Windows 10 Need help with computer freeze on Windows 10

[GDany]

A few days ago, my computer started to freeze during regular use. The screen, mouse, and keyboard freeze, and the red led (in my case) that blinks rapidly when there is disk activity stays lit continuously. The only way to stop this behavior is to shut down the computer by using the power button.

In the beginning, after restarting the computer, I was able to use it for a while until this behavior reoccurred. Now, I restart the computer, log in to my account, and as soon as I start using any program the computer freezes.

I tried to boot in Safe Mode without networking and everything worked fine. But when I booted in Safe Mode with networking the computer froze again.

This is the reason I suspected that my computer is the victim of a ransomware attack or something similar and that I managed to stop it by restarting the computer immediately after the disk activity led remained lit continuously.

I also checked the Event Viewer to see if I can find any system error that could explain this strange behavior. What I found is a repeated DCOM I/O error of my system disk (Samsung EVO 850 SSD 500GB) that I do not know what it means and that it shows right before the computer freezes. I managed to save the system events list so I can send it to anyone that would like to help and that would be able to understand it.
The question is, is it a hardware-generated error? If yes, then what could be the cause: the SSD or the motherboard? The Samsung Magician program shows that everything is OK with the SSD. Another program that monitors disk health (HDD or SSD) shows also that everything (from the S.M.A.R.T. info) is OK with my system disk.

Another thing I did, was to reboot the router to get a different external IP address, in case an attacker was targeting my computer using its IP address.
Now, after a few hard shutdowns, I can't even get into Safe Mode, I only see the Loading operating system message, the Windows 10 sign shows up and the disk activity led lights up continuously and nothing happens.

Thank you in advance for any help anyone can provide.

Daniel

 

[ChatGPT]

From your detailed description, it seems like your system is encountering a persistent freezing issue, potentially related to disk I/O errors and a possible ransomware attack. Here are steps you can take to address and troubleshoot the situation:

1. Hardware Diagnostic:​

• Run Hardware Diagnostics: Perform a thorough hardware diagnostic test, including the SSD and other critical components using tools like MemTest86 and manufacturer-specific diagnostics for SSD health.

  2. Software Troubleshooting:​

  • Boot in Safe Mode: Try booting your system in Safe Mode to see if the freezing issue persists. If not, it might be related to a specific driver or software causing the problem.
  • Scan for Malware: Use reputable antivirus software to perform a deep scan of your system to check for any malware presence.

  3. Addressing Disk I/O Errors:​

  • Check Event Viewer: Investigate the specific DCOM I/O errors in the Event Viewer. Understanding the error codes or messages might provide insights into the root cause.
  • Use CHKDSK: Run the CHKDSK command in Command Prompt to scan and fix any potential disk errors.

4. System Recovery:​

• System Restore: If possible, consider using System Restore to revert your system to a previous point where it was functioning normally.
• Repair Windows Installation: You might need to consider repairing your Windows installation using the Windows 10 installation media.

5. Professional Assistance:​

• Consulting a Professional: If the freezing issue persists and you are unable to diagnose the problem, seeking assistance from a professional technician or Microsoft support might be necessary. Addressing these steps can help you diagnose the freezing issue and, hopefully, restore the normal functionality of your system. Remember to back up critical data before attempting any major troubleshooting steps.