XP Locks up

Check the memory.
You can test the memory by running Windows Memory Diagnostic that can be downloaded from http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp. If memory problems are found, try re-seating the RAM. If it doesn't work, replace the defective RAM.

Video Memory Stress Test 1.4
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Video_Memory_Stress_Test__d5896.html

Note: A damaged or insufficiently charged internal battery can corrupt CMOS or BIOS settings. It can also cause all sorts of wierd things to happen.

The 3 most important reasons for poor performance despite capable hardware are:

1) Antivirus software
2) Windows services
3) Background processes

Antivirus applications are notorious for converting perfectly decent computers into molasses. McAfee and Symantec/Norton are among the worst offenders.

Disable your antivirus program and see if this makes a difference. Uninstall it if my suspicions prove correct. If you feel you absolutely must have antivirus protection, the [i]Avast![/i] freeware has received favorable commentary in this Forum:

http://www.avast.com/

Disable unneeded Windows services. Review Scott Lowe's excellent June'05 TR post:

http://tinyurl.com/yohler

You will need to use judgement, because some of the services that you can disable might actually be useful for what you're doing with the computer. You will find Windows Services at:

Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services

Right click the service, select Properties, and disable an unneeded service. Those services already set to manual that have not started can be left alone, because they do not automatically load into memory at startup.

Finally, investigate background startup processes, and disable those that you don't need. To determine what processes load at startup, open the Task Manager, and examine the Processes list. Identify the processes at ProcessLibrary.com website:

http://www.processlibrary.com/

If you have access to the command [i]msconfig.exe[/i], you can selectively disable processes that load at startup. If you do not have access to this command, download and install the free antispyware program Spybot Search and Destroy:

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

Install Spybot. Under the Tools menu, you will see a list of startup processes. Uncheck the ones you wish to disable. This is completely reversible if you change your mind later.

It goes without saying that, before commencing any series of computer configuration tweaks, create a Restore Point in System Restore. That way, should you assassinate an essential startup process, you can recover your computer to a working configuration, and then cautiously retrace your steps.

Consider adding more physical memory if your motherboard will support it. Windows XP will run on 128MB of RAM, but it won't run very fast. You should have at least 512MB of RAM for XP, and more if your motherboard will support it.

So check your User Manual to determine the maximum RAM you can install. Optimising RAM is the single most important hardware change you can make to improve computer performance.

Rick/Portland, OR

Thanks for all the help but none have seemed to work. Still suspect the video card failure because of locking up during game play. Any other ideas??
Its a hp Pavilion 555e with 1500 mb ram 160 gig hd XP sp2. Thinking of a repair but having trouble getting it all done to include sp2.