Computer started freezing after being unused for a few minutes...?

Question

For the past two weeks, whenever I leave my computer running for more than ten minutes without doing anything with it, the computer freezes.  I can't click anything, do the control+alt+delete function, or anything.  I'm forced to shut it down manually by holding down the button, then I turn it on again and it works just fine until I leave it for more than ten minutes.  

Its a two-year-old Asus, and it has never done this until the past couple weeks.  I've always run multiple virus scans, defragmentations (not sure of the spelling there), and other computer care.  I avoid 'risky' websites, and haven't been anywhere new in the past few weeks either.

I've ran virus scans and defrags since the computer started freezing, and they aren't picking up anything wrong.

Has anyone dealt with this, or knows anything about this?  Any ideas will be appreciated, just so I know what's going on :)

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Here's my checklist for random freezes/crashes/shutdowns/restarts:

Things you should do:
--Check for cooling issues/excessive heat:
http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php (Speedfan)

--Check for malware and spyware (perform FULL scans in Safe Mode):
MalwareBytes > http://www.malwarebytes.org/
SuperAntiSpyware > http://www.superantispyware.com/index.html
Spybot S&D > http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html

--Run Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool :
http://www.pchell.com/virus/malicioussoftwareremovaltool.shtml

--Check your RAM for errors:
memtest86+ > http://www.memtest86.com/ Click on 'Fee Download'

--Check your hard drive:
chkdsk >
Click on the Start button, then on [My] Computer. Right click on your Windows drive (usually C:) and then click on Properties. Click on the 'Tools' tab and then click on the 'Check Now' button under 'Error checking'. In the 'Check Disk' windows, make sure both check boxes are marked and then click on the 'Start' button. It should tell you that it wants to run when you restart your computer. Click on OK to schedule the scan and then restart your computer.

-- Open up your case and check the capacitors on your motherboard and on your video card.
http://www.badcaps.net

-- Another option is to run sfc /scannow:
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=147786System
File Checker (sfc.exe) comes with XP, Vista and Windows 7, so the instructions should pertain to whatever Windows version you have.

One other thing that it could possibly be:
Have you recently downloaded any third party screen savers?  They aren't known for their stability...and wouldn't show up on a scan if they are just poorly done and not malicious.

_

Anonymous · Answer

You should run a cloud virus scan such as BitDefender or Panda, as these would catch stuff traditional virus scanners don't catch.  Also, you could be having a motherboard problem.  There really is no reason for your computer to act like that except for a virus or motherboard problem.

kimberli · Answer

properly what you're able to do is ctrl+alt+delete on XP or ctrl+shift+esc on Vista and notice what a number of your maximum used courses are and then in case you upload that up you will get a sturdy concept on how lots ram you employ via fact if a working laptop or computing device is working sluggish the 1st element to examine is ram utilization.

Hugh · Answer

This could have many causes, but overheating might be the most common. Make sure all the fans are running properly and clean out any dust/dirt.

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Computer started freezing after being unused for a few minutes...?

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