Multiple Problems Related To Computer and Internet Freezing

Hello! I am a new user and I have created an account to learn more about fixing my own computer and to solve its specific issues. I'm not sure where to post certain questions since I don't know what is the chief problem. Basically, my computer keeps freezing and my anti-virus and anti-malware software are not picking up viruses. CCleaner also doesn't make any improvements. In these circumstances the ability to use CTRL+ALT+DEL also fails and I often have to fix the wireless adapter in the network settings in control panel. My primary internet browser is Mozilla Firefox 42.0. My computer also runs very hot and freezes after more than a few hours of use.

I believe that the computer and internet hangs are due to something operating within the internet software apparatus within my computer. When the freezing is at its worst, I must utilize a cold boot and forcefully turn off the computer manually.

I have other problems such as the system properties area crashing every time I attempt to access it. It also doesn't run the fastest.

I have downloaded AdwCleaner to work alongside the other Malwarebytes. I'm just waiting for your response and instructions before I do anything more.

Hello and welcome to GeekPolice.Net My name is Dave. I will be helping you out with your particular problem on your computer.

1. I will be working on your Malware issues. This may or may not solve other issues you have with your machine.
2. The fixes are specific to your problem and should only be used for this issue on this machine.
3. If you don't know or understand something, please don't hesitate to ask.
4. Please DO NOT run any other tools or scans while I am helping you.
5. It is important that you reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.
6. Your security programs may give warnings for some of the tools I will ask you to use. Be assured, any links I give are safe.
7. Absence of symptoms does not mean that everything is clear.

If you can't access the internet with your infected computer you will have to download and transfer any programs to the computer you're using now and transfer them to the infected computer with a CD-RW or a USB storage device. I prefer a CD because a storage device can get infected. If you use a storage device hold the shift key down while inserting the USB storage device for about 10 secs. You will also have to transfer the logs you receive back to the good computer using the same method until we can get the computer back on-line.
*************************************************************************
Please download AdwCleaner by Xplode onto your Desktop.

Before starting AdwCleaner, close all open programs and internet browsers, then double-click on the AdwCleaner icon.



If Windows prompts you as to whether or not you wish to run AdwCleaner, please allow it to run.
When the AdwCleaner program will open, click on the Scan button as shown below.



AdwCleaner will now start to search for malicious files that may be installed on your computer.
To remove the files that were detected in the previous step, please click on the Clean button.



AdwCleaner will now prompt you to save any open files or data as the program will need to reboot the computer. Please do so and then click on the OK button. AdwCleaner will now delete all detected adware from your computer. When it is done it will display an alert that explains what PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and Adware are. Please read through this information and then press the OK button. You will now be presented with an alert that states AdwCleaner needs to reboot your computer.
Please click on the OK button to allow AdwCleaner reboot your computer.A log will be produced. Please copy and paste this log in your next reply.
*********************************************
Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware from here.
Double Click mbam-setup.exe to install the application.

• It should update automatically if the computer is connected to the internet.
  
• Click on Threat Scan and click on Scan Now.
  
• The scan may take some time to finish,so please be patient.
  
• When the scan is complete make sure all the infections have "quarantine" selected in the Action box.
  
• Click on "Apply actions" You may be asked to Restart your computer to completely remove the infections.
  
• When disinfection is completed you can click on "Copy to Clipboard".
  
• Paste the log in you next reply (CTRL+ V)
  

*************************************************
Please download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop.

•Warning! Once the scan is complete JRT will shut down your browser with NO warning.

•Shut down your protection software now to avoid potential conflicts.

•Temporarily disable your Antivirus and any Antispyware real time protection before performing a scan. Click this link to see a list of security programs that should be disabled and how to disable them.

•Run the tool by double-clicking it. If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, right-click JRT and select Run as Administrator

•The tool will open and start scanning your system.

•Please be patient as this can take a while to complete depending on your system's specifications.

•On completion, a log (JRT.txt) is saved to your desktop and will automatically open.

•Copy and Paste the JRT.txt log into your next message.
*****************************************
Download Security Check by screen317 from one of the following links and save it to your desktop.

Link 1
Link 2

* Double-click Security Check.bat
* Follow the on-screen instructions inside of the black box.
* A Notepad document should open automatically called checkup.txt
* Post the contents of that document in your next reply.

Note: If a security program requests permission from dig.exe to access the Internet, allow it to do so.

Hello Dave. Thank you for your assistance. I'm online now and ready to fix things.

Please run the scans I've provided and post the logs in your next reply.

I was not allowed to paste the logs from the AdwCleaner scan and I received a message that new members were not allowed to post links or external messages within the first 7 days of joining the site.

Here are the MalwareBytes Logs

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Scan Date: 11/26/2015
Scan Time: 5:11 PM
Logfile:
Administrator: Yes

Version: 2.2.0.1024
Malware Database: v2015.11.26.06
Rootkit Database: v2015.11.23.01
License: Free
Malware Protection: Disabled
Malicious Website Protection: Disabled
Self-protection: Disabled

OS: Windows 7 Service Pack 1
CPU: x64
File System: NTFS
User: Michael Key 002

Scan Type: Threat Scan
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 385607
Time Elapsed: 56 min, 3 sec

Memory: Enabled
Startup: Enabled
Filesystem: Enabled
Archives: Enabled
Rootkits: Enabled
Heuristics: Enabled
PUP: Enabled
PUM: Enabled

Processes: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Modules: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Files: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Physical Sectors: 0
(No malicious items detected)


(end)

I was not allowed to post my logs from AdwCleaner or Junkware Removal Tool due to new members not being able to submit messages with emails or external links. Furthermore, I was unable to download Security Check by Screen 317 because of "insufficient permissions" The attempts repeatedly failed.

I do have the logs of AdwCleaner and Junkware Removal Tool and will have to send them to you another way

Just remove any links from the logs and then post them.

# AdwCleaner v5.022 - Logfile created 26/11/2015 at 08:46:49
# Updated 22/11/2015 by Xplode
# Database : 2015-11-22.2 [Server]
# Operating system : Windows 7 Home Premium Service Pack 1 (x64)
# Username : Michael Key 002 - XANTH73-DIS
# Running from : C:\Users\Michael Key 002\Downloads\adwcleaner_5.022(1).exe
# Option : Scan


***** [ Services ] *****


***** [ Folders ] *****

Folder Found : C:\Program Files (x86)\ Ask. com
Folder Found : C:\ProgramData\Ask
Folder Found : C:\Users\Michael Key 002\AppData\Local\YSearchUtil
Folder Found : C:\Users\Michael Key 002\AppData\LocalLow\AskToolbar
Folder Found : C:\Users\Michael Key 002\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\axxeqjel.default\Extensions\toolbar @ask. com
Folder Found : C:\Windows\installer\{86d4b82a-abed-442a-be86-96357b70f4fe}
Folder Found : C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\YSearchUtil

***** [ Files ] *****

File Found : C:\Users\Public\Desktop\eBay.lnk

***** [ DLL ] *****


***** [ Shortcuts ] *****


***** [ Scheduled tasks ] *****

Task Found : Scheduled Update for Ask Toolbar

***** [ Registry ] *****

Key Found : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\AppID\GenericAskToolbar.DLL
Key Found : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\Extensions\aaaaojmikegpiepcfdkkjaplodkpfmlo
Key Found : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\AppID\{9B0CB95C-933A-4B8C-B6D4-EDCD19A43874}
Key Found : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Low Rights\ElevationPolicy\{A5AA24EA-11B8-4113-95AE-9ED71DEAF12A}
Key Found : HKCU\Software\APN PIP
Key Found : HKCU\Software\APN
Key Found : HKCU\Software\  Ask.  com
Key Found : HKCU\Software\AppDataLow\Software\AskToolbar
Key Found : HKLM\SOFTWARE\APN
Key Found : HKLM\SOFTWARE\AskToolbar
Key Found : HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{79A765E1-C399-405B-85AF-466F52E918B0}
Key Found : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{86D4B82A-ABED-442A-BE86-96357B70F4FE}
Key Found : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{EE171732-BEB4-4576-887D-CB62727F01CA}
Key Found : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Yahoo! Search Set
Key Found : HKU\.DEFAULT\Software\ AskToolbar
Key Found : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Installer\Features\ A28B4D68DEBAA244EB686953B7074FEF
Key Found : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Installer\Products\ A28B4D68DEBAA244EB686953B7074FEF
Key Found : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Installer\UpgradeCodes \F928123A039649549966D4C29D35B1C9
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\0CFE535C35F99574E8340BFA75BF92C2
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion \Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\0E12F736682067FDE4D1158D5940A82E
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion \Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\1A24B5BB8521B03E0C8D908F5ABC0AE6
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\261F213D1F55267499B1F87D0CC3BCF7
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\2B0D56C4F4C46D844A57FFED6F0D2852
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\464AA55239C100F32AF2D438EDDC0F47
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\49D4375FE41653242AEA4C969E4E65E0
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\5652BA3D5FB98AE31B337BF0AF939856
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\6AA0923513360135B272E8289C5F13FA
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\6F7467AF8F29C134CBBAB394ECCFDE96
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\741B4ADF27276464790022C965AB6DA8
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\7DE196B10195F5647A2B21B761F3DE01
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\86EB95E1AFCBABE3DB9ECCC669B99494
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\922525DCC5199162F8935747CA3D8E59
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\9D4F5849367142E4685ED8C25E44C5ED
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\A5875B04372C19545BEB90D4D606C472
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\A876D9E80B896EC44A8620248CC79296
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\B66FFAB725B92594C986DE826A867888
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\BCDA179D619B91648538E3394CAC94CC
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\D677B1A9671D4D4004F6F2A4469E86EA
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\DD1402A9DD4215A43ABDE169A41AFA0E
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\E36E114A0EAD2AD46B381D23AD69CDDF
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\EF8E618DB3AEDFBB384561B5C548F65E
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\120DFADEB50841F408F04D2A278F9509
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Products\A28B4D68DEBAA244EB686953B7074FEF
Key Found : [x64] HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Installer\UpgradeCodes\F928123A039649549966D4C29D35B1C9

***** [ Web browsers ] *****

[C:\Users\Michael Key 002\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles \axxeqjel.default\prefs. js] [Preference] Found : user_pref ("browser.search.defaultengine", "Ask.  com");
[C:\Users\Michael Key 002\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles \axxeqjel.default\prefs. js] [Preference] Found : user_pref ("browser.search.order.1", "Ask.  com");
[C:\Users\Michael Key 002\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles \axxeqjel.default\prefs. js] [Preference] Found : user_pref ("extensions.asktb.ff-  original-keyword-url", "");
[C:\Users\Michael Key 002\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Web data] [Search Provider] Found : aol. com
[C:\Users\Michael Key 002\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Web data] [Search Provider] Found : ask.  com

########## EOF - C:\AdwCleaner\AdwCleaner[S1].txt - [6724 bytes] ##########

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Scan Date: 11/26/2015
Scan Time: 5:11 PM
Logfile:
Administrator: Yes

Version: 2.2.0.1024
Malware Database: v2015.11.26.06
Rootkit Database: v2015.11.23.01
License: Free
Malware Protection: Disabled
Malicious Website Protection: Disabled
Self-protection: Disabled

OS: Windows 7 Service Pack 1
CPU: x64
File System: NTFS
User: Michael Key 002

Scan Type: Threat Scan
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 385607
Time Elapsed: 56 min, 3 sec

Memory: Enabled
Startup: Enabled
Filesystem: Enabled
Archives: Enabled
Rootkits: Enabled
Heuristics: Enabled
PUP: Enabled
PUM: Enabled

Processes: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Modules: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Files: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Physical Sectors: 0
(No malicious items detected)


(end)

I created some spaces in the URLs of the AdwCleaner log in order to remove any possibilities of links in the file.

Please run AdwCleaner again and after the scan hit the Delete button. Were you able to run the other two scans?

# AdwCleaner v5.022 - Logfile created 28/11/2015 at 20:35:17
# Updated 22/11/2015 by Xplode
# Database : 2015-11-22.2 [Server]
# Operating system : Windows 7 Home Premium Service Pack 1 (x64)
# Username : Michael Key 002 - XANTH73-DIS
# Running from : C:\Users\Michael Key 002\Downloads\adwcleaner_5.022(3).exe
# Option : Cleaning

***** [ Services ] *****


***** [ Folders ] *****


***** [ Files ] *****


***** [ DLLs ] *****


***** [ Shortcuts ] *****


***** [ Scheduled tasks ] *****


***** [ Registry ] *****


***** [ Web browsers ] *****


*************************

:: "Tracing" keys removed
:: Winsock settings cleared

########## EOF - C:\AdwCleaner\AdwCleaner[C2].txt - [708 bytes] ##########


I did run the malwarebytes and the junkware removal tool, and I posted the results above.  I saw the message that no results were found on this scan of AdwCleaner.

I don't see the Security log. Could you post it again?

This is the re-scan of Malwarebytes.  

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware


Scan Date: 11/28/2015
Scan Time: 11:31 PM
Logfile:
Administrator: Yes

Version: 2.2.0.1024
Malware Database: v2015.11.28.07
Rootkit Database: v2015.11.26.01
License: Free
Malware Protection: Disabled
Malicious Website Protection: Disabled
Self-protection: Disabled

OS: Windows 7 Service Pack 1
CPU: x64
File System: NTFS
User: Michael Key 002

Scan Type: Threat Scan
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 384490
Time Elapsed: 41 min, 18 sec

Memory: Enabled
Startup: Enabled
Filesystem: Enabled
Archives: Enabled
Rootkits: Enabled
Heuristics: Enabled
PUP: Disabled
PUM: Disabled

Processes: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Modules: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Files: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Physical Sectors: 0
(No malicious items detected)


(end)



I cannot access securitycheck-.bat, even in safe mode.  When I went to the site on the first link and second link on Firefox, I get this message

Unable to connect

Firefox can't establish a connection to the server at .

   The site could be temporarily unavailable or too busy. Try again in a few moments.
   If you are unable to load any pages, check your computer's network connection.
   If your computer or network is protected by a firewall or proxy, make sure that Firefox is permitted to access the Web.

When I try the first link on Google Chrome (and for the second, I do access the site but I end up back at the following screen if I actually click on the link to download this), I get this message:

This webpage is not available

ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED
Hide details
Google Chrome's connection attempt to screen317 was rejected. The website may be down, or your network may not be properly configured.
Go to http:-
Search on Google

Security Check

Clicking on the Link has the same result.

The re-done logs on Junkware Removal Tool and AdwCleaner produced no new results.

I believe that there is something wrong with the applications, hardware, or software on Firefox or the other Internet browsers. I'm not sure what to do at this point though.

I will also note that when I have run the computer in safe mode, I have not encountered this freezing problem (either application hangs, script hangs, or other problems with freezing) on the internet or computer processes.

So it is likely that something within the software or internet processes that is causing the problems.

I'd like to scan your machine with ESET OnlineScan

•Hold down Control and click on the following link to open ESET OnlineScan in a new window.
ESET OnlineScan

•Click the button.
•For alternate browsers only: (Microsoft Internet Explorer users can skip these steps)

• Click on to download the ESET Smart Installer. Save it to your desktop.
  
• Double click on the icon on your desktop.
  

•Check
•Click the button.
•Accept any security warnings from your browser.

• Leave the check mark next to Remove found threats.
  

•Check
•Push the Start button.
•ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
•When the scan completes, push
•Push , and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as ESETScan. Include the contents of this report in your next reply.
•Push the button.
•Push
A log file will be saved here: C:\Program Files\ESET\ESET Online Scanner\log.txt

Here is the ESET Scan

C:\AdwCleaner\Quarantine\C\Program Files (x86)\Ask.com\precache.exe.vir a variant of Win32/Bundled.Toolbar.Ask.G potentially unsafe application cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\AdwCleaner\Quarantine\C\Program Files (x86)\Ask.com\SaUpdate.exe.vir a variant of Win32/Bundled.Toolbar.Ask.G potentially unsafe application cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\AdwCleaner\Quarantine\C\Program Files (x86)\Ask.com\UpdateTask.exe.vir a variant of Win32/Bundled.Toolbar.Ask.G potentially unsafe application cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\AdwCleaner\Quarantine\C\Program Files (x86)\Ask.com\Updater\Updater.exe.vir a variant of Win32/Bundled.Toolbar.Ask.G potentially unsafe application cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\OEM\Preload\Autorun\APP\Nero 10 Essentials Gateway Edition\ISSetupPrerequisites\{BF80A1C0-C3FF-4B1C-ABEF-22CD4F97A0AB}\Toolbar.exe a variant of Win32/Bundled.Toolbar.Ask potentially unsafe application cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\Users\Michael Key 002\Downloads\ccsetup413pro.exe Win32/Bundled.Toolbar.Google.D potentially unsafe application deleted - quarantined
C:\Windows\Installer\7272f.msi a variant of Win32/Bundled.Toolbar.Ask.G potentially unsafe application deleted - quarantined

An earlier scan of my VIPRE anti-virus software picked up 4 Trojans earlier on Thanksgiving. But the freezing has been going on before Thanksgiving.

So, the freezing is still continuing?

Within the last 24 hours, the computer and internet have only frozen about 2 times. I did fix some problems with the performance and I have scanned (and updated the drivers).

So yes, it does still freeze intermittently but it often happens when I am on the computer for prolonged periods of time.

Perhaps, something in the computer or software event logs may reveal the culprit/s at hand in this.

Does it freeze when you're on-line or are you doing other things when that happens?

So far from what I have seen, it freezes when I am online. I have not seen it freeze when I run it in safe mode, even if I am online.

I believe that there is something problematic within my firefox system or settings but I'm not sure what they are. I have removed or disabled problematic plugins and add-ons that may be causing problems.

I usually don't see script warnings so I think that the usual cause of those is not the primary culprit. Also, CTRL+ALT+DEL fails and any attempt to access the start menu and any other program within it is also affected by the internet freezing.

I found this helpful link (at MozillaZine.org see "Firefox Hangs) but I do not think that I have tried all of these solutions.  I have done a number of the measures especially those involving plugins, managing flash, and keeping all drivers and other software up to date.  It's information may provide some information.

Is there some way that I can send event logs of the computer and firefox browser sections to you?  Perhaps this will help illuminate the problem/s at work.

Actually, this does sometimes occurs when I am not online. Just today, the computer froze when I was running an anti-virus scan for a couple of hours. Ctrl alt and del failed to work and I had to manually turn off the computer.

Do you the Windows 7 disk (s) or do you have a recovery on a separate part of your hard drive? Does it freeze when using IE?

I don't believe that I have the Windows 7 disc since it was already installed in my laptop when I purchased it. I don't know if I have a recovery for it either.

I don't use IE because it freezes even worse when I use that.

It freezes regardless of what I do online or offline and regardless of what browser I use.

Click on My Computer and look for two drives C and D

I'm currently on Drive C. There are no cds in my D drive, so there's nothing in my D drive.

What should I do now?

Do you have a D drive? Are any drives labelled Recovery?

The only D-drive that I see on My Computer is the DVD RW Drive. I typed in "recovery" in the Start bar and I got the Gateway Recovery Panel. It has a variety of options on it.

You will have to investigate your Recovery system. There is something wrong with your OS files.

How do I investigate the Recovery system? I don't understand what the OS files are nor how I access and fix them.

What can I do to fix things without doing a full system wipe?

What can I do to fix things without doing a full system wipe?.

From what I can tell there appears to be something not quite correct with the OS. There is not much more I can do from my position except to run this last test. Please do this even though you don't have the OS disk.
Please let me know if it finds corrupted files.

To Run the SFC /SCANNOW Command in Windows 7
1. Open an elevated command prompt.

2. To Scan and Repair System Files
NOTE: Scans the integrity of all protected system files and repairs the system files if needed.
A) In the elevated command prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: This may take some time to finish.



B) Go to step 4.

3. To Only Verify if the System Files are Corrupted
NOTE: Scans and only verifies the integrity of all proteced system files only.
A) In the elevated command prompt, type sfc /verifyonly and press Enter.

4. When the scan is complete, hopefully you will see all is ok like the screenshot below.
NOTE: If not, then you can attempt to run a System Restore using a restore point dated before the bad file occured to fix it. You may need to repeat doing a System Restore until you find a older restore point that may work.



5. When done, close the elevated command prompt.

I ran the check and there were no integrity violations reported from the 100% scan. I don't know what could be causing the freezing. I even bought a cooling pad with fans to help with the rising heat.

1. Click Start, click Run, type chkdsk /r, and then click OK.
2. At the command prompt, type Y to let the disk scanner run when you restart the computer.
3. Restart the computer.
4. Chkdsk will run.
**********************************
You can use Speedfan to check your temperatures.
You can also check your hard drive and RAM using these programs.

That could be a problem with bad RAM. Please run this check just to eliminate that possibility.
Test your RAM here.
************************************************
Run hard drive diagnostics: tacktech.com
Make sure, you select tool, which is appropriate for the brand of your hard drive.
Depending on the program, it'll create bootable floppy, or bootable CD.
If downloaded file is of .iso type, use ImgBurn: imgburn to burn .iso file to a CD (select "Write image file to disc" option), and make the CD bootable.
For Toshiba hard drives, see here:

Note : If you do not know how to set your computer to boot from CD follow the steps here

It took a while for chkdsk to finish running but no abnormalities were detected. To help me get a better understanding of my specs and to help you, I have downloaded Speccy through piriform and I have included the specs of my hard drive below.

I'm not sure exactly which tool to select from tacktech.com since I don't know if my specific hard drive is on there. Sorry but I'm new at understanding this and want to figure out exactly how tow work this properly without messing up anything. The manufacturer is Hitachi but the product family is Travelstar. I'm not sure if its covered though but you can see the specs below. Would you be able to take a look at my specs and help me select the proper tool from tacktech.com please?

Here are the specs of my Storage, Hard Drive, and Related

http://speccy.piriform.com/results/opm2HgGoIMnXQl1x7L0bAtK

Here are the general specs summary of my computer

http://speccy.piriform.com/results/kZjMR5z2mnxuZQLE6PfELUt

If it helps, here are the total specs of my operating system

http://speccy.piriform.com/results/l2xYiyAyusmTN5Jgr2jB11O

I will include the total specs of my computer so that you will have a complete picture.

My CPU

http://speccy.piriform.com/results/KtdFuMK3yr1OZXrGoeGDC46

My RAM

http://speccy.piriform.com/results/hByPg0yTAoSbDLCnLaZneEx

My Motherboard

http://speccy.piriform.com/results/wQIpDUvLOVKbcJuqCEvPMmw

My Graphics

http://speccy.piriform.com/results/d3Jv6XbMomExJyQry1jSh7i

My Network

http://speccy.piriform.com/results/mTv5wMEP8VexKxCtPLKKpWL

My Optical Drives

http://speccy.piriform.com/results/p86AiLRMXMDRj042ahAi6lV

My Audio

http://speccy.piriform.com/results/GVR3ArG63Cr1wAjo2NRnqyB

My peripherals

http://speccy.piriform.com/results/330IX8j8gWu1Sf1J0QEwoVs

I have also downloaded Speedfan successfully. Do you know how I can send you its readings? I also don't understand how to run MemTest86 to check my RAM or how to install it. But I believe that I do have it installed on my flash drive.

I don't know if my specific hard drive is on there.

Go to your Device Manager and right-click on the hard drive. You should get the brand name there.
It should be Hitachi HTS547575A9E384 SATA Disk

Do you know how I can send you its readings? I also don't understand how to run MemTest86 to check my RAM or how to install it. But I believe that I do have it installed on my flash drive.

Are there any temps in the Red zone?
You can load MEMtest86 on a USB or CD and boot from it. It will test your RAM.

When I went to the tacktech.com website and clicked on the Drive Fitness Test and the OGT Diagnostic Tool v9.0 (11.25.2004) under the Hitachi Tab; I clicked on the direct links for the Diskette Creator, Diskette Image, and the OGT Diagnostic Tool tabs. I ended up on the http://www.hgst.com/ webpage.

From there, I spent hours trying to evaluate my specs and search the website under the Hard Drive, Solid-State Drive, Software, and Systems Support under the Support Tabs. It looks like you have to sign up and possibly pay to get help with the solid-state drive, software, and systems tabs. So by elimination, I went to the Software tab. From there, I went to the Internal Drive Support since the external one was for outside parts that needed to be purchased. When I went deeper, I was unable to find the Hitachi HTS547575A9E384 SATA Disk--and I also could not find on their list, the exact Travelstar number that my system is. I don't even know the exact number and that my Travelstar Standard drive my computer is made from. According to Speccy, my hardware is a Hitachi in the Travelstar Standard Series but I have not been able to find out the exact series number of Travelstar drives that my computer is.

As a result, I could not find the direct links that the tacktech site said that it had and was unable to run the hard drive diagnostics. Are you able to help with this and what can be done here?

I'm also having a great deal of trouble booting MemTest86 on my computer. I saved it to 2 flash drives (one much smaller than the other but it was said that it fit well on both of them) but was unable to boot it from the computer. When I do try to boot my computer, I get a message saying that there was an "invalid or broken boot option" and the screen is unable to move from there--and I turn off the machine manually with a cold boot. As a result, I have also been unable to run MemTest86 scan also.

From what I see from the temperatures on this exact moment, I currently see an average temperature of around 65-68 degrees Celsius according to Speccy. On Speedyfan, the current moment's temperatures are 36 on HD0, 64-66 on GPU, and 63 on Core--all Celsius.

According to the site below, AMD A6 Processors should run around 45-57 degrees Celsius. My own processor is an AMD Quad-Core Processor A6-3420M, so I think this falls in the A6 series but I'm not sure.

http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000687.htm

Besides this and an internet search, I was unable to find out what the exact average temperatures should be for my exact processor.

I thank you for your help and patience, this is a mess and I don't even know what is causing it!

You may have to take this computer to a repair shop to have the drive and RAM tested.

So, is there no way that I can make the tacktech.com and MemTech86 programs and checks to run? Do the links no longer work there?

What about the temperatures? Do you believe that it plays a role here or is abnormal?

I found this on the Hitachi site.

Note: Currently, the Drive Fitness Test does not support Microdrives, Travelstar 8E, Travelstar 10E, or Travelstar C4K Series hard drives.
I found this on the Hitachi site. I'm not sure if it will work but it's a free trial.

I saved it to 2 flash drives (one much smaller than the other but it was said that it fit well on both of them) but was unable to boot it from the computer.

You will have to go into the BIOS and change the boot order.

Thanks again! I've been trying to get the HGST Management Platform Trial to work, but I'm still trying to get it to work. So far, I haven't been able to get the computer to work. I'm not even sure which Travelstar my computer falls under.

I went back to change the boot order of the BIOS system using my larger flash drive. I have successfully pulled up the imageUSB by PassMark Software but I have still been unable to run it from the boot. This time, I see a message that says something like "Disk Read Error I/O, Replace Disc and press any key" When I do this, the computer starts normally but the MemTest86 program does not run.

How can I get these programs to run? I don't know which version of BIOS or UEFI system my computer runs through. Do I need to run an older version of MemTest?

What should I do about temperatures, and do you think that they are part of the problem? What do you think is going on here? Thanks again for your help!

There are problems with that computer that I cannot fix remotely. This will need a hands-on approach to determine what is causing the freezing. Sorry.

Thanks for your help. This will be difficult as finances are perilous but this is my only reliable computer and I don't have the money to buy another one.

What should I do when I seek hands on approach? Should I address this as a hardware issue, malware/virus issue, or other software issue?

It appears to be a software/hardware issue. The tests we ran almost eliminates the possibility that it is malware. You should ask a friend who is quite knowledgeable with computers to help find the source of the problem. If Speedfan is not showing any red warnings that should eliminate that as a problem. Try running the computer in Safe Mode and see if it freezes.

When I run it in safe mode, it virtually never freezes. I don't run it in Safe Mode for very long, but when I do, I don't usually encounter the freezing.

That's because there are less programs running in Safe mode therefore, less burden on the operating system. You could go into the Task Manager and stop each process one by one except explorer.exe. This will be time consuming but you may find you may find the process that is causing the problem.

I'll be willing to try that. Which programs should I be on the lookout for as likely or possible culprits? I don't quite understand how all the processes work or which ones are safe or unsafe to tamper with--since it is said that some of them can ruin the system if tampered with.

You will want to stop any process that is using a large amount of memory. Clicking on memory usage will toggle between the largest and the least. The only one you should not stop is explorer.exe. This will shut down the computer.

I see. Most of the time, the largest process has to do with Firefox or any Internet applications. I'm thinking that something within the network apparatus of the Internet software is causing the freezing of the whole computer.

Do you know why the whole computer can be affected, even to the point where CTRL ALT DEL fails entirely?