Windows XP - Freezing

[JJ]

I have just done all the critical updates for my windows
xp as I was advised to do (except Service Pack 1 as I was
told it is not compatible with some programs) and now my
computer keeps freezing. The only way out is to turn off
and start it up again.

Has anyone else had the same problem and have they sorted
it - I would be very grateful for some help here.

Thanks, Judy

[Alex Nichol]

JJ wrote:

>I have just done all the critical updates for my windows
>xp as I was advised to do (except Service Pack 1 as I was
>told it is not compatible with some programs) and now my
>computer keeps freezing. The only way out is to turn off
>and start it up again.

In doing so I think you may have got the troubles without the benefits
of SP1, and have an incoherent set of updates. What I would do is get a
copy of the complete Network version - if you have broadband, download
it from
http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsXP/pro/downloads/servicepacks/sp1/default.asp
or if you don't, by a CD from the link on that page, at the bottom is
the link $10 plus S&H IIRC -

Then clean the system up by a repair reinstall. Set the BIOS to boot CD
before Hard disk, then boot the XP CD, start Setup (do not take
'Repair' at this stage), then after the license agreement take 'Repair
Installation'. This will retain your existing software installations
and most settings. Have critical data backed up, just in case. But this
will have removed all updates to put you back to a clean start

So start by running your downloaded/bought copy of SP1 - and do *not*
accept rumors about programs that don't work. Then It is important to
activate the basic XP Firewall before you ever connect to the net to
get other patches, so as to be protected against things like the BLAST
worm. Once that is enabled, then start by going to
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;826939
and take the 'Download 826939 package now', about a quarter way down -
that will bring you fairly near up to date on security ones


--
Alex Nichol MS MVP (Windows Technologies)
Bournemouth, U.K. (remove the D8 bit)