Why does my computer constantly stop witht he cursor just circling around?

[Toughcookie]

I have cpnstant problems with my computer. It's not really hanging, the screen goes cloudy and a circle instead of the cursor keeps going around.
I have asked my computer guy and he has fiddled about a bit, but it stil happens, but not every day ro all the time! Is there any chance it could be to do with AVG that seems to scan copnstantly? My computer will be taking flying lessons if it doesn't stop!!

 

[ServWise]

What version of windows (I'm assuming it is a windows PC). Not something I have heard of. It could be some sort of malware but could just a likely be a graphics hardware/software problem or even a background app causing it. Some things to try, update your graphics drivers, run some full anti-virus scans, check what application are running in the background and disable them temporarily to see if one of them might be the cause..

Can you describe the problem any better?

 

[Toughcookie]

I use Windows 7 and my computer guy did all th eupdates recently to make sure I had not missed anything

I am not sure how to describe it any clearer. it can sometimes last a few minutes and of course the more I click the more it rebels!

We have run scan and nothing untoward.

It can happen when I only have excel open or just the internet, or just outlook.

 

[anon154650]

Random problems like this are notoriously tricky to find. You may need to use 'msconfig' to disable all non-Microsoft start-up applications/services and run through a testing scenario until you can pin-point which software application is the likely trigger.

It might also be worth downloading the latest version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and running a full scan to check nothing nasty has planted itself on your PC. You can install and run the software in 'Safe Mode with Networking' to ensure a minimal start-up environment (networking to allow the software to update its signatures).

HTH

 

[Newchodge]

I get something similar (using Windows Vista )

The screen freezes, then the cursor starts circling, then the whole screen looks like it has a grey film over it. Nothing, including Ctrl Alt Del, works.

I think it is while an automatic scan is going on and the scan hits the programme at the same time as you are using it.

Annoying, but I have come to ignore it. It doesn't happen excessively often.

 

[OldWelshGuy]

i get this on my Vista machine and often times it is down to windows explorer not responding. Apparently windows explorer issues on vista are well known. Damn thing reboots windows explorer regularly.

 

[anon154650]

Explorer.exe crashes can be caused by 3rd party application add-ons. I recently had to remove an add-on for my mother's laptop as LibreOffice was taking explorer out on a regular basis.

I would suggest searching the web for info on how to disable/remove any/all 3rd party explorer shell add-ins. They are often only there to extend the function of the context menu, so if you never right-click on a file, you will not miss them!

 

[Toughcookie]

yes the grey film is exactly what it is like

I will get my computer guy to take a look at the add-ons bit?

Thanks all

 

[DesignerNick]

Have you run a ccleaner and a Malware bytes just to see if you have any nasties on there?

 

[Trust Malcolm]

Have a look in the processes section of your Task Manager when you get the grey screen. (control alt delete then Task Manager) It sounds like the refresh of a process which is overlapping itself. If you can't see any spikes in your performance graphic, then try msconfig and go to startup and uncheck the boxes which are memory hungry.
Hope this helps!
Malcolm

 

[JamieBaker200]

Hi there!

May I know whether the problem occurs after you start the computer?

If this is the problem then you can configure and fixed it through msconfig of Windows 7 Operating system. If this is what you use then it is easy for you to do.

Search "msconfig" on START button

Click Startup on its menu

Then click for the items that you do not need often and disable them

This method will lessen the prolonged loading of items.

However, if this is not the problem, Kindly post further details about it.

 

[Toughcookie]

Yes I have tried both CCCleaner and malaware.

Ctrl Alt Del does not work when it is in this mode, in fact you can't do anything it just stops, goes grey and the cursor circles

 

[Newchodge]

Hi there!

May I know whether the problem occurs after you start the computer?

If this is the problem then you can configure and fixed it through msconfig of Windows 7 Operating system. If this is what you use then it is easy for you to do.

Search "msconfig" on START button

Click Startup on its menu

Then click for the items that you do not need often and disable them

This method will lessen the prolonged loading of items.

However, if this is not the problem, Kindly post further details about it.

No it can hapen at any time.

 

[JamieBaker200]

No it can hapen at any time.

If it occurs often, then the problem I see is all about the processing of data and programs. This is normal once your processor does not act properly or it slowed down.

When you open an application, it will surely take time because it is still processed by your CPU.

 

[Toughcookie]

I happens at any time and not every day, but sometimes several times a day!

 

[JamieBaker200]

Have you tried restarting your computer? Have you updated your Operating systems and its drives?

Based on my experience, it occurs because the computer is still processing the programs and loading them. This is the reason why circling cursor often occurs.

It can also be a problem on other parts of the computer.

It it still there after trying what I have said, try using combofix software. This will scan possible infected files and programs and delete them. This is one method of increasing the efficacy of your computer.

 

[Toughcookie]

Thanks my computer guy is around so I will pass on to him.

 

[Newchodge]

Hi Cookie, if he finds anything that works, would you mind letting me know.

Thanks

 

[Toughcookie]

Of course, but I know he has been struggling

 

There can be a multitude of problems which can cause what you are describing.

Here's what I'd suggest you could do yourself (some you may already have done) - try them, and check after each one if it makes the problem any less severe:

1) Download CCleaner & do a full system cleanup - this includes Startup Programs, Cleanup and Registry Cleanup
2) Remove the AVG, since you don't sound happy with it anyways. Download and install MS Security Essentials (also a free app) and try it out. It's less intrusive and the default settings don't interfere with normal workings as much as others
3) Run a full scan of your hard disk, to ensure there are no dodgy sectors - this can be done by going into 'Computer', then right-clicking on your main drive (C, choose 'Properties', then choose 'Tools' tab. Choose 'Error Checking' and tick both boxes, then 'Start'. It will probably give you a message asking you about scheduling on restart, so do this.
4) Next software-related fix is probably taking a copy of your data off, and reinstalling the OS to a factory default state. This might be outside your remit, but it is an option. Do this, then update all drivers, and install your important apps & AV software back on. Load back your data, then see if the problem persists.

After this, it is probably hardware-related, so it will need a PC Engineer to swap in/out parts to see if they can find the problem. Obviously lots of processes can be tested, etc, but I'd suggest if none of the above help in any way, it's a faulty hardware component.

The type of problem you are describing is very difficult to diagnose without having the PC on a bench to test properly, and the above is pretty much all I'd suggest to a normal user.

hth

 

[Toughcookie]

Thank you I will give this all a go, but my patience is waning with this computer.

 

Thank you I will give this all a go, but my patience is waning with this computer.

lol tell me about it, I feel like that almost daily

 

[JamieBaker200]

I had problem with my Operating system previously and I have handled it pretty well.

I just applied all the knowledge I know when it comes to computer related problems.

Do not give-up your hope that it will be fixed. You will surely figure it out later.

Just like what I did, I keep on searching possible solutions on my problems.

However, if that problem gets worse, then the only option you have is to format it. Install gain the OS you have.

 

[Toughcookie]

The joy of technology eh! I will keep trying. I am reasonably technical, but having said that I had no idea how to answer my new Samsung Galaxy phone last week!!! Worked that one out now - bring back the abacus and two tin cans with a string!

 

[jlmns]

Do you have Trusteer Rapport installed? I've seen the problem you describe occur with this software.

James

 

[Toughcookie]

This is not something I recognise and I have just checked, but there is nothing liek this on my programme list

 

[acooperman]

Hello,

The best way for us to see what is running on your computer and to see if we or I can help is to run hijack this and post us the results.

It is normally used for hunting viruses but gives an excellent overview of the current running state of your machine, if you post the log I will see what I can do for you.

I would post a link but I am unable to on this forum.

 

[Toughcookie]

I have been speakig to my computer guy and he is going to give it another good going over later this week, but if all else fails I will be back to you. Thank you

 

[OldWelshGuy]

My advice is to back-up the hard drive and your data then :-

1. get a sledge hammer (7lb or 14lb will do)
2. disconnect from the mains power
3. repeatedly hit the computer tower with the hammer until it bears little resemblance to its state of 10 minutes prior.
4. plug back in
5. discover it is no longer working

Now at this point it will no longer be working, but at least you will know why

 

[Toughcookie]

This is by far the best solution to my problem that I have heard so far!

It's like the joke I recenly heard: -

Blond texts husband on a cold winters morning:

"Windows frozen."

Husband texts back:

"Pour some cold or luke warm water over it"

Wife texts back:

"Computer completely **** now

 

[RaySaj]

well go into your system information and check the RAM...more than likely the computer programs that are running is too less i would say...........

 

[123Simples]

I have cpnstant problems with my computer. It's not really hanging, the screen goes cloudy and a circle instead of the cursor keeps going around.
I have asked my computer guy and he has fiddled about a bit, but it stil happens, but not every day ro all the time! Is there any chance it could be to do with AVG that seems to scan copnstantly? My computer will be taking flying lessons if it doesn't stop!!

Has the problem just happened recently, or was it like that from the beginning when you first started using the computer?

Is this a upgrade of Windows 7 (for example were you previously running Windows Vista or XP) on that computer, or is the windows 7 the only operating system that had been put on this computer?

Sometimes when problems like this start happening, it is usually down to malware, virus or adware programs. Have you got lots of toolbars for example in your browser?? Useless ad ons like Smiley Central, or several ones like this?

My best advice (otherwise you will end up going round in circles) is backup your files, images and data. Format or reset the computer back to factory settings, and start afresh with a uncorrupted install of Windows 7....

Oh and the by way - perhaps look at a better anti virus program. If you are using AVG free then perhaps try Avast Free, or a paid for solution

 

[Toughcookie]

The computer came with windows 7 and I am not sure how long, just that it has been a lot worse recently

Thank you for your advise will look at the AV options

 

[ThePublisher]

If it's any consolation, I get this too........... maybe 3 times a week. Big black switch is the only thing to get round the problem. I need to get it looked at.

 

[Toughcookie]

Do you have AVG installed on your machine?

 

[ThePublisher]

No I use Norton

 

[anon154650]

I have both AVG free and paid versions deployed on a number of systems, from Windows XP to 7 and Android. None of my clients/home users have ever reported the kind of error originally posted.

 

[OldWelshGuy]

Avast sometimes makes life difficult on the odd occasion, but I find it superb otherwise.

 

[Toughcookie]

I will speak to my computer man, as AVG is really frustrating

 

[123Simples]

The computer came with windows 7 and I am not sure how long, just that it has been a lot worse recently

Thank you for your advise will look at the AV options

Hi toughcookie

Often when systems start taking ages to do something, apart from physical problems like lack of memory, processing speed, hard drive space etc, it can be down to some malware or rouge software program that is pants!!

I have been lucky recently as I have not had to reformat my system, but I know previously when things may have started slowing down and tending to make me frustrated, I would then wipe the whole lot, and start afresh. If you have a good computer guy he will not rip you off and despite all these so called "clean up" programs that software vendors often say will work a miracle, the fact is they seldom do

If it helps you (or anyone else)
I have windows 7
Norton Internet Security (which some like and some don't) - myself I think it has been fine and saved my computer a$$ a few times
I only install programs that I trust and know work
I have Tune Up Utilities (one of the very few programs that seems to do what it says it can)
And I use Firefox as my preferred browser and not bloated Windows 9, 10 or whatever they are on - another good option is Google Chrome of course

And I always choose Custom Installation when installing programs just to avoid "bloatware" and toolbars and changing my homepage to something I don't even want.
Let us know how you get on