computer lockup freeze

If it only locks up with icq ?? then id say software prob over hardware. have you tryed a clean install of icq ?
maybe use some anti spyware tools..

i have reinstalled icq .. and checked for spyware .. it's also a fresh install of xp with all updates and checked for viruses .. it does lock up occasionally but I can induce a crash/freeze when I do icq chat? This particular pc used to lock up also b4 i installed new m/board and ram .. the original components are hard drive partioned and amd duron 1100...

What spyware tools have you used?

addware and spybot are the best and you should use them both, not just one.


Do you have a firewall?   If so what is it?   Did you recently have a product update?


I think that this problem is either between your firewall or virus software.   Norton's firewall can cause some wierd things with instant messangers like icq.  If not set up correctly you could get some problems.  

ok in that case 99% sure it a hardware fault but maybe a driver issuse.
All you can do is change 1 part and test a 2nd part and test and so on.

I had a job a month back witch was running a p4 2.4 and it took me a good 6-8 hours labour to find out the cpu was unstable in windows. I tested like every possible scenario and in the end was left with the customers case, cpu & heatsink :)
hehe : so I had to put back his motherboard etc and reload os. He was happy in the end but not so happy with the bill :) still he was lucky I only charged him 4hours labour + the cpu.

 

any feedback would help so we can answer your question.

thanks for all the pointers guys ... I'll try to answer all of them .. I have used spybot and it came up with a few which I deleted .. I did install nortons virus 2004 pro (doses that have some type of firewall?) but no other firewall software besides what comes with xp .. In regards to drivers it's a fresh install of xp with all the updates ... I've downloaded memory check and am in the process of giving that a go ... thanks :)