Computer freezes and error at start up...

For a couple of weeks now, my computer freezes (as in I can't even move my mouth pointer) mostly in a random way, but always when I ran certain programs (Spybot, and any of my brother's gameboy emulators come to mind). At this times, I have no choice but to reset my computer, but whenever I turn it on, I get the following mistake (before booting Windows):

"Warning! CPU has been changed. or CPU Ratio changed fail
Please re-enter CPU settings in the CMOS setup and remember to save before quit!"

I think that the issue is hardware-related, but I don't know what it could be. I haven't added any hardware to the computer recently that could cause compatibility issues, but, this started after my 'power-supply thing' (sorry don't know the name in english, is 'fuente' in spanish though) died down, and I took the computer to my warranty's service, and they put a new one. My guess is that when this died, it could have affected other piece of hardware, but maybe I'm just guessing to much.

Anybody can help me solve this? or at least figuring out which piece of hardware is malfunctioning?

Update: I clicked the 'optimize default settings' option, and now the start-up error is not longer showing, however, my pc still freezes. Anyone?

Another update on my situation: The start-up error has come back after a couple of days, clicked 'optimized default settings' again, and it dissapeared, however, after talking with my dad, he said he had already done this several times, and it always came back after some days.

welcome to D-A-L

does your date and time stay correct ? you battery may be dead and your PC is loosing it's setting

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(Thanks )

Thanks for your answer! I had read that could be the case before, reading previous similar threads, but I don't thing that's whats happening, mainly because my computer clock did not present 'lost' time ever. However I guess it could be a possibility as my computer is not new (bough 17 months ago). Is there any conclusive way to check, short of open it?, (if I do it I'll lose my warranty).
Thank you very much for helping me out!
Geana

it may need a new battery and the CMOS cleared by the jumpers.

If it's still under warranty take it back to the shop let them fix it for you

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Please do not PM me for help.These messages will be deleted without reading.
Please post your problem in the appropriate forum.

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I was trying to avoid using the warranty, because, while a very good service for the first year, now that I'm in the second year, I have to take the computer to the "warranty extension" guys, and that's just in the city border and as I have no car, a 45 minutes taxi ride away. I guess I'll have to take it there eventually...
Sorry, I'm rambling. Thanks for trying to help!
Geana