How to Fix a Computer When the Cursor is Frozen

Press Crtl-Alt-Delete (at the same time). This will give you a box generally used to terminate programs. Using the arrows, if you can, shut down all programs running (i.e., Word, Internet Explorer, etc.). Sometimes, it is an error within the programs or with your computer trying to process them all at once that causes your computer to freeze. This is especially true if you have low RAM (anything less than 500 or so MB or RAM).

Turn off your computer and restart it. Many times this will end whatever error up above was causing it to drag. If the computer is still frozen when it comes back on, go on to the next steps.

Press the tower's power button and hold on to it until the entire system shuts down. Turn off the main power switch and turn it and the computer back on. Sometimes a computer only looks like it is shutting down, but in actuality is not. This should solve the problem. If it doesn't, move on to the next steps.

Try a different mouse. If you have a mouse that connects to a PS2 port, the mouse could be bad. If the mouse doesn't work in that port, the port may be bad, too. Many times people only think their computer is frozen, but really the mouse doesn't work.

Try connecting a USB mouse into a USB port. If it works, you now know that either your PS2 mouse or port are bad. If you have a USB mouse to begin with, try connecting it into another USB port, since the original port may be bad.

Try Steps 4 and 5 for the keyboard as well.

Take it to a computer doctor, or to the technical department at the store where you purchased it. If none of the above work, you have a bigger problem on your hands. Your computer may be in the initial stages of crashing.