wndows vista computer freeze & crash

[mcaffep]

Please help if you can. My wndows vista computer has started freezing & crashing (the latter a zig zag screen). It even takes 2 or 3 attempts to even turn my computer on. Is there an easy way to resolve this.

p.s. could it be caused by microsoft security essentials ?

[Buenchico]

During the boot sequence (i.e. before the Windows screen loads when you start your computer) press F8. That will take you into Safe Mode. Your monitor display will look very odd (because your video driver won't have been loaded) but you'll still be able to follow this path:
Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.

When you get into System Restore, use the option to reset your computer's registry to a date before the problem arose. (Choose the last date available before things went wrong). That wil hopefully fix the problem for you.

System Restore doesn't remove files such as documents, photos or emails. They'll still be intact. But if you've installed any new software, or performed any software updates, between the restore point and the present, you'll need to repeat what you did.

Chris

[ChuckFickens]

Describe exactly what you mean by "it even takes 2 or 3 attempts to even turn on"

What does it do or not do when it won't turn on? what point, if any, does it stop at?

If it's really not turning on then it's not Microsoft security essentials and doing a system restore won't help either. I'd take an initial guess at a power supply problem.

[modeller]

Chuck Why is it necessary to do it at time of Boot

[modeller]

Chuck Why at time of Boot up ? Can't you go to System Restore at any other time ?
I must admit I have found System Restore useless . It always ends up with a message saying due to an error it was not possible, try another date . I do so but it doesn't make any difference no matter how far back I go I get the same message. I then have to uninstall the most recent apps until the fault is cleared.
The last

[ChuckFickens]

Think you're asking the wrong person, modeller... I said nothing about doing anything at boot.

Chris said enter safe mode at boot up and then do a system restore, the reason for entering safe mode is to try and get the computer to boot if it's not normally.

I've just asked for clarification on what the OP means by "It even takes 2 or 3 attempts to even turn my computer on" because if it's really not coming on then it's not a windows problem, but a hardware problem, if it is coming on but simply failing to boot then it may be a windows problem.

[dartagnon]

Message for Chuck - A few months ago you gave me great advice when my sons Sony Viao computer had problems and I was faced with the options of either getting a new computer for him or a prohibitive repair bill. Thanks to you, Sony uplifted it and repaired it immediately free of charge. As soon as we get Personal Messaging on this site I'll get in touch to arrange getting a proper thank you.
I'll monitor this topic to see if you received this message. Once again, Thanks

[ChuckFickens]

Hi dartagnon.

Thanks for the post letting me know it all worked out OK, always good to hear :)

No need for anymore thanks than you've already given. always pleased to help if I can.

[dartagnon]

Thanks Chuck