Systray) and note which one gives you another box with
the message "This program is not responding..."
If you keep getting that message when you End Task on
a particular program, that program MAY need to be reinstalled
or deleted from your system. I have seen an outdated anti-virus
software, Yahoo Pager, AIM, Pagoo and an older version
of a software like RealTray, cause computers to freeze.
You may not be aware of it, but a certain application
that you use often may be causing the problem. Some of
its files may be damaged or missing. If you experience
freezing every time you use a certain application (e.g.
Lotus Notes), you may have to reinstall that program or
get the latest version.
5. Reinstall or Update Drivers
Drivers are software that allow the devices in and out
of your computer to "talk" to the operating
system (i.e. Windows). The software that allows the modem
to communicate with Windows is called a modem driver.
The video card uses a video driver to "talk"
to Windows. Drivers become corrupted very often. I have
solved many CD-ROM, Floppy and video problems by simply
removing and reinstalling the driver for that particular
device. Video drivers are notorious for changing your
display settings and causing your computer to hang on
the windows screen. Many computer users are not aware
that they can go to the web site of their computer manufacturer
to get updated drivers for devices such as modem, CD-ROM
and video card (Display adapter). To learn more about
drivers and to find out how to remove and reinstall drivers
take a look at this article http://www.computerinformer.com/premier.html
6. Get a Windows patch from
Microsoft
Did you know that you can find “patches” or
updates to correct certain windows problems at http://www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com
? For example, there is an update for computers using
Windows 98 second edition that hang on shutdown or restart
when you select shutdown. There are also updates that
prevent "a malicious user" from gaining access
to certain files on your computer.
7. Check if a BIOS update
is available
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a set of instructions
stored on a special ROM chip. The BIOS is an integral
part of the startup process. Your computer will not start
without it! Computers that are experiencing severe startup
problems may need a BIOS update. If your computer is having
problem recognizing certain devices (e.g. hardware that
you have added to your system), the BIOS may need updating.
The manufacturer of your computer usually provides BIOS
updates-sometimes with an explanation of the reason(s)
for the updates. For example, if you have a HP Pavilion
computer model 6730, you will find a BIOS update that
was released on December 22, 2000. Take a look at it here
http://www.hp.com/cposupport/swindexes/hppavilion20888_swen.html
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If you are new
to computers, if you would simply like a basic understanding
of how computers work or if you want solutions to your
computer problems, subscribe to the bi-weekly newsletter
The Computer Informer. For more information about this
newsletter go to http://www.computerinformer.com/info.html
This article provided by the Marketing-Seek Archives at:
http://www.Marketing-Seek.com |
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