More computer problems now. My desktop computer, with XP installed is freezing more and more. Mouse just randomly stops working. Doesn't appear to be a mouse problem though. The flashing vertical bar, that you see when typing a message here, or say in google freezes as well. When I do ctl. alt. del. and bring up task manager, it says nothing is running, other than idle?

The other weird thing is the task bar (blue bar at bottom) with start, and other applications in bottom right corner is frozen. When you try to click on start, it doesn't respond, and none of the icons on the bottom right corner respond to a mouse click. I have this task bar set on auto hide, and sometimes it doesn't come up at all. As always, many thanks. Daren

You may have some corrupt system files or some malware onboard.
Suggest you run Malwarebytes (http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?part=dl-10804572&subj=dl&tag=button) followed by a 'system file check'.
Open a command prompt (under accessories) and type in sfc /scannow -with your Windows disk in the cd/dvd.
Note the space between sfc and / -it's necessary.

I've had this happen when the CPU is getting too hot due to a CPU cooling fan malfunction. If you start the PC cold, how long does it take to freeze up? CPUs get hot pretty quickly.

Thanks for both suggestions. So far, so good tonite, no issues. I took the computer apart, and found that one of my 3 hard drives had a loose connection on it. It snapped back into place, and no freezing tonite. The computer has been on since around 2pm.

This desktop has been very reliable and stable its whole life. My Dad built it with top drawer stuff, and I've never had any issues, this was the first software issue. Turns out it was hardware anyways.

About cooling fans, I think I counted 4, if my memory is correct. So its usually more dust than cooling, but thanks anyways. Take care, Daren