My laptop has just started to act like it's full of Gremlins.. It's starting to freeze up or just shut down altogether.. I can hear the fan going a gazillion MPH but no response to clicking on an icon.. I've taken to unplugging all wires leading to it and completely disconnecting the battery pack.. Having done so usually remedies the situation, unfortunately this proceeder is becoming more frequent... The laptop is an Acer brand and has to be 6 / 7 yrs old... I had it completely cleaned out professionally about 5 yrs ago when it was passed onto me.. I do clean out the cookies & cach and defrag on a regular bases too... Any Ideas why the HicUps?? Thanks

Sounds like it may need a good cleaning. Im talking about the laptop itself. If vents are clogged with lint or debris from years of use then it can be overheating causing exactly what you describe.

You may also look into having it professionally done. They can re-paste the cooling hardware to operate more effectively. They can also remove dust from regions that cannot always be reached simply by blowing out the dust.