Computer locks up
Hi there Richard,
The main culprit for system lock-ups & freezes is a lack of Random Access Memory (RAM, or just plain old Memory). RAM is not storage memory like your Hard Disk Drive, but random memory that transfers data from the Central Processing Unit to the Hard Disk Drive. The more RAM available then the quicker the transfer of data.
You did not mention how much RAM that you have installed, or which version of Operating System that you are currently using. It is common knowledge to PC Technicians that the more modern the Windows Operating system, the more RAM is required to be installed.
If you have not carried out any routine System Maitenance procedures for quite some time, then regardless of the size of the RAM, the system becomes sluggish, & yes Richard, can even freeze.
CCleaner is a freeware optimisation, privacy & cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your computer, allowing Windows to run faster & freeing up Hard Disk space, which in turn, lack of Hard Disk space could be the cause.
CCleaner also cleans traces of your online internet & browsing history. It also contains a registry cleaner. If you use it often, at times, it takes only a second to run. It contains no Spyware or Adware.
It is compatible with Internet Explorer, FireFox, Google Chrome, Opera & Safari Browsers.
Just type 'free ccleaner download' into your preferred search engine, it is quite simple to configure & you would have a bill of between £30-70 to have this routine maintenance carried out by a tech, plus you can use the application as often & as many times as you wish. The latest update is v2.30.11.30 .
Another alternative for treating a sluggish system, or one that keeps locking-up, or freezing, is to Deframent the Hard Drive. I get my system auto Defragged by another free application that goes by the title of 'Smart Defrag,' which again you can request a free download of.
If lack of RAM is not your dillema & you have not recently carried out System Maintenance procedures, then I cannot stress strongly enough how much improvement you will be physically aware of, by adding CCleaner & Smart Defrag to your desktop icons.
I truly hope that I have been of assistance to you Richard & I would like to wish you the best of luck in the future, regarding your system.
Kindest regards,
Ste