Computer freezes randomly

Since a week or two my computer seems to freeze randomly, especially when I've just turned it on. Windows' interfaces are the first to stop responding, then after a few seconds the mouse freezes. Strangely, running processes, such as audio or video, keep playing (although staggering). The computer doesn't respond to any commands, and I have to reboot it manually...

Does anyone have an idea what could cause this behavior? It doesn't seem like a software-issue to me? The PC is about two years old, a dual-core which has lately been checked when the harddisk broke.

I'd appreciate any help. Thanks.

Boot into Safe Mode. Surf the net, play pinball etc to get a feel for how things are.

Then post back results.

Which Antivirus do you use?

Ive just been experiencing this same issue under XP sp-3 last week. Then low and behold I get home from work thursday and boot it up and BAMM!!! Checkdisk... my drive is crapping out!!! Now I have to try to get the data off of it but with the freezing and saying critical error need to chkdisk that I cant burn a dvd. Didnt feel like dealing with it over the holiday so we shall see how much I can save.

I hope its not the same for you but my advice is to make a backup ASAP!

@ Rob. One option: Use a linux boot USB (or Boot CD), and copy the (My Documents) files across to an external USB HDD.

Ive been looking at external hd's at newegg and think I found a seagate 500gb for $79 usb 2.0 that shoudl work well. But I have about 50gbs to transfer so hopefully i get it off before :eek2: