Computer help forum: computer programs keeps freezing

Also, read the next link and share if you did the work they did.
-> http://forums.cnet.com/7723-6122_102-569818/getting-ready-to/?tag=contentBody;threadListing

I have more ideas but let's see answers to these questions first.
Bob

Its the pavilion dv7-6154nr. I have been thinking about taking it apart and cleaning the fan and stuff. I did replace the keyboard recently and omg it was so dusty and full of crumbs. The fan does make weird noises and sometimes it does get a bit warm. I wasn't sure and I am still not sure if that's the problem, I guess that's the reason you gave me that link. I did also notice that recovery disk drive was getting kinda full and ifthat could be the reason everything is freezing so much.

It's your choice to keep up on maintenance as you read above.

But as I read http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c02914149&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=5151752 this might be a very hot laptop. But there is something we can do to cut the heat a little and avoid a meltdown.

Learn how to limit the number of CPU CORES Windows will use. I see how at
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/66504-processors-limit-number-used-windows-7-a.html

Since this is a Quad Core, try setting it to 3 and re-test.
Bob

So I was taking my laptop apart to clean the fan when one of the screws became stripped. So that's just awesome. Any tool you can recommend to get it out.

Why? Well, it is. I usually see that on old gear that folk have been in before. To get the screw out I have to lift on the fan while unscrewing that at the same time. Sort of a learned skill.

To repair the strip is another discussion on its own but in short we either use a similar but one size up screw that can make it's own threads (too much to write about here so we'll keep it short). Or glue a nut that works with this screw to the other side. Or replace the part with the stripped threads.

Your finding is a good clue to the problems. If the threads were stripped then that could mean the heatsink or such is not able to get the pressure needed for good thermal performance.
Bob

I didn't even get to the fan. This is a screw on the case. I can't even get to the fan to clean it. Its stuck in the laptop. You know when try to unscrew something and something has to the screw and it strips? Do you know how I can get it out?

It was some Lenovo and to get it open we removed all the other screws as indicated. Then lift on the cover while unscrewing the stripped one. Like I said you sort of learn this over time.
Bob