Computer randomly freezes

[whitedove]

I have a gateway 510 XL computer about 2 years old 3.00 gigahertz Intel Pentium 4
8 kilobyte primary memory cache
512 kilobyte secondary memory cache
It has been working okay until recently. It has been freezing up on me. I'll be doing something on it. working with e-mail, microsoft word etc. it freezes up and then the computer screen goes black. The lights on the Computer are still on so I know it hasn't shut down. I push the reset button and everything is fine
until it does it again. Any info on what the problem may be is appreciated.
whitedove

 

[TimBlanchard]

have you installed/changed anything recently
run memtest
run virus etc...
CHECK YOUR COMPUTER temps this can cause you pc to freeze

 

[whitedove]

I haven't installed anything lately and I've got a pc health dr. on my computer. I've done that too and it says everything is fine. My virus test was okay too.

 

[STATus h2O]

If you have more than one stick of RAM, take out all of them exept for one. Frequent locks up can be tied to RAM. Also open up the case and make sure there isn't a ton of dust on your heatsink and fan. If there is, blow it all out, clean it up. Overheating causes frequent lock ups as well.

 

[whitedove]

Thank you I'll try that.