My girlfriend bought me a TouchSmart IQ804t as a Christmas present.  I've spent more time working to fix this computer than working with it.  After recieving the computer I installed Microsoft Office 2003, Photoshop, and Firefox.  The computer worked fine other than some issues with Window's Update freezing when it needed to create a restore point.  (Seems that is a seperate issue related to Norton.)  After about a month, the computer would freeze randomly.  One by one applications would freeze.  Once in that state, the task manager can't be started, processes can't be killed, and you can't even restart/shutdown from the window's start button.  The only option would be to hold the power button or pull the plug.  After a start or restart sometimes the computer would hang on startup on the green progress bar screen.  Sometimes it would get to the login screen and then hang after entering my password.  Occasionally I would make it to my desktop only to have the application freezes described above. 

So I thought the problem might be related to Norton, so I purchased Nod32 Antivirus.  I recovered my computer back to the original factory state.  I chose not to use Norton in the intial setup of the computer.  I removed Norton from my computer from the Add/Remove Programs in control panel, and then used the Norton removal tool as well.  I turned Window's update to manual and I got all updates for Windows and the HP software.  Finally I installed Nod32 and then copied all of our music and pictures to the computer.  I ran all the hardware diagnostics which indicated there is nothing wrong with the hardware.  I ran an in-depth virus scan of the entire C and D drives.  No viruses, malware, or spyware was found.  I did not install anything else on my computer or connect any new hardware to it.  After 2 days the computer started with the same symptoms as described above.

So I went ahead and recovered the computer again to the original factory state.  I decided this time not to install anything but the Window's updates and HP updates.  I did uninstall Norton from Add/Remove programs and used the Norton removal tool.  I did get all Window's updates and HP updates.  After about a day the same symptoms are occuring.

Could someone please make a recommendation.?

------------------------Updated------------------------
I followed roseohseven and betttawetta's advice and my computer now seems to be stable.

I did the following:
1. Recovered PC to original factory state.
2. Removed Norton via Programs in Control Panel
3. Ran the Norton removal tool to ensure it was completely removed.
4. Disabled Window's Defender.
5. Shut off Window's Sidebar.
6. Installed all Window's Updates.
7. Installed all HP Updates.
8. Installed the hard drive update. Found in this thread:
http://www.touchsmartcommunity.com/forum/thread/522/READ-THIS-If-your-model-7...

9. Installed the hotfix that roseohseven recommended.
10. Turned off the quick start and auto start in the touchsmart application.
11. Removed all touchsmart application tiles except Music, Photo, Calendar, and Notes. It seems you need about 4 tiles or it doesn't scroll properly.

12. Copied all of our music and photos to the hard drive.

I haven't installed anything else on it yet. I want to see how things go for a couple of days. So far, so good. It boots up quickly and no freezing. I even rebooted it a couple of times to see if it would freeze and it did not. I'll post back here in a few days to let everyone know how it's going.

Thanks to everyone in the forum that posted up good information!


------------------------Updated------------------------
13. Installed Nod32 Antivirus 4. (Computer okay)
14. Installed Office 2003 (Word + Excel only) (Computer okay)
15. Installed Office Updates from Window's Update.
16. Ran Excel and it froze my system. Had to power the computer off. On restart the computer is screwed up again.

Seems that after installing the office updates and SilverLight which came via Window's Update the computer is back to freezing and hanging forever on startup. It's the same symptoms as described in my original post.

Is anyone running Office 2003 (Word + Excel) with all the Office updates on this machine?

------------------------Updated------------------------
My computer is back to freezing up again with the same symptoms as originally described.  See the additional posts for more information.

------------------------Updated 4/7/2009------------------------
To sum it up....I was still having the freezing/startup problems...so I finally contacted HP using Email Support (wish I did it sooner).  Support recommended I run the SMART Short Self Test on the harddrive from the BIOS.  If that test passed, they recommended completely reformatting the hard drive using Recovery Disks and the Wipe Tool.  If the test failed then it would require a service call.  So I did the following:

***NOTE***  I'm not recommending anyone do this...I'm simply documenting what I've done in my case.  It's probably best to contact HP Support if you experience problems with your touchsmart.  I must say...I've had a great experience with Support. 
***NOTE***  You need Recover Disks for this procedure...as it completely wipes out the harddrive...even the Recovery Partition.  This is a long process...much longer than the normal recovery.  I started at 5:30 PM and didn't finish until almost 10:00 PM.

1.  Run the SMART Short Self Test from the BIOS.  It passed for me.
    a.  Hit F10 on the blue HP startup screen to enter the BIOS.
    b.  On the first screen find the harddrive usually the 1st Drive.  Use arrow keys and then hit Enter.
    c.  Highlight and select SMART Support.
    d.  Highlight and select SMART Short Self Test.
    e.  Press Enter to start.  It will pass or fail in about 2 minutes.

2.  Wipe out the hardrive.
    a.  Insert the first Recover Disk, then restart the computer.
    ***NOTE*** - I couldn't even create the recovery disks so HP was kind enough to send them to me at no charge.

    b.  At the Recover Manager screen...press and hold down ALT and D.  Command prompt should appear.
    c.  In command prompt type in Diskpart and press Enter.
    d.  Type in List Disk and press enter.
    e.  Find the hard drive. Usually '0'...should be the largest GB in the list.
    f.  Type in Select Disk X (where 'X' is the number found in the previous step.)
    g.  Type in Clean and press enter.
    f.  Type in Exit and press enter.  I had to do this twice.

3.  After command prompt closes...click on Advanced Options.
4.  Select the option to recover the computer to its factory shipped condition.
5.  The recover has started...you'll have to put in the multiple recovery disks throughout the process when prompted.  This took about 4 hours.
6.  After the recovery you'll end up in HP's Total Care Setup...registration, initial setup, and whatnot.  I chose not to start Norton.
 
After reaching the desktop I did the following:
7.  Removed Norton via Programs in Control Panel.  Norton first...Live Update second.
8.  Ran the Norton removal tool to ensure it was completely removed.
9   Disabled Window's Defender.
10. Shut off Window's Sidebar.
11. Turned off the the auto start of HP Total Care.
12. Turned off the quick start and auto start in the touchsmart application.
13. Removed all touchsmart application tiles except Music, Photo, Calendar, Video, DVD, and Notes. It seems you need about 4 tiles or it doesn't scroll properly.
14. Installed all Window's Updates.
15. Installed all HP Updates.
16. Copied all of our music and photos to the hard drive.
17. Installed Nod32 Antivirus 4.

I did this all last night...so it's a little early to say my computer is free of problems.  But at least it's something different...and I have hope this will fix it.  I'll post back in a few days.

------------------------Updated 4/8/2009------------------------

Already the computer froze twice yesterday.  After power down and restart the computer worked fine for some time.  Today after work I installed Microsoft Office 2003 (Word and Excel only).  I rebooted the computer.  I then tried to run Excel and it froze the same way as described originally.  So I had to power off the computer and restart it.  I made it to the desktop but the computer would not respond.  By this I mean...anything I clicked on did not work...the mouse clearly worked because the pointer moved all around the desktop.  I tried the keyboard (Windows key + E to bring up Explorer) and that didn't work either.  I power it down and again restarted it.  I had the same problems again.  Next I entered Recovery Manager upon startup and clicked on Advanced Options.  I used the HP Hardware Diagnotics Tools to run both the Harddrive Test and CPU and Memory Test in the Advanced Category.  All tests passed.  Once again I rebooted the computer and made it to the desktop only to have the same problems as described above again.  I decided to try to restore my computer to an earlier point in time using the Recover Manager.  I recovered my computer to the restore point prior to installing Microsoft Office.  I am able to make it to the desktop...but after about 1 minute I experience the original freezing issues.  I just sent this information to HP Support and I'm awaiting their response.

------------------------Updated 4/9/2009------------------------

Well support's answer wasn't what I was looking for.  They asked me to uninstall Nod32 Antivirus 4 and see if the freezing still occurs.  Support normally recommends to leave the computer after doing a recover without adding any new programs and just using the Norton antivirus for 24 hours to see if the issues still occur.  After that they recommend installing 1 to 2 programs at a time and try the computer before installing any other programs.  This is to help determine the cause of the issue.  In other words what program is screwing things up.

I did the following.  Using Recovery Manager (which I am so sick of seeing already) I recovered my computer back to the original factory condition.  I chose to start Norton in the intial setup.  Upon reaching my desktop I did the following:
 
1.  Removed Norton via Programs in Control Panel.  Norton first...Live Update second.
2.  Ran the Norton removal tool to ensure it was completely removed.
3.  Shut off Window's Sidebar.
4.  Turned off the the auto start of HP Total Care.
5.  Turned off the quick start and auto start in the touchsmart application.
6.  Removed all touchsmart application tiles except Music, Photo, Calendar, Video, DVD, and Notes.
7.  Installed all HP Updates.
8.  Copied all of our music and photos to the hard drive.
9.  Installed Microsoft Office 2003 (Word + Excel only)

So basically the only difference is I chose to start Norton before remove it.  I left Window's Defender and Window's Firewall running.  I didn't get any of the Window's Updates and I didn't install Nod32 Antivirus 4.

I did this all last night after work.  The computer seemed fine.  Rebooted fine.  Was up for about 5 hours...and no freezing!

I'm still at work right now...but I talked to my girlfriend...she said the computer froze again on her today.  This is absolute crap!!

------------------------Updated 4/10/2009------------------------

Hardware troubleshooting:

I've ruled out overheating.  I got home yesterday after work and started the computer up.  I made it to the desktop without a problem.  After about a minute...the computer froze.  The computer was off for hours prior to this.  I also felt the computer and it seemed 'cold' if anything.

------------------------Updated 4/10/2009 (after work)------------------------

I got home from work and started up my computer.  It was okay for a few minutes but it froze after trying to start Excel.  I powered off and restarted.  As soon as I reached the desktop...I tried to start Excel.  Again it froze.  So I decided to remove one of the memory modules.  I started my computer up.  I started Excel...and no problems so far.  Another thing is the computer seems much faster starting up applications.  I think I may be on to something here.  I'm going to take the other module out...and put this one back in and see what happens.

I took the other module out and put the original one I had taken out back in.  The computer still seems fine.  I'm going to put them both back in and see if I get the freezing. 

------------------------Updated 4/11/2009------------------------

I have both memory modules in the computer and it's been up for hours...no problems.  The only difference is the modules are in the opposite slots.  It really hasn't been long enough to say the computer is 'fixed'...but it does seem fine.  The only thing I can think of is that the memory wasn't making good contact in there...although it was locked in place?  I remember reading elsewhere that sometimes taking memory out and putting it back in resolves some issues.  I'm not a hardware guy...so I don't know if there is any truth to that...but for my situation...it seems to be the case.

I'm going to keep the computer up all day and see if I have any freeze ups.  I'll post back.

One more thing.  I went ahead and installed all of the Window's Updates, Microsoft Office Updates, and Eset Nod32 Antivirus last night.  So I guess that rules out the possiblity of a software problem.  Time will tell.

------------------------Updated 4/13/2009------------------------  

So far so good for my computer.  It's been up all weekend with no freezing.  The 'fix' for me was to take out the two memory modules and put them back in.  Apparently even if the memory is 'snapped' into place...it might need to be 'reseated'.  I'll post back in a few more days.

------------------------Updated 4/15/2009------------------------  

The computer has been great.  I haven't experienced any problems since I 'reseated' the memory.

------------------------Updated 4/17/2009------------------------  

The computer is still free of problems.

------------------------Updated 4/20/2009------------------------  

The computer is still free of problems.

 ------------------------Updated 5/7/2009------------------------  

Some bad news.  After quite a while of having no problems with my touchsmart.  I've encountered the freezing again.  It started freezing the same way as it did in my original post...with the startup problems and everything.  I went ahead and took out one of the memory modules and everything seems fine now.  The computer doesn't seem to operate any slower with only 2G of memory.  I'm going to leave the one memory module out and see if I ever get the freezing again.  If I don't I'm going to eventually take that one out and put the other one in...and see if I eventually get the freezing again.  I'm trying to figure out if it is a specific memory module or just a case of having both modules in there.  I'll keep everyone posted.

 ------------------------Updated 7/7/2009------------------------  

After getting pissed off with my computer because of the return of the freezing as described in my original post, I decided to install Windows 7. (The reseating of memory didn't help anymore.) Window's 7 lasted about a week because it kept blue-screening on me. So I reinstalled Vista from the recover discs. This time the only updates I've installed are the ones on the HP update page.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareList?os=2100&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&la...

The computer has been rock solid now for about a month. No crashing, no freezing, no pulling out memory and reseating it, just a steady working computer...imagine that.

So to clarify:
I formated my harddrive.
Installed Vista from the recovery discs.
Uninstalled Norton via Programs in Control Panel.
Shut off Window's Sidebar.
Turned off the the auto start of HP Total Care.
Turned off the quick start and auto start in the touchsmart application.
Removed all touchsmart application tiles except Music, Photo, Calendar, Video, DVD, and Notes.
Installed Microsoft Office 2003.
I've shut off window's update.
I always cancel the check from HP update.

The only update's I've installed...are from the HP Page http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareList?os=2100&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&la...

 ------------------------Updated 8/7/2009------------------------  

Believe it or not my computer has been still been rock solid.

 ------------------------Updated 9/5/2009------------------------  

Ugh. After a few months of enjoying a rock solid computer...yesterday the computer would not start up. By that I mean it would hang and never reach the login screen. After attempting to restore to a previous date, which would never run because the computer would hang...I decided to follow the steps I previously did to completely restore my computer to the original factory setup from the recovery discs. I ran the SMART Short Self Test from the BIOS as I did originally. The test is now failing with a Self-Test Status Value: 7 (Completed with the read eleme *cut off of screen* of the test failed). I still tried to run the recovery to restore my computer to the original factory setup. After cleaning with Disk Part as originally described...and using the 3 recovery discs and supplemental disk to format and reinstall original content...the computer boots up with an error message:

Windows has encountered a problem communicating with a device connected to your computer.

This error can be caused by unplugging a removable storage device such as an external USB drive while the device is in use, or by faulty hardware such as a hard drive or CD-ROM drive that is failing. Make sure any removable storage is properly connected and then restart your computer.

If you continue to receive this error message, contact the hardware manufacturer.

Status: 0xc00000e9

Info: An unexpected I/O error has occurred.

Anyway, HP has agreed that the harddrive has crapped out. So they are sending me a box to ship it out to a service center. With any luck maybe they will replace the entire unit.

I'll update again after I get the computer back.

------------------------Updated 10/12/2009------------------------  

I just got my touchsmart back from service too.  They replaced the hard-drive in mine as well.  So I started it up and went through the HP Total Care Setup...registration, initial setup, and whatnot.  I chose not to start Norton.  I removed the Yahoo toolbar and Norton via Control Panel->Programs.  Next I installed only the HP and Window's updates found here:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareList?os=2100&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3762887&lang=en#

I copied over our music and pictures.  I started playing some of our music from one of our playlists and after about 5 songs...the computer froze!  I had to power it off by holding in the power button.  Upon restart the computer would freeze after a few minutes.  Usually when in the HP Touchsmart software.

The same music plays fine on my laptop.  The same pictures display fine too.  Both our pictures and music has been scanned by Norton on my laptop.

I've installed nothing else on this computer.  This is crap!!  So now what?!?  This has been going on for nearly a year now.  Can I get a touchsmart that works?

------------------------Updated 10/25/2009------------------------  

I sent my touchsmart back in for service.  According to the Repair Center feedback letter they replaced the hard-drive and the hard-drive cable.  The email also suggested there was an IDE Controller failure.  Anyway I got my computer back a few days ago and did the usual:

Went throught the registration and intial setup.  (Chose not to start Norton)

Uninstalled the Yahoo toolbar via Programs in Control Panel.
Uninstalled Norton via Programs in Control Panel.
Shut off Window's Sidebar.
Turned off the the auto start of HP Total Care.
Turned off the quick start and auto start in the touchsmart application.
Downloaded and installed all the updates from the HP site:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareList?os=2100&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3762887&lang=en#

I decided to run the HP Update.  It downloaded a few additional things and installed them.

Copied over all of our pictures and music.

The computer has been rock solid.  No problems at all.  I'll have to give it some time and see what happens.

One thing of interest...I seem to be missing the HP Ambient Light application. 

I'm sure this hasn't been removed...so does anyone know where I can get it to install it?

------------------------Updated 3/30/2010------------------------ 

It's been a while since I've updated this post.  In this case no news is good news.  My touchsmart has been working great since last October.  I've had 5+ months of quality use.  I also did find the HP Ambient Light application in another on this forum.

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This is really something...so I have to rant a bit.  I did a search this morning on the word 'freeze'.  I'm shocked at how many people are having freeze problems with their touchsmart.  Here's a list of threads:

http://www.touchsmartcommunity.com/forum/thread/789/computer-freezing/?highlight=freeze

http://www.touchsmartcommunity.com/forum/thread/311/Keyboard-and-Mouse-Freeze-Must-Unplug-Computer/?highlight=freeze

http://www.touchsmartcommunity.com/forum/thread/388/My-TS-iq816-is-freezing-Help-me-please/?highlight=freeze

http://www.touchsmartcommunity.com/forum/thread/485/Windows-host-process-RundII32-has-stopped-working/?highlight=freeze

http://www.touchsmartcommunity.com/forum/thread/402/TouchScreen-spyware/?highlight=freeze

http://www.touchsmartcommunity.com/group/discussion/514/Time-to-swap-to-win7/?highlight=freeze

http://www.touchsmartcommunity.com/forum/thread/729/TouchSmart-506Q-Desktop-is-a-NIGHTMARE/?highlight=freeze

http://www.touchsmartcommunity.com/forum/thread/459/My-TS-iq816-is-Useless-hard-drive-is-dead-1005-and-BIOHD-4-ERRORS/?highlight=freeze

Obviously many people have no problems with their touchsmart.  But I think quite a few do, just based on the number of threads about freezing.  I'm not sure they are all related...but it's a possibility.  As a company HP has done some serious marketing of the touchsmart.  It's incredible that they would push a computer that quite clearly has some problems.  I bought a few Dells in the past and never had a problem with any of them.  Hell, I even have a Quantex that I bought when I was a freshman in college (over 10 years ago) that still runs fine and never had a problem.  I don't think this is good business.  We got this computer primarily for the software.  The intention is to wall mount this in our loft by the bar/pool table area for enterainment purposes.  We loved the fact that we can use it as another TV, display our pictures, and easily DJ music.  However, so far all we've done with it is attempt to 'fix' it.  This is complete crap!!  HP should be ashamed!!  Whether my computer is now 'fixed' or still 'broke'...one thing is for sure.  I will NEVER buy another HP computer.

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                                              END RANT
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