since i'm a technician, or at least suppose to be one, i'll try something to help you...
since you can open the internet...
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
do a windows update if you never did it !
it will probably solves the problem.
ok, now if you can't do an UPDATE for some reasons, like perhaps it is already updated to its max.
then try those semi-solution.
try to completely shut off the machine, even unplugging the power cord from it.
why ?
because even tho the machine is powered down, it takes about 5-10 minutes for the machine internal componnent to completely drains from power ! once this has been made, plug the power cord and start the machine, if it still does it, then try to disable POWER SAVINGS in the BIOS !
that's about all...
if this doesn't work, you'll probably have to try and know which program caused the problem.
but the best solution is also the worst... FORMATTING / REINSTALLING the machine is a sure bet of solving the problem !
out of simple experiences with a lot of computers...
i must tell you this important information...
! NEVER EVER USE SLEEP MODE !
its not even saving power like it's suppose to be and it is the best way to completely screw a computer !
why ?
because even tho this technologie has been out for quite a while... computer componnents never were designed to work with that function. which means that fonction will probably screw-up the drivers of the components. which results in those kinds of things.
data really has nothing to do with it !
but normally, rebooting the computer should normally solves the problem !
as simple as that.
ok...
here's what i hint you to turn off...
- POWER SAVINGS features -
1 - SCREEN SAVER (that thing is just a big messing with ressources problem) it can easily screw your computer even tho it saves the screen.
2 - COMPONENT SLOWDOWN to save POWER... (aka, sleep mode) same as above, even tho it is usefull, it most then likely will get your computer screwed up !
not third, only those two are problems starters !
for my part, i always turn my monitor off before i leave, leaving it in a state where really no harms can happens to it !
and... to conclude, i'll simply say that POWER SAVING is not necessary for a computer because a computer doesn't take more then 12v which is like a CAR baterie... even your TV takes more juice then a computer !
so POWER SAVING = screwed up computers !
the best way to avoid it, is to not use it !
hope it helped !