Random lockups

My computer randomly freezes when trying to start
programs. Could this be a hardware problem? when the
computer freezes explorer stops responding and when trying
to end task it I get a blue screen saying the system is
busy. Could this be a hard drive error? it seems my
computer takes longer to shut down all of a sudden. could
a "dirty" reinstallation of Windows ME fix this? I've
scanned with Norton 2003 Pro, Adaware 6, Spybot,
CWShredder, and stinger, all upgrades installed and have
found no sign of viruses or spyware. I have to restart
like 10 times a day and its extremely annoying.

Noel
Thu Apr 08 16:14:46 CDT 2004

so - what are your Virtual Memory settings? - DO NOT limit them! - allow
Windows to manage them - and make sure that there are no unnecessary entries
under [vcache] in your SYSTEM.INI

--
Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2004, Win9x)

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm

Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's

"Mike" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:1a2af01c41d9f$488dbab0$a301280a@phx.gbl...
> My computer randomly freezes when trying to start
> programs. Could this be a hardware problem? when the
> computer freezes explorer stops responding and when trying
> to end task it I get a blue screen saying the system is
> busy. Could this be a hard drive error? it seems my
> computer takes longer to shut down all of a sudden. could
> a "dirty" reinstallation of Windows ME fix this? I've
> scanned with Norton 2003 Pro, Adaware 6, Spybot,
> CWShredder, and stinger, all upgrades installed and have
> found no sign of viruses or spyware. I have to restart
> like 10 times a day and its extremely annoying.

mike
Thu Apr 08 16:27:01 CDT 2004

Did not limit RAM settings Windows manages them. where is
the System.ini file?

mike
Thu Apr 08 16:34:47 CDT 2004

I found the system.ini file, no entries under vcache.

Noel
Fri Apr 09 00:24:41 CDT 2004

And is Virtual Memory under Windows control?

--
Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2004, Win9x)

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm

Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's

"mike" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:1766401c41db1$50caa050$a601280a@phx.gbl...
> I found the system.ini file, no entries under vcache.

Noel
Fri Apr 09 01:24:03 CDT 2004

I didn't ask about RAM settings (except insofar as covered by the [vcache]
entries - I asked about Virtual Memory - which is a different beast
altogether.
Please answer the question - let me rephrase it 'again'

What are the settings under
System Properties | Performance | Virtual Memory

They should be set to 'Let Windows manage.....'


--
Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2004, Win9x)

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm

Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's

"mike" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:1a6ec01c41db0$3acbc960$a101280a@phx.gbl...
> Did not limit RAM settings Windows manages them. where is
> the System.ini file?

mike
Fri Apr 09 13:07:22 CDT 2004

yes