UH-Victoria

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Technology Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Question

What should I do if my computer freezes up? …is sluggish?…responds erratically

Answer

Most of the time this is happening because of a lack of available computer resources, such as RAM (Random Access Memory). Occasionally, programs will gobble up RAM when they are opened and will not give the resources back to the operating system (Windows XP, Vista, etc.) when the program is closed.

First, try closing all applications that you can do without. If that does not solve it, restarting the computer will give back the resources.

If the start button is still responding, Select Start/Shut Down, then Restart. If the start button is not responding you will have to push the Ctrl, Alt & Del keys at one time. Then select restart.

If all else fails, push and hold the power button for a slow 10 second count. You will see the computer power down. You will then have to push the power button again to turn the computer back on. You will lose any unsaved changes to any open documents or files.