How do I troubleshoot a PC problem?

Question

Every so often my computer just stops loading new programs when I try to start them. My current windows will still work as long as I do not close them and try to reload, like email, windows explorer, and current IE sessions. Every so often, if I try to click on a program, it just won't load and no other programs will load either. How do I troubleshoot this problem? I have already had to reboot 7 times today. Please help!!!

Answer 1

Shut down it for a day

Answer 2

You say you are loading programs, do you mean installing them. Do you use a lot of 3rd party software? It sounds like you have a "Memory Leak" This happens when poorly written software initiates, memory space is set aside for it to run in. When it is shutdown, the memory space is not released.

It could also be virus activity or spyware. Update and run your virus scan. Run Defrag and checkdisk. Then download and update a good spyware program. Spybot is about the best I have found and it is free.

http://www.safer-networking.org/index2.h...

If you are still having problems, an inventory of software you are running at the time of the failure would be benificial. It may be the result of poorly written freeware.

I hope this helps.

Cheers

  

Answer 3

I would suggest that you try running a virus scan, as well as an antispyware scan if you're programs aren't loading and are crashing frequently.

If that doesn't work, perhaps you should try doing a System Restore to a time when you were able to open your programs without any problems.

Good luck and I hope I helped you!