Alright. Over the past week I've had a lot of problems with my computer. It started last week when my computer wouldn't boot up because some system files were either "Missing or Corrupt". So i went through a long tedious process of trying to fix it, but eventually ended up just re installing windows xp. After the re install, windows booted up just fine, but i noticed when i was setting up windows, the computer would freeze during the setup process, which needless to say made me real mad cause i had to try like 5 times just to complete the install. After i installed windows, the computer booted up fine, so i was excited. But. After a few minutes of using the computer after bootup, it froze again. Couldnt move the mouse, nothing moved. Just completely frozen. This now happens almost every time i use my computer, most of the time its only a few minutes after i boot it up. I've also noticed that everything seems a bit sluggish. Like when i drag an IM window around it goes real slow and choppy, its hard to explain. Also, when i use the mouse wheel to scroll around a page, like a firefox page, it goes slowly, and really choppy again. I initially thought that the problem was overheating, but i checked my fan and it seems to be working fine. The case feels very cool to the touch, just like normal. If someone could help me out i'd REALLY appreciate it. Here's the comps specs: Windows XP Pentium 4 3.0 ghz processor 512 mb of ram 160 gb hard drive integrated 128 mb ati radeon 9100 (?i think) vid card

First of all make sure all the fans are working inside the machine. Second...change the memory. I'll reck its probably the memory. How many sticks of RAM do you have? If you have two then take one out...if your still having probs then swap the memory over. You get my drift? Good luck

Well yea i said i checked the fans in my comp...i suppose i could switch the ram...but why would the ram just all of a sudden mess up and start freezing my comp?

They just do...worked in the IT industry for 10 years and still don't know why stuff suddenly stops working. I think its the way you hold your tongue when you shut down the computer!?!

hmm.. ok sounds good ill try it. anyways, anyone else got any other suggestions to try? i cant take my ram out til saturday when i get home from school.