Dell computer, less than a year old, XP Pro, having problems freezing, especially when using applications like some browser-based games (my wife plays Happy Island and that stuff on Facebook), and also some videos on facebook. It froze this morning while loading a video on Youtube (Them Crooked Vultures!). We use Firefox. I've tried Opera and it froze as well in same circumstance.

My guess would be your WIFI network. If the signal is weak or there is a lot of interference, then you will get occasional "freezes" while online, especially playing videos.

To test the theory, connect the laptop directly to the modem with a network cable and have your wife go online and see if she still has the issues.

If the issues go away, then you will need to upgrade your WIFI and/or add additional WIFI routers/extenders.

how many modules compatible are the ram modules the same type/brand some motherboards will not accept more than one type
also make sure the ram modules are securely seated with no dust in the sockets

The purpose of RAM is to allow your CPU faster access to programs. If your CPU had to go to the Hard Drive anytime it wanted a program your computer would run very, very slowly. So for example, when you boot your system up a significant ammount of ram is designated to your devices needed to boot up your operating system video graphics

The primary role of RAM is to copy the operating system in to itself and then load the Operating System so that you can work RAM is only used to run any desktop base applications, such as games, Microsoft Word applications, games such as desktop games and pc games, and browser based so any programs you have loading at start up will be needed by computers RAM
http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=1670
Freeware app that defragments and frees up your system's RAM.
Freeware application to free and optimize your computer's RAM (Random Access Memory), resulting in an increase in system performance and productivity. Automatically configures itself for ease of use and also features advanced options and customizability. FreeRAM XP Pro has been designed to be easy to use yet highly customizable by computer novices and experts alike.
hope this helps you

The purpose of RAM is to allow your CPU faster access to programs. If your CPU had to go to the Hard Drive anytime it wanted a program your computer would run very, very slowly. So for example, when you boot your system up a significant ammount of ram is designated to your devices needed to boot up your operating system video graphics the primary role of RAM is to copy the operating system in to itself and then load the Operating System so that you can work

RAM is only used to run any desktop base applications, such as games, Microsoft Word applications, games such as desktop games and pc games, and browser based so any programs you have loading at start up will be needed by computers RAM

http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=1670

Freeware app that defragments and frees up your system's RAM.
Freeware application to free and optimize your computer's RAM (Random Access Memory), resulting in an increase in system performance and productivity. Automatically configures itself for ease of use and also features advanced options and customizability. FreeRAM XP Pro has been designed to be easy to use yet highly customizable by computer novices and experts alike.
hope this helps you

After seven years Windows tends to accumulate lots of "trash" in the system, especially if you installed a lot of programs over the years.
First step I would suggest is to try a good disk defragmentation software. You can download and install a trial version of PerfectDisk, or a completely free Auslogics application: http://www.auslogics.com/en/software/disk-defrag/
Run it several times and see if it makes things better. If the improvement is not enough, a good move would be to get someone experienced to save your personal files somewhere safe (a USB disk for example), then format (wipe) the disk completely and reinstall Windows from scratch + all the updates + the software you really use.
Seven years can be a lot, if you are after power-hungry modern applications and games. However, if you just want to use it for simple stuff, it can be quite enough. You don't provide the specs, but a simple RAM upgrade may just do the trick of making the machine comfortable enough to use.

you are using an old graphic card an processor and it seams yor pixal rate is less than 2.0 shader version try to upgrade yor garphic card

Try Using Different Browser like Google Chrome Or Mozilla It may also be a flash player issue while watching online or gaming online have you tried Media player to test with Have A Antivirus for a good Internet protection

The cause of the freezing, or locking up, of your computer, is due tosome either corrupted or missing files. And more specifically, missing orcorrupted registry files.

Try reinstalling your browser. If you are using IE, you can also reset the web settings by going to tools>internet options>advanced>reset.

You have to do some maintenance cleaning and check up. Both hardware and software. As this age usually two years.One common failure is the harddrive. You should get some backup procedure. As for software you may do the following. 1. Registry cleaning (Ccleaner is good but be careful also) 2. Application cleaning, uninstalling those program not needed in the system. 3. Log and history cleaning. 4. Defrag is good. 5. And virus scanning it also one of the major cause of system freezes. 6. And unloading some files (back it up then unload) As for hardware. You may do some dusting or reseating. Usually the CPU fans and system fans and its airways.

i had the same problem (other video card ) and it was fixed by using other drivers ! Try a driver update. Also if u can check the temperature of the card, it may get to hot, but usualy when this happens the computer freezes completely or reboots ...If so clean it;s cooler or help it with another one (if possible ) ...