Problems with freezing Windows XP desktop

Lunabu

I've been having problems with my Dell Dimension 8400 for the last few weeks as it randomly freezes up.
I've defragged it and run several anti virus scans, I've removed all temp files and did a system restore, all to no avail. I can't see anything else wrong with it, but it just freezes without any apparent pattern.
Can anybody help? I've searched the internet but haven't seen anything I haven't tried yet.
Many thanks!

CS Hasuki

Does it BSOD? Restart? What happens on screen?

Lunabu

Nothing happens. It just freezes and Ctrl Alt Delete doesn't work, so I have to press and hold down the power button to reboot the computer:(

Spacedog

try unplugging non-essential external/internal devices, external USB drives etc. and see if the problem persists.

I know having several older Western Digital Drives can conflict IRQs and cause intermittant freezes (complete with annoying sound freeze).

strip to the bare essentials and see if it fixes the problem, than gradualy add them back until you find the trouble maker.

if it still crashes after bare minimum, test your RAM and CPU. or try re-installing XP (or try ubuntu ).

Lunabu

Thanks for that, I'll try it