Vista Hangs & Screen Freezes - Is it hardware or viral?

[baertracks]

Two weeks ago my T500 suddenly began "hanging" and "freezing". I get a "busy cursor" and a fogged out screen when running one or two applications, like Outlook. Or, when doing a simple right-click to get to Windows Explorer. Sometimes I'm able to get into the task manager and log off and start over. Sometimes I can't even get to Task Manager and have to do a forced reboot.

I have cleaned and re-seated the memory.
I've run several memory tests (no problem noted)
I've run registry cleaners, etc several times.
I ran chkdsk and corrected a few problems.
I ran Spin Rite and found no problems with the HDD hardware-wise.
I've searched for viruses and worms using NIS09 and other programs (nothing found).

I've been running in safe-mode, which is a good workaround except I can't print. (I did, BTW, find a way to activate sound in safe mode). Yesterday, however, I received several "black screens" while running in safe mode, i.e., sudden shut down to a blank/black screen with absolutely no warning or error messages.

Today, I removed the HDD and replaced it with my back up HDD that I had cloned/imaged using Acronis several months ago. I thought at first that this was solving the problem, but within an hour the same symptoms returned. And now those same symptoms are present when running in safe mode.

I'm now considering reformatting my backup HDD to begin with a fresh Vista Ultimate installation. However, if this is a viral/worm problem, then I'll probably just end up contaminating the fresh installation once I install my programs and data.

Has anyone else encounter this sort of problem?

Do you think that this is a hardware problem or a virus/worm?

What other tools or tests exist that can help me diagnose and resolve this problem?

Thanks,
FRANK

[baertracks]

Do you think that this is a hardware problem or a virus/worm?

Answering my own question, I am now thinking (hoping) that this was a hardware, memory-related problem.

I took out the memory and cleaned the memory sticks and memory slots with lots of compressed air (for a second time). I then tested each memory module (2Gb and then 4Gb) separately using the MemTest86+ software. Both modules tested fine.

I then booted with only one module in the bottom slot, first with 2 GB and then with 4GB. I noticed some repeat of the previous hanging problem so I removed the memory again and cleaned the memory slots for a third time with compressed air.

Finally, I reinserted both memory modules and successfully made it into Windows normal mode. The laptop has been stable for the past two hours, so I'm hopeful that this solved the problem. I guess it was "just" a bit of dust in one of the memory slots.

FRANK

[Marin85]

I guess it was "just" a bit of dust in one of the memory slots.

Uhm, still, that is not typical for a new machine... Maybe, the memory slots are worth some check by a tech if the lappy is still under warranty.