Win XP freezes randomly

go to eventviwer and check the system log and application log.

Start>Run> and type Eventvwr

do you have any recent problem with your VGA or any new hardware?

did you try to do system repair

run virus, defrag...

Hm...msconfig doesn't work. I get an error message that says "Windows cannot find 'msconfig'.....

I used to have AGP and PCI graphic card for dual monitor set up. I used like that for more than a year and then  I took out one PCI b/c the quality of one screen getting worse. I tried a sound card and took out right away a few month ago.
I tried defrag and ran virus.

locate msconfig:;

http://www.ghacks.net/2009/04/11/windows-cannot-find-msconfig/

Press F8 while booting, and choose the Logged mode. This will create a log that shows everything loading on startup. Also be sure and remove and reseat the memory, processor and power connectors on the system board. remove all unnecessary peripherals and you might even try another keyboard and mouse.

I located msconfig.exe and restored my system to earliest date possible. I will see if this fixes my issue. Plz give me 48 hours.

cdesaulos,
I resat memory on the board, but didn't help.

See if there is a dump(s) of the state of your system at the time it froze, they are normally located in c:\windows\minidump\    
or  %systemroot%\minidump\

If they're present, can you paste the latest dump(s) in the "File" box and we'll take a look.  You'll need to rename single minidump files first with a .txt extension, (do not rename the contents of the file).  Alternatively zip them before attaching, and rename the .zip to .txt for the attaching (the upload).

You may need to disable auto restart:
Right click My Computer > Properties > Advanced > Startup and Recovery Settings and uncheck Automatically Restart.

here it is.
Mini011609-01.txt

There are more suggestions in these previous threads>
"Windows XP Freezes Randomly":
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/21312733/WIndows-XP-Freezes-Randomly.html

"XP Pro: Computer randomly freezes with no error message":
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/20878767/XP-Pro-Computer-randomly-freezes-with-no-error-message.html

Initial minidump analysis gave>
FAILURE_BUCKET_ID:  0x50_win32k!xxxSystemTimerProc+170

Problem could be due to a driver associated with "SystemTimerProc" or "TimerProc".  Do you recognise the name?

Regret i have to logoff, it's past the midnight hour over here.  Will resume at first light ... good luck.

It happened again, so restoring system didn't work.

Jonvee,

I don't recognize the names.

ok, thanks ... could still be a driver, or memory, & therefore suggest you run a memory test(already mentioned by jaynir) using memtest86+  v4.00
http://www.memtest.org/

Also try the Driver Verifier, whose operation is described here>
"Troubleshooting drivers with XP's hidden Driver Verifier Manager":
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-5714091.html

Instructions for Drive Verifier.  Please note that they're written for Vista & Windows 7, but Instruction 2. is suitable for XP.  Ensure you create a System Restore Point before you start:
http://www.techsupportforum.com/2110308-post4.html

Could you also post the last minidump, 2 or 3 dumps if you have them.

Meanwhile, have you had a look inside the machine & checked for overheating, excess dust,
are fan(s) ok ?    
You could also check for motherboard capacitors, if you think relevant>
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacitor_plague

this is last two minidump.
Mini122208-01--1-.txt
Mini122208-01--2-.txt

cdesaulos,

I even tried new mouse and keyboard, but didn't help.

dkim18,
Analysis of minidumps gave>
FAILURE_BUCKET_ID:  0x8E_CDDRV+6e0
FAILURE_BUCKET_ID:  0x8E_win32k!zzzInvalidateDCCache+a2

So we're getting three different results.  This can point to memory issues.  
 
But "0x8E" errors can also mean a driver issue or a need for a BIOS upgrade>
0x0000008E: KERNEL_MODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED:
http://www.aumha.org/a/stop.php
So have you checked for BIOS upgrade recently?

Your comment >I resat memory on the board<
Did you run Memtest?   How many RAM modules have you?  
A quick way is to remove all RAM modules except one, then reboot the computer.
If it still freezes, remove the one RAM & insert one of the others(or other one), & reboot again.

If freeze still occurs after the RAM test suggestions, and/or a BIOS upgrade check, you could try the Driver Verifier, as described here>
"Troubleshooting drivers with XP's hidden Driver Verifier Manager":
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-5714091.html

Please note that these instructions are written for Vista & Windows 7, but are suitable for XP. Ensure you create a System Restore Point, as suggested:
http://www.techsupportforum.com/2110308-post4.html

I tried Driver Verifier, but didn't find anything. I have 2G mem(2 x 512 mem, 1 x 1G mem). I will remove one by one and see if that helps. I haven't run memtest yet. My CD drive doesn't seem to work.

I replaced the 1gb ram and the issue is gone now.
thx!

Good.   Thanks.