Computer problem - need advice

[mikeg]

My mouse pointer (and thus my computer) occasionally freezes while I'm on the internet. But, if I leave everything alone (i.e., don't touch the computer) for about 30 seconds, I regain mouse control, and the computer suddenly works normally again. The computer is a Pentium 3, with Win 98SE. Doing a Norton check for viruses, and also using Adaware made no difference. I'd really appreciate suggestions for solving this problem.

 

[PinkFloyd]

Could be a memory thing, try freeing up some memory and see if it helps it. How much RAM is installed?

Mike.

Also. try repairing internet explorer...... go to "add remove programs, click on internet explorer and tick the "repair" box.... whilst you're at it you may also want to go into internet options and clear the temporary internet files out.

 

[amol]

Is that an USB or a PS/2 mouse ?

 

[brandoj]

So it's not just your mouse? Like you can hit alt + F4 or the windows key or something and nothing happens?

 

[mikeg]

525 meg ram. I'll try to repair explorer. Thanks.
Quote:

Originally Posted by PinkFloyd Could be a memory thing, try freeing up some memory and see if it helps it. How much RAM is installed? Mike. Also. try repairing internet explorer...... go to "add remove programs, click on internet explorer and tick the "repair" box.... whilst you're at it you may also want to go into internet options and clear the temporary internet files out.

 

[mikeg]

PS/2 mouse.
Quote:

Originally Posted by amol Is that an USB or a PS/2 mouse ?

 

[mikeg]

when it happens, and I hit all kinds of keys, including ctl+alt+del, nothing happens. I haven't tried alt + F4 yet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandoj So it's not just your mouse? Like you can hit alt + F4 or the windows key or something and nothing happens?

 

[PinkFloyd]

Hi Mike,

I repaired IE and it solved this problem so It's worth a go.

Also, clear out all of your temp internet files and cookies. Should do the trick.

Mike.

 

[Snake]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeg My mouse pointer (and thus my computer) occasionally freezes while I'm on the internet. But, if I leave everything alone (i.e., don't touch the computer) for about 30 seconds, I regain mouse control, and the computer suddenly works normally again. The computer is a Pentium 3, with Win 98SE. Doing a Norton check for viruses, and also using Adaware made no difference. I'd really appreciate suggestions for solving this problem.

There could be many causes, so I have many suggestions.

The computer may be clearing a full cache to make room for more files. Clear the cache. If you are on high speed internet the way to avoid this is in Explorer's 'Advanced' tab where you set "Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed". Reduce - yes, reduce - the size of the internet cache to no larger than 120 MB or so.

Your Norton AV could be doing system housecleaning behind your back on all those temporary and personal files, hogging CPU resources. Turn on your System Monitor, set a CPU meter up, and keep it in the background during your internet surfing for the next few days. See what the CPU meter does when your computer "freezes" - if the CPU meter pegs out we have to figure what program is hogging the CPU. If it does not peg then we might have a hardware, kernel, VxD or other issue.

Step by step.

 

[PinkFloyd]

I know you know how to do it but just to test my new broadband speed here are a couple of screenshots

To repair IE

Start / settings / control panel / Add Remove Programs

When the "add /remove programs properties" window appears scroll down until you see:

"Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 and internet tools" (or whatever version of IE you are running) Highlight it and:

Click "add remove"

Check the "repair Internet Explorer" button and then click "OK"

 

[PinkFloyd]

Actually before you do that clear out your temp internet files making sure you check the "delete all offline content box"

To do this go to:

Start / settings / control panel / internet options

First off hit "delete cookies" then hit "Delete Files" and make sure you check the "delete all offline content box" and hit OK. Always delete the "offline content" to ensure all the temp internet files are wiped.

Should look like this:

 

[mikeg]

I've just done this, and we'll see if things improve. Thank you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PinkFloyd I know you know how to do it but just to test my new broadband speed here are a couple of screenshots To repair IE Start / settings / control panel / Add Remove Programs When the "add /remove programs properties" window appears scroll down until you see: "Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 and internet tools" (or whatever version of IE you are running) Highlight it and: Click "add remove" Check the "repair Internet Explorer" button and then click "OK"

 

[mikeg]

Thanks PinkFloyd. I've done all that you suggested, and things look good. Thanks very much.

 

[mikeg]

I really appreciate your help, and I'll try some of what you suggest. Thank you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snake There could be many causes, so I have many suggestions. The computer may be clearing a full cache to make room for more files. Clear the cache. If you are on high speed internet the way to avoid this is in Explorer's 'Advanced' tab where you set "Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed". Reduce - yes, reduce - the size of the internet cache to no larger than 120 MB or so. Your Norton AV could be doing system housecleaning behind your back on all those temporary and personal files, hogging CPU resources. Turn on your System Monitor, set a CPU meter up, and keep it in the background during your internet surfing for the next few days. See what the CPU meter does when your computer "freezes" - if the CPU meter pegs out we have to figure what program is hogging the CPU. If it does not peg then we might have a hardware, kernel, VxD or other issue. Step by step.