Computer locks up....

[kati_jo]

Okay.....I have searched everywhere I can think of.  I like to play on-line games and beginning about 1 1/2 months ago my computer started locking up in the middle of a game.  it is only some games.  I have tried a system restore and it tells me that there have been no changes made.  I have done the directXdiag and all looks okay.  I did try to dawnload the update for nVidia and when I didn that my machine would not re-boot, it just started looping.  I had to do a restart from last known good config.  I am running Windows XP pro (an upgrade disc from windows ME).  I have tried everything in my small array of knowledge......any ideas?  thank you

[kati_jo]

I forgot to note that after the nVidia debacle.....I reverted back to the last known good config....now I have a missing dll file.  I downloaded it, but it doesnt semm to like it.

[merlin_2]

have a look in the events log view errors.admin tools...you could roll back your nvida driver?does this happen on certain websites.... lost dll either re-boot f8 and chose the last good config..or try system file checker C:\>sfc /?

[kati_jo]

I have checked the events log and the only thing in there is a bunch of errors when internet explorer wont close out properly. So I have to ctrl/alt/delete.  I am not sure how to roll back my driver? I did do the last good config and it still says I am missing the driver. Finally....I am not sure about the system file checker?  thank you for your help.  I am afraid I will need to wipe the hard drive and start all over.  

[merlin_2]

try f8 again safe mode and do this>control panel/system/advanced/settings >startup and recovery>/system failure/uncheck-automatically restart. try download the driver again...

[kati_jo]

Okay....I did that, but now it wont let me download the driver again...and I cant restore it to an earlier date because nothing has changed.  UGH

[merlin_2]

hit the f8 key again and chose last good config and re-boot..and this bunch of errors<event log> what are they?

[kati_jo]

there are so many I dont even know where to start.  Quite a few acpi, Service Control Manager, DCOM, VSS, Event System, Application Hang.   well.....for the most part the freezing occurs when I try to play online games in Yahoo.....I just dont know.   :-/

[merlin_2]

any stop error messages try an online virus scan from trendmirco...and scan for trojans etc use stinger form network associates or try this>http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm  you have of course all the uopdates?

[kati_jo]

I do have all the updates.  I did a fresh install of XP Pro....I am still getting locked up.  If I have several windows opened it will lock up to I have just found out.  I am thinking it might be something to do with the video card.  When I try to download the update for it it messes up the whole computer.  I have to do a last known good config.  

[merlin_2]

try this website it may help>http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm  but the issue here is your graphics card?does your keyboard mouse play up?and nearly forgot the phamtom winxp firewall is it configured to this game site?

[kati_jo]

I thought the firewall would just block the site?  My computer comletely locks up....have to shut down and re-boot.  Keyboard and mouse are fine.I will try the site you suggested.  TY for all the help

[Raptor]

You should clean the registry and remove redundant files with a program such as Advanced System Optimizer and Regseeker.

And use the Windows diskcleaner as well.

[kati_jo]

Okay.....feeling REALLY stupid now.  I looked at the website that Merlin posted, it was like greek to me.  and I have NO clue how to do the tasks that Raptor suggests......I am sorry.

[Raptor]

Go to these websites:

Advanced System Optimizer

Regseeker

(Click on the names to go there)

From there, download the programs (ASO is only avaible as a free trial, unless you plan on registering) and follow the instructions carefully Nothing can go wrong if you are careful and read.