Microsoft Windows is not responding. Computer freezes as soon as windows starts up.

[JoeC1989]

On one of my computers I am having a problem with windows. Whenever I boot it up to windows and the desktop comes up I can't click on anything. I can't start any programs, I can't even try to figure out what the problem is. All that happens is a message comes up that says Microsoft Windows is not responding. I don't think it is a problem with my computer itself as it's been working well for almost two years without any problems, but rather I think it's a problem with something on the hard drive (Virus, program didn't install correctly, etc.)

The reason why I think it's a virus is because I didn't have virus protection on it. My norton ran out a little while ago and I forgot to buy more or download a free anti virus software. If it IS a virus what should I do? I know how to format/reinstall windows, but I can't do it since if I can't go into my control panel without the computer crashing.

As I said, I don't think it's my computer but here are my specs on it anyway:

Windows 8.1 Home Edition
1TB WD hard drive
8g DDR3 ram
MSI Z97 motherboard
Intel i7 4770k
GTX 980 EVGA 4g vram
1000w power supply
No internal disc drives
Standard CPU cooler as well as a few fans in the case

Please let me know if I left out something. I can't get specific details about the programs on it or various things since windows on this computer is not working correctly.

 

[cdabc123]

pu the hard drive in another computer copy the important data and do a clean install of windows on your computer

 

[SBMfromLA]

More than likely... it could be a corrupted driver. Before doing anything, try to backup your data. If you want to know for certain whether or not your have a malware infection, install Malwarebytes FREE edition (do NOT turn on the pro trial because that version expires after a week)..

If I had to take a wild guess... I would say it's one of your startup programs that causing your system to hang. I'm assuming most stuff you installed.. you just accepted the DEFAULT install settings and allow it to startup with Windows, right?