I have a windows XP machine that doesn't want to load any programs once it'* been on for a few hours. WHen you first start it, it'* fine.. but after a while it no longer is. You can click on shortcuts/icons and it won't do anything. It'll show the hour glass for about 5 seconds like it'* going to open the program but it never does. The computer doesn't even 'think' (hard drive noises) while it should be opening the program. sometimes if you let the computer sit for a few hours the programs will suddenly open finally. Have never encounted something like this and have no idea how to fix it.

My first guess would be memory problems. Sounds like something may be overheating.

I use that computer as a gateway for my internet acess and my network comptuers use the internet through that computer but no programs are usually running on it. Even though I dont' run anything I get warning messages such as this: "Warning, windows virtual memory is running dangerously low, increasing file paging" or something along those lines, can't remember exactly word for word what it says. I've run spyware removers, anti-virus but nothing seems to help it. BTW, it'* a HP with 40 gb hd 1ghz processor, and 128 MB of ram.

I'd still hjave to guess your memeory might be going bad. Memory is prety cheap right now, and more is never enough. Go grab another 128, or better 256, take out the one you got now, and try it with a new one. If it works, the old one should still be able to go back for that little extra umph....

You're having something run out of control, and take up memory. Hit CTRL-ALT-DLT and look at your processes, their CPU usage, and their memory usage. Let us know what has the biggest numbers.

I'll check it once I am able to make a connection to it. I use remote desktop to remotely take control of the computer so I don't have to be downstairs on it actually to use it. It makes it nice, but even now lately, I have a LOT of trouble even logging onto the computer to control it. It'* acting very wierd indeed.

I was finally able to access the computer. the three biggest memory eaters according to the computer are:
SVCHOST.exe 7,300K
SyGate Manager.exe 5,500K
Explorer.exe 8,900K
The rest are all under 4,000K
(these are all under the 'processes' tab, under applications the only app is Sygate Manager.

This could well be a hardware problem and memory would be at the top of the list. Here'* a link to a site where you can download a free memory testing software;

http://www.memtest86.com

Follow the instructions to create a boot disk with the test program on it. Default parameters will likely work fine for you. If it takes more than say 30 minutes to complete the series of tests, or if you see any errors at all then replace your memory.

In fact you have insufficient memory at the moment. Windows XP requires at least 160 megs just to run, let alone any other programs. You should be running 512 megs of ram, this is the best bang for the buck considering your PC is really a gateway.

Good luck!

Was it exhibiting the symptoms when you connected in? Was System Idle 99%, or were other processes hogging the CPU?

the CPU usage fluctuates raplidy anywhere from 6% to 50% when you're doing nothing and just sitting there letting it idle. It'* usually in the mid/upper 20% range of CPU usage when you're really doing nothing at all.