Here are some reasons for freezes - and some solutions:
Too many programs are running at once. Computer vendors often configure their machines to load several programs automatically when you turn on your computer.
In addition, you may have installed some programs that also want to load into memory on bootup. All too often, these programs load without giving any outward appearance that they are lurking in memory.
If you have Windows Millennium Edition or Windows 98, use the System Configuration Utility to reduce the number of programs loading. Go to Start/Run
In the Open box, type "msconfig" without the quotes, then press Enter.
That will start the System Configuration Utility,
When the System Configuration Utility comes up, click on the Startup tab
Go through the list of programs. When you find a program that is being loaded automatically against your wishes, click on the line or on the box to the left of the reference to remove the checkmark.
When you are done, click on Apply and allow the system to reboot..
To end this kind of program overload in Windows 95, move shortcuts out of the StartUp folder and remove program references from the "load" and "run" lines in the Win.ini file.
Article Q243039 in Microsoft's online Knowledge Base is a good guide to streamlining 95's start-up.
A program may be corrupted or have a bug. On closer scrutiny, it may become apparent that the freeze occurs only when a certain program is running. That tells you the software is flawed.
Reinstall the program. If that does not work, visit the publisher's Web site. There may be a bug fix or update available.
Your computer may be overheating. Computers generate a tremendous amount of heat. Maybe the fan in your PC's power supply is broken, dusty or simply not strong enough.
Your microprocessor also should have a fan. It may be broken or, if you bought a cheap PC, inefficient.
Then again, your fans may be fine, but the vents at the PC's back could be blocked. Give the computer breathing room.
You may have IRQ conflicts. IRQ is not a New York subway line. It stands for Interrupt Request.
Every device on your PC has an IRQ line through which it communicates to the processor that the device needs its services. Two devices may be trying to access the same IRQ, a definite no-no.
Use the Device Manager in the System portion of the Control Panel to determine whether you have an IRQ conflict.
Your temporary file folders may be overpopulated. Clean out everything in the Temp and Temporary Internet Files folders. Both are inside the Windows folder.
Then empty the Recycle Bin and defragment your hard drive.
Your hard drive is too crowded. For Windows to work correctly, it needs to have enough space to create a swap file, a special file it uses as temporary memory.
At least 10 percent of your hard drive must be free at all times for Windows to create a proper swap file. Uninstall no-longer needed programs, and delete outdated data files or move them to floppies.
Some programs are allergic to your current sound or video drivers. Visit the Web site maintained by the manufacturer of your sound or video cards, then download and install any updated drivers.
You are using a program whose data file has been corrupted. You may have to re-create the data file or, if you have been wise and have been backing up your data, import one of the backups. You'll have to hope the backup is not corrupted as well.
Your screen saver and/or your desktop wallpaper may be eating up memory or simply causing trouble. Lose them. Rather than use a screen saver, turn off the monitor when you leave the computer on for a protracted period.
Print that picture of your spouse, child or favorite asteroid and put it in a frame on your desk, instead of using it as wallpaper on your computer desktop.