[Tatticky]

So, I've got a rather perplexing issue. My laptop is freezing whenever I press the Caps Lock or Num Lock keys. However, it's the way it happens that makes it so strange.

 

There is a delay between the pressing of the key and the computer freezing, ranging from half a second to half a minute. During this brief time, I can type with the proper (post-toggle) lock status, and even change it back and forth. The indicator lights always reflect the current lock status correctly, although the tone that should sound when one of the lock keys is pressed does not occur.

 

I tested the lock functions of Kaspersky Virtual Keyboard, and they too caused my system to freeze - albiet after the longest delay I have observed. The freeze did not occur after several minutes when operating in Safe Mode, although the "Maximum Frequency" reading for the CPU on Resource Monitor was apparantly stuck at 100% after the test.

 

 

Whatever caused this error occured within the last week or two, as I was using Num Lock very often during the first week of this month. The only major change I can think of during this period was a series of Windows Updates. (Of course, it's impossible to rule out malware.)

 

 

System Info:

• OS: Windows 7 Home Premium - Service Pack 1 - 64-bit
• Model: ASUS Notebook G60-(JX?)
• CPU: Intel Core i5 M430 @ 2.27GHz
• RAM: 4.00 GB (3.86 GB usable)

 

Other Weird Stuff:

 

A very highly access-restricted folder "C:\bffa554f80a5802c09bb89d671fe55ac" exists, containing (amongst other things) "NDP40-KB2533523.msp". Most of the files seem like legit components of Windows Installer, but I don't know why it's still on my hard drive.

 

I ran a hardware scan after booting up in System Repair, but after I logged on post-restart the computer froze and I was unable to view the results.

 

The shortcuts for admin tools were missing from the control panel, and C:\ProgramData\Start Menu had "Read/List Contents" blocked for everyone (but with no write protection). I've restored the admin tools, but am unsure of the proper security settings.

 

There seem to be several registry keys with hexidecimal names linking to other registry keys with hexidecimal names (if I'm interpreting regedit's output correctly). I don't know if this is normal, or evidence of something nefarious.

 

 

In all I'm rather baffled at this, and would certainly appreciate any help the forum can give me.

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Apparently launching Steam produces a similar freeze. I have no idea what's ailing my laptop...

[Tatticky]

Apparently launching Steam produces a similar freeze. I have no idea what's ailing my laptop...

[Aura]

Greeting Tatticky and welcome to GeeksToGo

While you're waiting for an official Geek to assist you with your issue, allow me to suggest you a few solutions

For the "weird" folder on your C: drive, this is simply a Windows Update leftover that you can safely delete. However, you won't have the permission to delete that folder. In order to delete it, you can use the TakeOwnership registry add-on (a great add on to have !). Simply follow HowToGeek's small tutorial here and "TakeOwnership" of that folder before deleting it. It will work, guaranteed

Also, it looks like your system is freezing a lot and I suspect that you might have bad sectors on your HDD. But let's go one step at the time. Once the "weirdly named" folder is deleted, report back here and we shall continue

[Tatticky]

I think you're right: weird bugs are cropping up more and more now, and a bad hard drive makes the most sense. I'm ready for an upgrade anyways.

 

Thanks, then. I think I'll move over to the hardware forum and ask for help there.

[Aura]

I think you're right: weird bugs are cropping up more and more now, and a bad hard drive makes the most sense. I'm ready for an upgrade anyways.
 
Thanks, then. I think I'll move over to the hardware forum and ask for help there.

No problem Tatticky

If you ever want to work on solving your current issues in this section, feel free to comeback and I'll assist you while an official Geek come take over. Meanwhile, good luck in the hardware section and with your future upgrade !