I've tried all I can think of but I'm still getting boned.

Lately my computer has been randomly freezing up. I'm not talking about "oh *censored* my comp is FROZE for like 2 minutes, this is such an inconvenience," i mean completely frozen. For the most part it starts when im in Firefox, first firefox will STOP responding, so then i'll try to bring up my task manager, that wont even come up, then i'll try and just such down my comp from the task bar...then my task bar freezes. I tried just letting my computer run...left it frozen for almost a day hoping it would unfreeze, of course it didnt. I thought maybe it was just a problem with firefox so i deleted that and went back to internet explorer :*( but then it still kept happening so i switched back to firefox

so when this all started happening i ran all my virus/malware/adware detectors (Avira-Free, Malwarebytes, and Spyware Doctor) but they all came up with nothing.

Windows is all up-to-date.
Ran fix problems thing and error check from my Windows recovery CD. Still no solution.

I feel like reformatting could be my answer but im having to wait to do that for a while because i need to save up some extra cash so i can get some files onto an external hard drive.

If anyone can offer up any advice it would be most appreciated. thanks.How much free space on the HD?

How much free RAM most of the time?

Does your CPU run at 100% most of the time? Use the Task Manager to find the CPU hog.

Remove old programs, and old files from the HD.

Shut all windows not needed. Each window might be a run away program.

Don't let so many programs start when you boot. Find out which ones need not start at boot time.

Sometimes a slow computer is caused by a slow site. As a test Try another site.

Use Tabs and not a separate window for each site open.

Might be hardware from over heating. Do you smell electrical components cooking?

Buy more RAM and a larger HD.

Take the Space Heater away from the Computer. Allow more space and Air around the computer.

Good LuckIts a pretty new computer.

208 GB free.

42% physical memory

it LOOKS like it runs at about 70% on avg...spikes to 100% whenever i mess around with a open window or anything.

Only about 3 programs run when start up..there my antivirus stuff

Ive got 2 GB of RAM on here already.

NEVER gets too hot and has plenty of room.


**side question:
Norton Protection Center came preinstalled when i bought this Comp. but i never got around to purchasing the full version...instead i bought spyware doctor and have malwarebytes and Avira-free version on here. my question is would it be alright to get rid of norton...i know its got a built in firewall so i didnt know if it would be bad to remove it.That machine and you will both be happier without Norton...
Visit their site for the removal tool.If you have Avira installed, you MUST uninstall Norton: http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039