non responding

I have a Compaq Presasio laptop-windows xp-dsl (not very computer savy)

Lately when I go to open some programs,etc. the little hour glass will stay on and then a message -program not responding- It don't happen each time I am on the computer but seems to be more frequent. It will happen when I am trying to open something on line or even if I open a document.

Then I can't get the darn thing to close down or go away. I click cancel or other places. Usually I can get the computer to restart then all is ok. Sometimes it takes a few tries to get it to restart.

I have defragmented-scanned-5 stage file check-Primary HDD self test.
I thought it helped then just now I tried to open a document in My briefcase and it acted up. Any help will be appreciated.

Should I take it to a shop for a $100 tune-up or what. Thankyou

This is a reply to my previous question. It is not "non responding" it is "not responding" I will have something on my monitor, the hour glass will be about twice the size of normal, and I can't get anything to work. Eventually I can get the computer to shut down or restart then all is ok.

Of course I could use the power switch but don't like to do that. Any ideas??

Have tried restoring your computer back to a time before the problem started occuring?

How to restore the operating system to a previous state in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306084

You can test the HDD by using the HDD manufacturers' diagnostic utility.
You can test memory module(s) by using such as Memtest86+.

RAM Diagnostics:

• Memtest86 - A Stand-alone Memory Diagnostic
  http://www.memtest86.com/
  
  
• Windows Memory Diagnostic
  http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

Notes:

• Download either one to your hard drive then (extract)/execute it to create a bootable diskette or ISO CD-ROM image.
  
  
• Let the test run for a while, at least half an hour or so. If you get ANY errors, the RAM needs probably needs to be replaced.

Hard Drive Diagnostics:

Hard drive diagnostic utilities are used primarily for determining the physical condition of your hard drive, (drive integrity and read/write verification). If you are having computer problems which you suspect are hard drive related, you can test your drive with the following:

• IBM/Hitachi "Drive Fitness Test"
  http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm
  
  
• Maxtor "PowerMax"
  http://www.maxtor.com/portal/site/ma...&downloadID=22
  
  
• Seagate "SeaTools Desktop"
  http://www.seagate.com/support/seatools/
  
  
• Western Digital "Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for DOS (Floppy or CD)"
  http://support.wdc.com/download/inde...pid=999&swid=2
  
  
• Fujitsu "Diagnostic Tools"
  http://www.fujitsu.com/us/services/c...utilities.html

Note: In most instances you download the file to your hard drive then (extract)/execute it to create a bootable diskette or ISO CD-ROM image.

If you don't know the Manufacturer/Model# of the hard drive in your computer:

1. Download and install EVEREST Free Edition 2.20
   http://www.majorgeeks.com/EVEREST_Fr...ion_d4181.html
   
   
2. Start Everest and go to Storage | Physical Drives | Drive. To the right of "Drive #1" should be the model number of your drive, (for example "ST3250823AS").
   
   
3. Type that model number into Google (http://www.google.com) and you should be able to tell who the Manufacturer was.