I notice that you indicate you are running XP, SP2. Without SP3, you are no longer able to get MS updates, and that leaves you vulnerable to all sorts of security problems. What AV and other malware protection are you using? So many things can cause freeze ups, but I would be very concerned about malware. If you can provide more information, then perhaps some helpful suggestions can be made. If this were my computer, I would run a program such as CCleaner, scan for viruses and other malware, defrag the HDD, and update to SP3. After that you still have well over a hundred updates from Microsoft to download and install.

could be several things, what browser are you using? try using the browser with the add ons disabled, if you don't know how to do that tell us which browser and we can tell you or google it.

I would also clear your cache on the browsers or just use ATF
ATF-Cleaner.exe

is there a particular time it freezes up are you doing anything specific? on any specific site or email or task?

by scans do you mean antivirus and malwarebytes or what exactly?

grandms & ravencajun,
First of all thank you both for answering my request for help so promptly, greatly appreciated.
Malware protection : I use Malwarebytes anti malware.
Cleaner : Ashampoo Win Optimizer
Browsers : Avant and Safari. Used to have only microsoft browser, didn't like it at all.
The computer has recently just started this freeze up , happens about 5 or 6 times after I first turn it on of a morning.
I recently carried our a defrag and cache clean.
Have no uploaded Sp3 because i'm on satellite with restricted data useage and whats more would take all night to download it. Are those updates so necessary, I have had no trouble virus wise in 7 years. This is the first hint of trouble.
Over to you both, thankyou both once again

Remember, any safety update ignored is a possible invitation to disaster. Not trying to scare you at all, as you note you have done very well to date. Do you have a friend or relative with unlimited internet access to burn SP3 to a CD or thumb drive? After SP3 is installed XP has about 120 updates you would need to add also.

On the freezing issue have you checked that the fans are working? Have you looked inside for dust bunnies particularly at the heatsink and fan over the processor on the motherboard? If these are clean try leaving the side panel off for a while to see if this might be heat related.

I believe it is still possible to get the SP3 update cd from Microsoft. I have it, and it saved me lots of bandwidth since I was also on satellite at the time it came out. Now my bandwidth is even more restricted using cellular connection, so I understand your problem. Once you have the SP3 cd and have that installed, you can just do a few of the other updates at a time until you have them all installed. I know, it will take some time to do this, but it is important.

I would echo what Owbist wrote about heat build-up and the freezing issue since heat can cause all sorts of problems.

Have you recently added any new or upgraded applications? Made Preference/Option changes? Though it would be unusual with XP and two GB of RAM, I am thinking lack of resources.

Does this freezing occur randomly? When your multi-tasking? One specific activity? While on the Internet only? During normal system activities? Both?

Have you looked in the Startup to see what is running in the background? Or perhaps used WinPatrol for the same duty?

Could definitely be physical maintenance, but I don't lean that way as yet as it was posted, "happens about 5 or 6 times after I first turn it on of a morning."

DA

Thank you all for your good advice, I will try all your suggestion and see if that fixes the problem. I never thought of the dust situation, maybe a good clean out could fix it, here is hoping!
cheers
Jim.