How Do I Troubleshoot a Computer Freeze or Lockup in Microsoft® Windows®?

Try to move the mouse (pointer) across the screen.

The Mouse Moves
Most likely the freeze or lockup is confined to a single program. For troubleshooting assistance, refer to the Dell KB Article: "A Program Stops Responding or Hangs" Article ID: 317983.

The Mouse Does Not Move
If the mouse does not move at all across the screen, press the key once and then press the a few times.
If there is no movement on the screen, then the system is probably frozen meaning that all programs are locked up. Press and hold the computer's power button for 5 seconds until the computer shuts off, and then start the computer.
Notice:
You may lose any unsaved data. It is recommended that you only utilize this shutdown method only when absolutely necessary to minimize any data loss. Continue-