Computer Frequently Freezing. (Long, sorry)

[JPD]

Computer is Toshiba Satellite L305 laptop with 2.00GB Ram, 32-bit operation system running Windows Vista Home basic, Intel(R) CPU 585@ 2.16GHz G.16GHz Using 2701HG-B Gateway to connect wireless to DSL, I'm not sure of the type of modem on the computer

Over the past few days my computer as started, acting up, almost always when I'm online (I'm online 90% of time, I haven't been able to notice it acting up during other times)

I'll be online, and all of a sudden a page decides it won't load. Sometimes I can add and exit out of tabs, and trying different websites, but when I go to the top of the screen to the task-bar, I get the blue circle symbol (in older windows this would have been an hourglass).

I only get that blue circle symbol when the mouse is on the task-bar at the top of the screen. When not on that screen the I do have a mouse pointer, but clicking on things does not seem to do any good. The only thing I can do is hold the power button untill it turns off (Even ctrl-alt-del does nothing)

When I'm restarting the computer, it often gets 'stuck' on the Toshibia screen, and I can't even get the boot menu or setup to load, most times after two or three times of turning it off and turning it back on it works. The time where the computer completely turned off on me (when I think it was overheating) it took over half an hour.

The first time I thought it was do to overheating, and using coretemp I was able to see that several times it was running hot (Mid-High 80's), and one time the computer completely shut down while in the middle of watching a video online.

Today I was keeping a close eye on the temp, and it froze once when it was not running hot. Most the time I am running Firefox 3.16.5, and it did happen once when using Google chrome 9.0.597.107

The Laptop will be two years old this summer.

If you have any other questions, just ask and answer them to the best of my ability.

[JPD]

The first thing I did this morning is run Malwarebytes scan, which didn't find anyting and an virus scan using AVG free, and found these two things:

"";"C:\Users\Joan\AppData\Local\Temp\AVGDownloadMa nager\packages\10\AVGToolbarInstall.exe";"The file is signed with a broken digital signature, issued by: AVG Technologies.";""

"";"C:\Program Files\Toshiba\TOSAPINS\COMPS1\Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility (3264bit)0\MANUAL\B27611B.EXE";"The file is signed with a broken digital signature, issued by: TOSHIBA AMERICA INFORMATION SYSTEMS.";""

defragmenting now.

Also, how do you reformat? The computer didn't come with any disks, and in addition, the sticker with the windows proof of license is all but worn off, and is completely unreadable.

[Der Cute]

JPD:
Use your Disk Management (My Computer, right click that icon, select Manage. 2/3 of the way down left menu, find Disk Management)

And find out if there is a partition called Reformat, Install, something pertaining to a new setup.

Usually with lappies recently, there is a partition holding the original virgin OS with NO extra programs, drivers and junk.
You will need to use a program to find your exact OS liscense key. (Magical Jelly Bean).
Record that key, keep in safe place.

See if you can find out online (manual!) how to reinstall the OS. Remember to save pics, docs, sheets, bookmarks, emails, special apps. Write down toolbars, plugins, freeware and others you like. Once these are recorded, also write down S/N of lappy. you might need that when you go to support of Toshiba for new drivers.
Also, download some antivirus, antimalware and cleaner programs onto a usb stick. Oh,and Vista patches.
Once you've done the nuke...use the anti virus, and patches to get it semi protected.
Then update both..and reinstall junk....reboot a lot.

[emax4]

Do you have pets? Cigarette smoke in the place? Sometimes clogged vents can cause a computer to overheat and freeze up. Try using a small (uses batteries) vacuum on the vents, then use a can of compressed air on it as well. You can also take it apart but I'd recommend that only if you've done it in the past, or have another computer handy to read the instructions for the model's disassembly.

[JPD]

I have found that if I keep a close eye on the core temp gadget for the computer, and not let it get above 70, I don't have very few issues with the computer, which are usually glitches already in the programs I'm running.

I have found out that it tends to get overheated when I have it on my lap, on top of a blanket, or if I have it sitting on my bed.

[Daemonmonkey]

I have found out that it tends to get overheated when I have it on my lap, on top of a blanket, or if I have it sitting on my bed.

Those are a No-No! And it's doubtful if you should keep it on your lap blocking the vents.

Vents MUST be kept free at all times, since the ventilator in laptops isn't particularly effective.

Do you have pets? Cigarette smoke in the place? Sometimes clogged vents can cause a computer to overheat and freeze up. Try using a small (uses batteries) vacuum on the vents, then use a can of compressed air on it as well. You can also take it apart but I'd recommend that only if you've done it in the past, or have another computer handy to read the instructions for the model's disassembly.

I agree on what emax said. But I would try to blow from the exhaust vent towards the fan, I've seen clogged heat-sinks with dust thick as fur. It won't get out if you try to blow it from the vent.

[lordlundar]

It's funny, my folks got a new HP notebook and I told my dad in no uncertain terms not to let it sit on his lap. He asked why and I told him "because the phrase 'great balls of fire' will take on a WHOLE new meaning."

[TheSHAD0W]

"";"C:\Users\Joan\AppData\Local\Temp\AVGDownloadMa nager\packages\10\AVGToolbarInstall.exe";"The file is signed with a broken digital signature, issued by: AVG Technologies.";""

"";"C:\Program Files\Toshiba\TOSAPINS\COMPS1\Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility (3264bit)0\MANUAL\B27611B.EXE";"The file is signed with a broken digital signature, issued by: TOSHIBA AMERICA INFORMATION SYSTEMS.";""

A "broken digital signature" means that the file has been modified, either deliberately by a virus, or by data corruption.

[Der Cute]

Oh, there are laptop accessories - a beanbag bottom and plastic flat top. sits on your lap, gets comfy and lets lappy vent.

You could also put a shim between feet of lappy and plastic flat top.

And: yes, to last post...corrupt or virus. Please nuke and reinstall as advised above.