Freezing caused by damaged or corrupt system files is the most difficult one to fix. Mainly because the Tools available to find and fix problem files, can take some considerable time to run. So how can you use these if your computer keeps freezing?
If your computer loads normally, the first one to try is the System File Checker. Click Start, go to All Programs, Accessories and right click on Command Prompt. Select Run as Administrator if asked, in the command prompt window type, SFC/SCANNOW and press enter on your keyboard. If your computer freezes during this operation, you will at least be able to see which file the computer stopped at, make an exact note of this file.
The second option is to run Check Disk with the ‘F’ fix option. Click Start and then Run, in the box type CHKDSK/F and press Enter. This Tool will probably not run immediately, but will ask if you want to schedule the check for the next time you start Windows. This is good, as the check will occur before anything else has loaded, look for and check a button to, Automatically Fix Errors and click YES! Restart your computer and keep, everything crossed until the check has completed.
In the unlikely event that this also fails to stop your computer freezing, then your last option is to contact Microsoft with the details of the damaged file obtained from the System File Checker.
Some computers only Freeze, when they are connected to the Internet. This is usually caused by Browser Add-Ons, particularly ActiveX controls. Connect to the Internet and open your Browser. If you are using Internet Explorer look along the top for Tools. Click the little down arrow on the right hand side and choose Manage Add Ons from the drop down menu. Any from Microsoft should be fine, of the others, look for any that are, Not Verified and disable those first. Don’t worry about disabling anything here, they will return next time you restart Windows. If that fails to stop Freezing, then you will have to go through them all one-by-one until the freezing stops occurring.
Uninstall the corrupt add on, if you need to re-install it, download a fresh version from the vendors own web site. It may also be a good idea to have the Windows Task Manager Window visible whilst you are on the Internet. Then you can keep an eye open for any sudden excessive CPU usage. This could of course be quite harmless; perhaps Windows or Your Anti-virus is checking for updates. On the other hand, it could be Spyware or other Malicious Software, trying to call home!
Before installing or opening any new downloaded software on your computer, always first run a quick scan with your Anti-virus or Security suite. Right click on the folder containing your new software, and then choose ‘Scan With’ Norton, or whatever security suite you are using.