When you say "things are starting to lock up" I will take it for granted that things where working OK at one point. Sounds like your computer needs a bit of manitance. Even if your a technical dummy you can and should do this on a regular basis.... On your start>programs>acces.>system tools>you'll find Disk Clean Up and Disk Defragmenter.Use the Clean Up first and then defrag all your drives.(This should make a big improvement). Depending on your internet habits,you may want to pick up something like Norton antivirus and scan your system to make sure you haven't picked up some nice little virus. A free program Adaware(sp?)(found on CNet)will rid you of spywear you pick up on the net and your Email..(which slowes things down also). Also,(not saying you do)but if you have any file sharing programs(KaZza,etc) for what ever reason....GET IT OFF,and leave it off.They will screw up your system faster than anything. SWAMP