Step 1: Search for Error Codes
Windows may display an error code associated with the lockup or error. Use Google or Microsoft or Dell to search the error code or message displayed and select from the options to search for your specific issue.
Step 2: Run a Computer Diagnostic
To determine if your computer is experiencing a hardware problem, run the Diagnostics.
Step 3: Run Routine System Maintenance
Open the Performance troubleshooter by clicking the Start button, and in the search box, type troubleshooter, and then click Troubleshooting. Click View All and then click the checkbox to show online troubleshooters.The two troubleshooters are Performance and System Maintenance.
Also, use the System File Checker to verify the system files and folders on your computer. To run System File Checker, click Start type cmd in the Start Search box in the Start menu and then right click on the cmd icon and then select Run as Administrator. In the Command Prompt window type sfc /scannow press Enter.
Step 4: Update Drivers and BIOS
In many cases lockups can be caused by outdated drivers or BIOS settings. Be sure to regularly update your drivers to take full advantage of your hardware and software.
Generally speaking, you should update your drivers and BIOS in the following order:
1. BIOS
2. Chipset Driver
3. Video Driver
4. Audio Driver
5. Network Driver
6. Other drivers
Try updating each of these drivers individually and then retest the system to see if the problem continues. Be sure that your computer is running with the latest updates for Windows. Visit the Windows Update website to be sure your computer is fully updated.
Step 5: Uninstall, Reinstall and Update Software
If your computer is locking up or hanging while using a particular application, try uninstalling the application completely from the computer, then reinstall it and visit the software vendor's website to update the software to the latest version.
Step 6: Look for Multiple Antivirus Programs / Check for Malware
Choose only one anti-virus program and reinstall it. It is not recommended to have more than one anti-virus software package installed on your computer.Malware (Virus, Spyware, etc.) can definitely cause a Windows system to lock up or appear to hang. To check for malware on your system and to ensure that your computer is up to date on security software.
Step 7: Use System Restore
Step 8: Run a Full Computer Diagnostic
Perform a Complete diagnostics on the computer, especially on the Hard drive. Some tools that can be used
Everest Home Edition, complete system diagnostics software
Seagate Hard disk tools, hard disk diagnostics tools
Western Digital Hard disk tools, hard disk diagnostics tools
Step 9: Reinstall Microsoft Windows
If none of the above steps work, then the best option is to Backup Data and then Reinstall the Operating system.
Read more on Data Backup...
Read How to Reinstall Operating system..
