Computer Freezing

[alexanderd]

Every now and then my computer freezes completely, nothing works at all and I have to switch off and back on again when I get the message "Your computer did not switch off properly etc" I have windows vista running and it is most annoying. Any ideas anyone?

[Buenchico]

Start with obvious:

1. Run a full scan with your anti-virus software ; and

2. Run a full scan with the free version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware:
http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free/

Also check that the fan is running properly and that all of your computer's ventilation slots are unobstructed. (Overheating is a common cause of computer lock-ups).

[alexanderd]

buenchico, have done 1 and 2. I am sure the fan is ok and it is not long since the computer was cleaned out (it was filthy!!!)

[bibblebub]

A possibility is security software. Norton Internet Security used to completely freeze my machine for at least 15 seconds at a time, and could do that several times in quick succession. It didn't stay on my computer for too long after that started happening.

[Old_Geezer]

I've used http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php in the past to check on temperatures. May be worth a try.