Log In Freeze

GW has been having this strange issue on my comp every since this afternoon. Basically, the game instantly freezes whenever i hit the log on button. I've never really had any technical difficulties with the game before so i guess this is just a minor thing, that keeps me from even entering the game.

Is this a common issue with the game? How can I get past it?
Thx for any help

Freeze as in "Connecting to ArenaNet..." then nothing?

"Freeze" as in the screen freezes, background music stops and game stops responding as soon as i hit enter to log in or press the log in button in the opening menu after the whole "connecting to ArenaNet" phase

Ouch.

Installed any new software lately? Anything that could conflict? A new toolbar for IE/Firefox that sounded like a good idea?

Any new hardware?

Cleaned the dust out lately?

Is there an arenanet.txt file in your Guild Wars folder that mentions your last crash?