Windows 7 forum: Why does my Windows 7 system freeze after it sits inactive for a while?

I have had the same problem with my win7 install. It was driving me nuts because I built an exact copy of my comp for my wife and hers doesn't have the freeze problem. Thought maybe I had a defective MB.
Checked bios this start up and found the power manage but had no clue what the S3 or S1 were bu mine is set for S3. That will change next start up. Thanks

Vista 64 bit does the same thing. I now put the PC to sleep whenever I will not be using it for more then a very short time. Not a solution, but a short term work around.

Unfortunately this is most likely the very common case of bad hardware. In fact it's so common that I wrote a similar post a couple of years ago. It's a bit lengthy but I believe it still applies to your case.

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7813_102-0.html?messageID=2912985#2912985

Since it appears you're running a desktop you actually have several more options on the table for identifying and replacing bad equipment. Having a similar computer available to you that works without any problems is invaluable at solving these problems quickly. I highly recommend trying to swap out parts (RAM, CPU, video card, etc) to see if it's any more stable. That's usually the best way to identify what piece of your computer is failing.

I don't know which processor you are using but, I have a Intel core i3 (laptop) and I had problems with it for the 1st 4 months I owned it. Most of the problems I had, had to do with when the computer went into "Sleep mode" or started running the screen saver. Then the computer would hang. You could restore the video drivers and this would help, but eventually you would be back to where it hung about 80 % of the time. From what I can tell, there were several issues that needed to be resolved. If your processor or computer has a NVIDIA graphics card, make sure you have the latest updates installed. Also, there were several Windows updates that needed to be installed that help resolve the issue. Now my computer is running the way it should have been when I first bought it, finally !

"Don't you just love MicroSoft" and "Buy a Mac" are the first two answers that popped into my head. A bit fictitious maybe but probably accurate. Lee has given you the best places to look at first and the most obvious I would think that would be causing your problem. If checking in those areas does not solve your issue, you can supply us with a bit more technical info about your hardware and we can go from there. Good luck.

First, the Apple OS for their desktop and laptop computers is called Leopard or Snow Leopard, and it is a type of UNIX. Linux is not UNIX, it is a clone of UNIX developed independently due to the high price of UNIX.

Second, the Windows you get with your PC is not free, it is included in the price of the computer in places where Microsoft has managed to manipulate the PC vendors into including it by default. The only joke here is your complete lack of knowledge of the history of PCs and their operating systems.

Third, the only reason why a computer running Linux and an identical one running Windows (or even UNIX/Leopard) would exhibit this same behaviour is due to a hardware problem (unlikely), a BIOS problem (always update your BIOS) or a configuration problem (turn off hibernation and learn how to use the power switch, 15 seconds is not going to make a single bit of real difference in your life).

Your response is a joke, stating "Mac is is a Linus distro" first off its Unix, and if your Linux and windows 7, is having freezing issues, try adding more ram cleaning the spy-ware and maybe any viruses you may have on your Window systems. As far as hardware I have not found any that I can not use on the mac, except some of the low budget video cards that pc's can use, and yes there are high dollar excellent video cards for the mac, so if you want a Generic everyday average computer buy a pc, won't cost you an arm and a leg,if you connect with the internet be sure to have anti spy-ware, a virus program, firewall program, and comparing your pc to the apple mac pro 8 core that can hold 32gb of memory that is 2 years old, is still well ahead of most pc's PC=Volkswagon Mac=Rolls Royce
Let the War Begin MUHAHAHAHAHAHA>>>>>>>>>>HA!

My Dell Inspiron 1545 (brand new at Christmas 2009) came with Windows 7. The main issue I have is the "Not Responding" errors, especially when I try and access my Control Panel. It's almost a daily thing. Recently it's been happening with Windows Media player, but I've noticed in this case, it's when my computer memory is being exhausted by other programmes.

I use Avast as my running anti-virus software, and do regular scans with Threatfire, Iorbit Security 360 and Malwarebytes. I maintain my system at least weekly (registry and defrag, etc.)to free up memory using Advanced System Care. I also use ZoneAlarm for my firewall. I keep everything updated. I can't help but think there's either a hardware error with this model laptop, or software error with Windows 7.

My reason for posting this here (and after I got CNET's newsletter), is that I've also experienced complete system freezes when my laptop has been left running. Perhaps only 3 or 4 times over the last few months, but enough to think I might have a virus! However, each time, all scans run clear.

I've just tried to check what power options I have enabled, and guess what? My Control Panel is not reponding!! Very frustrating! I don't think I have the sleep option enabled, but I will check again, it might take a reboot though.

Any help would be fab! Let me know if there's any more info you need that might make the puzzle easier!

Many thanks,

Jen

put on a screen saver to keep it busy

There are a lot of different factors that can contribute to Windows freezing up, but not a lot of possible solutions with the information we were provided. Do you have a screen saver running while the computer is idle, or does the screen just shut off? Have you installed an anti-virus program and is it up to date? Leave the Task Manager (Ctl+Alt+Del) running while you are away from the computer, and watch the processes tab closely when you return. What process is taking up the most CPU power? It's possible that a program running during idle is interfering with a program upon return to the PC. Or it's possible that the computer is trying to shut down the scnsvr.exe process for your screensaver and locks up during that call. Another place you could look is in the Error logs. Go to Computer (right-click)>Manage. In the Computer Management console, go to the left and double-click on Event Viewer, then Windows Logs, followed again by clicking "Applications." The window in the center will have a whole bunch of symbols. If you see a Yellow Exclamation Point or a Red Circle with an Exclamation Point, then follow up on those errors and you may find a solution to your problem. Hope this helps!

The problem is in the graphics and its not the computer or windows. This is due to solar activity...I know you are laughing, I'm not, I'm a scientist and the following will help.

1. Turn off computer and monitor
2. Unplug your VGA cable (or what ever cable you use) from the computer.
3. Unplug the power supply cable from the computer
4. Hold your on/off button in for about a minute to 1 1/2 minutes.
5. Plug everything back in and you should be all okay.

The solar activity will be getting worse so just beware it may happen again but I doubt it.

if your system seem to work fine after turning off all extra startup program, the way to find the one that your haveing the trouble with is long... you will need to turn on one at a time and test it untill you find the problem, it will take a long time but it will show you what is wrong.
then you will know how to fix it. I never had that type of problem before but I did that to find a problem with my startup error. and after a few days I found my problem and I fixed it. good luck and don't give up dude...

This is utterly ridiculous.

First of all, you have provided no scientific reason why this would cause Windows 7 (or any computer OS for that matter) to lock up, nor a reason why this solution would fix the problem.

What kind of scientist are you anyway?

It has a short attention span