I've got a 2 year old alienware laptop. Never had a problem in the past. Recently it crashed during a video (on DivX I think), it didn't do it frequently but it had happened before, so I HELD the power button as I usually do. Except when I restarted it took ages to reboot and switch on, then proceeded to be very slow. Now the slow boot-up time has stopped and its back up to speed, except when I use RAM intense programmes (such as gaming or HD video) I get frequent and short screen freezes, with seemingly no reason, the sound maintains and then the screen catches up (skipping the middle part), but they are incredibly annoying and make the tasks it used to be able to do annoying and unbearable.

Only other things that may have caused it is I reinstalled UTorrent recently as well, but I do not think that is the cause. Any HELP would be great, as I've searched all over for anything and not had much luck.

Specs:
Model: Alienware M11XR2
Processor: Intel (R) Core (TM) i5 CPU U520 @ 1.07GHz
RAM: 8GB
System: 64-bit

I can provide any other needed specs.

I've already tried uninstalling unnecessary or dodgy programmes and I'm not sure what else to do.Have you performed a memory test with memtest86 and does it pass at least 3 times?

Also, are your system temps OK? I use speedfan to monitor my temps.

Also do you have the proper graphics driver or is it ONE that Microsoft used as a generic video driver?Memory is fine on mem test, but speedfan if I run any tasks goes quite high (the fire icon comes up), above 50C. What should I do about this? I've already got a cool pad, it seemingly helps a little, but not enough. Don't really feel safe about increasing the fan speed, any advice?Did you try opening the back and CLEANING the insides? It can become quite dirty in there.