What would you say the problem is if your cpu crashes frequently?

My anti-virus program states there are no viruses, i run real-time anit-spyware protection, i have a firewall. The cpu OS is Windows ME, so this cpu is pretty old. 20 GB hard drive.

What would you say the problem is if your cpu crashes frequently?best antivirus software

If this a new problem then it is unlikely that your operating system is the cause. You might be overheating your CPU. It is summer so it is not too far fetch. To check the CPU temperature, you will need to install a system utility like: SpeedFan, Motherboard Monitor or Lavalys' Everest home edition. They all are freeware and they provide a lot information about your computer. A CPU temperature above 60 C is a problem. Make sure to clean your computer with some compressed air and get rid of all those dust bunnies. Make sure the fan is working properly. You might need to buy a new fan or cooling system. You can find the free software programs at: www.betanews.com

Have you installed any new software? Does the CPU crashed everytime you tried to use a particular software? Try using the Task Manager and see if there is a process eating up all your CPU cycles. Video editing software like Nero and Roxio are very demanding and might crash your system.

Someone mentioned your 20GB drive might be the problem. There is a chance that it is your problem. On any computer, it is recommended at least 10% of the hard drive space should be free. Windows converts some hard drive space to be used as virtual memory to augment your RAM. Usually the virtual memory is 1.5 x RAM. If you don't have enough hard drive space to serve as virtual memory then your system will become unstable and crash.