Alright I got this used computer from my cousin, her boyfriend (huge computer geek) clears most of the hard drive and upgrades the OS to Windows 2000. The computer is fine for months, then IE starts closing on me all the time, usually after going to three pages or so. So I manage to download Firefox on the computer and that works fine for awhile. Now anytime I try to open Photoshop, scan my computer, or download software (I've been trying for AdAware) the computer freezes on me. I shut it down and then it takes hours to run again because for some reason when I turn on the computer nothing comes on the screen and I can't even hear the familiar beeps of startup. Does anybody know what the problem is or even could be? I'm mostly wondering if I'm gonna have to buy new parts or send it to a tech (don't have the money to do either right now though...)

too many resources being used?

try checking for spyware and viruses, those hog up all of your resources.

what are you system specs?

It could be a virus or simply ask your cousins boyfriend to help you out.

^She dumped him so...

I did manage to trick the computer into getting AdAware up and after finding 304 objects the computer froze. If I can get those removed I think my computer may be back to normal. If not, I'll burn it.

The only case that might be true is if the computer is really, really old, and doesn't have the resources to support 2000 (which is unlikely). 2000 is much more solidly built than 98.

I think my computer predates Intel. I didn't see that chip when I was checking if the monitor wasn't connected all the way, so its possible. I have no idea what kind of computer it is. The computer has gone back to freezing at startup (so I can't even start AdAware) and I'm thinking of just saving up for a new computer.

You should be careful with that program AdAware. Don't delete every file it scans, because it also picks up some neccessary files from your system. Such as some .dll files which your computer needs to have in order to run properly. I suggest you do a system restore or try to upgrade to Windows XP.

Intel's pretty old, and PC's have been using Intel processor's since the early 80's, so I doubt that's the case. ;)

Find a WindowsXP disk and reformat it.
Might help, unless you want to save shit.

I had somebody look at it. Turns out the hard drive is giving out and it would be best for me to knock the OS back down to Windows 98. Still gonna have to pay for the hard drive, but thanks a million for your suggestions and stuff.