Specs:
Windows VISTA 64bit
Motherboard: EVGA 122-CK-NF68
Memory (RAM): 6142 MB (3 2GB sticks)
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo E6850  3.00GHz
CPU Speed:  2994.3 MHz
Sound Card: none
Video Card:  NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX
Monitors:2x; Generic PnP Monitor | Generic PnP Monitor |


The past month i have been trying to figure out this bug/error/failure. I have eliminated alot of possibilities, and i think i have come to a conclusion, but i would like to get a few other opinions first.

My computer is about 3 years old now, only parts that have been replaced is a new harddrive and 4gb of RAM were added a year ago.

Here is the problem:
My computer freezes randomly, sumtimes it wont happen for awhile, sumtimes it will happen every minute. But, it seems to happen right away everytime after i turn my computer on.

The freezes are weird. When it happens, i can still play/work with whatever program, window or folder i am on/in. But i cannot click on anything else outside of that program/folder.

For example: if it happens when IM on my desktop, i can open folders on the desktop but i cannot do anything in that folder. Also, my taskbar is on autohide; when the bug happens, i cant reveal it and it stays hidden. Another thing, even though i can click on the icons, i cannot move them, i can drag them, but they just go back to their original places. I can HOWEVER cut/paste them into other folders.

A temporary Solution(which has made it sumwhat tolerable the past month)
if i hit Ctrl+Alt+Del and bring up the task manager, the bug disappears. temporarily.

Things i have tried:
Reinstalling OS - I figured it might be a virus, or a software bug. so i reinstalled the OS on a NEW harddrive. And i am still GETTING the problem, even though it was a fresh install on a brand new, never used harddrive.

Cleaning. Blew out all the dust.

I tried running my computer with each stick of 2GB ram by itself, then tried each ram slot. Still got the error.

Checked tempature of my CPU, but its within its parameters. and since the bug happens right when my computer starts, i don't think it could be that.

Monitoring the CPU during heavy uses. i can see both cores are opperating.
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That is the problem. I have searched the net, but was unable to find anyone with a similar problem. I figure i need to replace a part, but i don't know what. any idea?

Yes, I have a an idea. Your power supply is failing
You have  done most of the regular things.
Things to try:
Remove ALL things not needed for very basic use. No printer, no wireless adapter, no USB hubs. Not even a mouse. You can work the computer without a mouse. And remove the floppy,  no power, no data cable. Likewise the CD ROM drive.

 If you have a old low power video card, or built in  video, try that.

If  things get better, it is the power supply
Before figuring out a hardware problem, are you sure that your machine is declared clean? Try to scan 1st your system using your own anti-virus software, MBAM (Malwarebytes), and SAS (SUPERAntiSpyware). Then if it is 100% free from malware, please post it here and wait for CH experts to analyze your problem.geek-9pm,
I don't think its the power supply. These freezes happen randomly when im just browsing the internet, or moving files. basically, not using much power. But when im running a high resource gobbling game, i dont experience any problems, and if it really was a power issue, im sure my computer wouldnt beable to handle a high-end game, when it "crashes" during the SIMPLEST of procedures.

BUT, i did try what u said. unplugged my second monitor, all my external drives, ipod, second keyboard, speakers, and Headset. and, still having the problem.

geek hoodlum,
The computer is running on a fresh install of my OS, on a brand new unused harddrive. it doesnt get any cleaner than that. Quote

geek-9pm,
I don't think its the power supply. These freezes happen randomly when im just browsing the internet, or moving files. basically, not using much power. But when im running a high resource gobbling game, i dont experience any problems, and if it really was a power issue, im sure my computer wouldnt beable to handle a high-end game, when it "crashes" during the simplest of procedures.

I don't think its the power supply. These freezes happen randomly when im just browsing the internet, or moving files. basically, not using much power.

We're not talking about the amount of power being used, but the quality of the DC power being delivered by the PSU. This can be an issue at any level of power draw.