Help, My Computer Keeps Crashing. What do I do?

The Unresponsive Program

One of the most common indications that your computer has crashed is the "unresponsive" program. The program you're working with refuses to function as it should and could also appear "stuck" in the task bar at the bottom of the screen. No amount of clicking will take it out of it's 'mininimzed' state to full screen.

The Illegal Operation

Another sign of a computer freeze is the illegal operation message. Don't worry, you won't have the cops at your door anytime soon. This is simply a popup message telling you that a program (not you) has performed an "illegal operation" or has become unresponsive. Chances are you will presented with a couple of options that either allow you to close the offending program, or to cancel the program and let the computer attempt to reopen it.

The Frozen Mouse

Another major indicator is that your mouse may appear to be stuck or frozen in place on the screen. It becomes completely unresponsive and no amount of mouse jiggline will budge it.

The Blue Screen of Death

This is probably the most nasty and obvious signs that something has gone wrong. Your computer will flash to a blue-background with white text. YOu will also see some ominmous computer code alongside an error message.

There are many reasons why a computer may freeze or completely crash. The most common reason is an overload in the memory. Computers have a set amount of memory to work with (this is their RAM, or "Random Access Memory"). If you attempt to do more with the computer than it's capable of handling at one time, it may "crash" in an attempt to save itself. Generally, the cause of this is generally that too many programs are running at once for the computer to handle. If you are not using a program, close it.

Conflicts between programs are other well-known reasons for crashes. Programs such as virus detectors are notorious for conflicting with other applications and utilities. If you notice that crashes are occurring while the same two programs are running, try to avoid running these two programs at the same time.

Be Alert and Take Notes

If your computer is crashing constantly, it's likely that you will be able to identify the cause. Be alert as to what is happening at the time of the freeze or crash. Try to identify the application that is causing problems. Doing this, can help you avoid a bigger, more damaging crash in the future. Ask youself if you are seeing a pattern to the crashes. Does it only happen when you are running a particular program, or combination of programs on your computer? Does it crash when you are running too many programs at once? Were you working on a particular task? Graphics editing for example, can eat up a lot of memory resources quickly. Take notes and form a theory. By investigating the cause this time, you can understand how to avoid a next time.

End the Program .. If You Can

In Window, you'll have a Task Manager which provides a list of all the programs currently running on your computer. You can access it by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete all at the same time. It can also be accessed by right clicking on the bar at the bottom of your screen. In the Task Manager menu, you can individually close programs that are causing problems. You will know which programs are not respoding by looking at the Status opposite each. This will usually show "Running" if there are no problems with the program or "Not Responding" if the application is in trouble. To end the Program, select if the list and hit the "End Task" button. If you have been able to succesfully end the program, save your work in all other open applications, and restart your computer. This will restore your computer to a clean start ready to go again.

Before Rebooting Your Computer Please Read this

If all Else Fails ... Reboot

When all else fails, reboot! If you are not able to close the offending program, you have some choices but beware that you will loose any changes to unsaved documents or files. Still working within the Task Manager, try pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete again. Your computer will attempt to reboot itself. If the Task Manager is unrepsonsive, you still have a few options. You can press the 'reset; button on your computer tower or box. It should be located naer the regular "Power" button and will be smaller than it.. Pressing this button should immediately send your computer into reboot. If you don't have a reset button or can't find it, as a last resource, press the Power button and keep it pressed in for a few seconds until the your computer shuts down. Keep holding the putting until the shut down begins. This can take time, sometimes 10 seconds or more.

Crashes and freezes are part and parcel of working with a computer. But you can protect yourself. Get into the habit of making backups of your files, particularly the important ones! And save often. Put your USB key to use. Save current or small documents on to it as you work on them. These are almost always the files that suffer most during a crash. All computers are likely to become unstable and crash at some time. The best thing you can do is be aware of this and be prepared.