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Originally Posted by Eddie Bronze
Windows updates are installed and it's still freezing.
The only firewalls I'm aware of are the one you get through Shaw's internet connection and also the one in windows security center (this one is now disabled).
oh, and just to add to that, the fan in the tower sounds like it's about to blow up. Christ.
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Complete lock ups like the one you described are rarely software related. Viruses, spyware, and buggy programs in general can cause all sorts of instabilities and behaviours but a complete lockup where hard-rebooting (cutting power, holding the power button) is necessary is almost always hardware related (or at least driver related).
Unfortunately it can be just about anything. The usual suspects are (in no order):
CPU Heat
Video Card Heat
Faulty motherboard components
Faulty power supply
Faulty memory (ram)
There are a LOT more things that can cause these types of lockups, but they're the most common.
Because you mentioned a noisy fan, I'm going to guess that the problem is heat related (probably power supply), so that's where you should start looking.
If you are comfortable opening up your computer case and checking out some stuff inside, here's a few things to try.
While the computer is running, try to identify where the noisy fan is. The most likely place will be the power supply's internal fan, which you should be able to see without opening up the computer, right near where the power cable plugs into your machine. If this is where the noise is coming from, it's very likely you need a new power supply. You should be able to get one for under $50 from memory express.
If it's coming from inside the machine somewhere, open up the case while the computer is on (try not to touch anything). Locate the CPU heatsink (should be a fairly large aluminum-looking block with a fan on it). Is that the noisy fan? Replace the fan; it will be cheap (under $20 from memory express).
There may also be a fan on your video card, check this for noise as well.
Another thing to try is to shut the machine down immediately after it locks up. It will take a few minutes for things to start cooling down. Hold on to the chassis of the case (or the power supply) with one hand while you touch anything in your computer. Touch the CPU heatsink with your finger. It should definitely be warm but it should not be too hot to touch. CPUs typically begin to fail/act weird at around 70 degrees or so, depending on the make. If you can't hold your finger on it without pain, there's a good chance this is your problem. Try this also with the video card heatsink and any other heatsinks on your motherboard (some have several heatsinks). There shouldn't be anything too hot to touch in there.
If you have your motherboard manual, it may have instructions on getting an actual temperature reading from your CPU using a built-in probe. This varies for each make of board, so I can't help you with this except to say that getting in the 70-80 degree range (celsius) is usually too hot for most CPUs.
Also take a look on your motherboard for defects. Look for darker and/or burned patches on the motherboard. Also check for expanding capacitors. Capacitors look a little like batteries standing up on your motherboard (there should be a bunch of them right close to the CPU). If they are bulging or appear discolored, this may be the problem. Hopefully not, since you need to replace the whole motherboard if this is the case.
Since you obviously are ok with reinstalling windows, you could try reformatting and reinstalling just to see if that helps the problem, but its more likely to be hardware related. If you reinstall, run the machine for awhile before installing anything extra and see if it runs without locking up. Install things one by one and try to determine which piece of software triggers the lockups.
I can give you more suggestions but these are the most likely culprits. Post back here if you have any other questions.
