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Computer random Freezing

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by dougcu

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Hello, I am puzzled by my current problem.

I am running XP professional SP2, Celeron 2.8 GHz, 1GB RAM, 80 GB HD with a single NTFS partition, Intel all in one motherboard. The computer started freezing at random, sometimes running for 30-40 minutes, sometimes not even successfully starting Windows. When it freezes, the keyboard and mouse are unresponsive and I am forced to do a hard shutdown. I have run (DOS)extensive hard drive, memory and cpu diagnostics with no errors reported, however, I booted up 2x with a Knoppix CD and locked up within a minute both times. I also tried uninstalling/reinstalling the video driver to no avail. Locking up in both Windows and Knoppix points to a hardware issue but my diagnostic tests can't seem to find a problem. Any ideas?
Thanks.

6 replies

by computercookie

have a look at the event viewer and investigate the errors and post pack.

by dougcu

Thanks for the reply,
I forgot to mention I did try safe mode and locked up as well. The event viewer isn't very helpful, mainly information alerts. There are only a few error and warning alerts scattered about in the application and system logs, nothing that would indicate a pattern though.

by nimmo

Are there any errors/events in your logs, also have you recently installed any new drivers/devices?

by dougcu

No, I haven't installed anything new and have run A/V and A/Spy scans. I have only a few errors in the logs;
iexplorer hang, faulting application Norton AV, DHCP error, print failure. They each occur just once and are scattered over a 2 week period as well.

by rob miners

A common reason for shutting down and locking up or freezing is the CPU overheating.

Faulty Fans, Dust and Grime build up on the Heatsink restricting air flow. I would give the inside of the case a blowout with compressed air and then remove the Heatsink, giving it a thorough clean and reseat the CPU applying new CPU grease. If the Fans spin freely when you give them a spin they are probably OK. If there is resistance replace them.

Also check Capacitors around the CPU for swelling or bulging.

A faulty PSU can also cause it. Fluctuating power is no good for the motherboard. Try another one if available or replace it.

Check the memory.
Sometimes random lockups can be attributed to the computer memory starting to fail. You can test the memory by running Windows Memory Diagnostic that can be downloaded from .

http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp.

If memory problems are found, try re-seating the RAM. If it doesn't work, replace the defective RAM.

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