We have an older Windows 2000 Server that freezes occasionally, and it seems to be getting worse. When it freezes Ctrl-Alt-Del does not work. It has to be power cycled.

When the computer sits unused it does not seem to occur. Moderate use as a File and Print Server sometimes causes the freeze. But when it is really hard at work (e.g. a virus scan) it is increasingly likely to freeze up. I do not get a blue screen or errors. I cannot find anything revealing in the event logs. It just suddenly dies and has to be unplugged to restart it.

I installed a utility for routine maintenance like cleaning the registry, and I installed service pack four. But this did not change anything.

What is likely the underlying problem?

Check your motherboard.
Check for "fat", "busted" capacitors around the CPU. This is most likely hardware issue.

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Check inside for dust buildup and faulty/failed cooling fans.

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Sounds like a hard drive problem. Do an error check of the hdd.

Double left click on the My Computer icon
Right click on the “C:” drive
Left click on Properties
Left click on the Tools tab
Left click on Check Now … under Error-checking
Left click Start

geolew