Does this sound at all familiar? You’re using your PC, and then suddenly your PC suddenly hangs or freezes on you? If so, no doubt you’re feeling annoyed and frustrated. You’re probably also wondering why it happened and what you can do about it.

PC freezes can occur from many sources. These are some steps you can take to isolate and resolve the problem. Let’s start with the easiest steps and work down to the more involved. Fortunately, in most cases, it is a simple thing that will fix the problem.

Run a Virus Scan

The cause of your problem may be due to a rogue piece of software that’s found its way on to your computer. You’ll want to run a full virus scan, but before you do, make sure you have the most current virus definitions. This way you’ll be sure to catch everything.

Run a Spyware Scan

This is listed separately because as a spyware scan is different than a virus scan. Chances are that your virus checker is not thoroughly scanning for spyware. Ad-Aware is a very good and free adware/spyware scanner. Make sure to run a thorough scan with current spyware definitions.

Run Windows Update

Sometimes random lockups can be attributed to internal Windows components like software drivers. Run Windows Update to make sure you have all the current updates and system patches. You can run Windows Update by going to Tools -> Windows Update in Internet Explorer. Some updates need to be applied in a certain order, make sure to rerun Windows Update until it tells you that no more updates are required.

Clean & Repair Your Registry

Another common, yet often overlooked cause of PC slowing, freezes, lockups and crashes is the Windows registry. The registry is central configuration database used by Windows and the software programs on your PC. Over time, the registry grows large and inefficient. This problematic state eventually manifests itself though PC slowness, registry errors and eventually in computer freezes and crashes. A good registry cleaner like Regcure will scan your registry and fix any problems on the spot.
Play PC Detective

The above steps are all mandatory steps for having a healthy and secure PC. However, if you’re still experiencing the problem, we need to look for other causes. Another common cause might be hardware related. Did the problem start after installing a new piece of hardware? Does it seem to happen when using the same piece of hardware? This could be sign of bad or failing hardware. Remove the hardware, does the problem persist? If not, it looks like you’ve identified the culprit. If the item is new or still under warranty, you might be able to get a replacement … otherwise, it might be time to purchase a replacement.

If the problem seems to not be tied to hardware, then the next and most likely cause is your system’s memory. Bad or failing memory chips will absolutely cause things like lockups and freezes. Download Windows Memory Diagnostic tool and run a memory scan. If errors are found, try re-seating the memory chips, that is, open up the case and remove and reseat the chips. If this task is too much, take your PC to the local computer shop.

Re-seating the chips may correct the problem, if not, you will need to replace your memory with new memory.

Finally, if none of the above troubleshooting steps fix the problem, it may be something on the motherboard on inner-circuitry of the PC. This is may require diagnosis by a computer technician. However, unless your PC is older side (over 5 years) likely one of the earlier (and easier steps) will fix your problem.