Computer Freezing in XP!

[blamb425]

OK, so i got the computer functioning, tried installing xp...i didn't feel like purchasing a copy, since my cousin sent me an OEM XP PRO version he got for free at college. that didn't work, so i tried popping in the old dell reinstallation cd. all is well, until i boot up xp, and get a message saying that 55 errors were found on my computer, and i needed to visit regfixit.com.

tried it, can't get my computer to function long enough in xp before it freezes. had to reboot. same story again.

tried reinstalling xp again, froze during the installation. in a desperate attempt, i tried booting it up, and opening the xp pro cd (it doesnt work on startup, only after xp has been installed) as quickly as possible. froze on that installation, too. any help is greatly appreciated, i've been struggling with this expletive computer for weeks, hope to get it working by this weekend

(sorry if this post is a bit long)

 

[blamb425]

bump

 

[Skeeedunt]

Are you behind a hardware firewall? Sounds like messenger spam.

 

[blamb425]

OK, so I found out something new. The problem usually happens only when I open internet...I can surf my computer's files and folders just fine, and as soon as i hit that IE, freeze.

EDIT: it also happened in change or remove programs, and when i tried opening msn messenger

@Skeeedunt d'you think turning on the firewall will fix it? i haven't configured ANY of that stuff yet

 

[blamb425]

bump, i need help before the RMA term expires

 

[Skeeedunt]

A hardware firewall, like a router. Are you behind one, or are you plugged directly into your modem?

Is your CD SP2 and/or have you installed SP2?

Google "regfixit.com", there are a few posts about it. Sounds like you might have hardware problems as well though if it froze during installation.

 

[blamb425]

direct connection

sp1, but i cant windows update, because that requires the web browser, and it just freezes up there.

 

[Skeeedunt]

I'd recommend getting your hands on a router and/or slipstreamed SP2 cd (you can make one yourself if you have access to another computer with internets).

 

[Mem]

First thing I would do is run Memtest86+ (make a bootdisk,instructions at their website) and check your ram for errors,lets us know how it goes.


Memtest86+ .

 

[speed01]

It's just a pop up..

Look here

Or here

Speed

 

[blamb425]

hmm...interesting, but why would my internet explorer freeze up?

by the way: on my reinstallation cd, it installed dell help and support. i clicked "
dell online support", and it took me to dell.com. all was fine for a few seconds, then it just froze up again

thanks for all the help and lnks, guys

 

[Ken90630]

@Skeeedunt d'you think turning on the firewall will fix it? i haven't configured ANY of that stuff yet

Hi, Blamb,

From your comment above, it sounds like your firewall hasn't been on? If you had your computer connected to the Web during the Windows installation process, and your firewall was off, your computer is almost certianly infected with malware. Figure about 99% certainty there.

I'm just goin' by what you said, so if you have been behind a firewall, don't panic. Always -- and I mean always -- install Windows (or do your Dell restore or whatever) and get your firewall up before ever connecting to the Web (even for a second). And install SP2 before hopping on the Web too, if you can. As you prolly know, the Windows firewall is turned on by default with SP2, but not before that. If you have a pre-SP2 Windows installation and connected your machine to the Web without another firewall (like McAfee, which typically comes with Dells), figure that your machine is infected.

Gotta check out for the evening. :moon: Good luck, though.

PS: And turn off the bloody Messenger service if you don't need it. It's a superhighway for malware (particularly worms).

 

[speed01]

If it was me, I'd unplug the network cable, wipe the drive completely, re-install the OS and a firewall of some sort, then and only then would I connect it to the internet to get SP2. It sounds to me like you got hit right off the bat. And do what Ken said^^ up there...

Speed