InDesign CS4 repeated crashes

Question

Hi
We have been using InDesign CS4 for several months now, and suffer repeated crashes.  Our systems support contractors have looked at the network, and say its a software issue.  Running it on 2 PCs, Windows 7 OS.
Initaially we thought it was network latency issues, and certainly the number of crashes have reduced since we co-located all InDesign and image files on the PC's hard drive rather than on a network storage device.  However, the application is still prone to crashing.
Certain actions seem to spark a crash; but not always.  Applying character styles, applying master pages to existing document pages, duplicating spreads and moving pages within the document are all risky actions.
The symptom of a crash are sometimes just a freeze, with no associated warning.  That requires a CTRL-ALT-DEL to bring up the windows task manager which will show InDesign as not responding.  Alternatively, one gets a warning from InDesign that it has encountered an unexpected problem and needs to shut down.
Now we are working exlusively from our hard drives (I've even tried working with the network cable un-plugged to ensure I'm not inadvertantly linked to a resouce on a network sortage system), we get fewer crashes; maybe just 5 or 6 a day.  Before it could be 10-20.
Any ideas?

Answer 1

Hi,
Would you please provide with some more details.
Is it happening while working with some specific file or all the files.
I would recommend to try a new user account on your machine.
Is it happneing with one specific machine or all other machines ?
Did you tried re-creating Indesign preferences.
Is it happening only with Indesign or any other Adobe or non Adobe application ?
Are you getting any error message?
Is it Freezing or closing down automatically ?
When did this issue started happening ?
If you remmember any kind of specific change after which it started happening or since the time you have installed it is happening ?
Is your Indesign up to date ?
I would recommend you to try below mentioned document. It might be of help to you:
http://go.adobe.com/kb/ts_kb404723_en-us        
Do check if all your drivers are up to if not update them.
System Requirements for Windows:
• 1.5GHz or faster processor
• Microsoft® Windows® XP with Service Pack 2 (Service Pack 3 recommended) or Windows Vista® Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise with Service Pack 1 (certified for 32-bit Windows XP and Windows Vista)
• 512MB of RAM (1GB recommended)
• 1.8GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on flash-based storage devices)
• 1,024x768 display (1,280x800 recommended) with 16-bit video card
• DVD-ROM drive
• QuickTime 7 software required for multimedia features
• Broadband Internet connection required for online services
Regards,
Swapnil
Adobe