Freezing Computer

[Cas]

Hi.  I have Hp Pav DV9700 Intel Centrino laptop.  It's running Windows Vista.  It's a couple of months old.

Since last night I've been experiencing a problem where my computer is freezing up.  The only way I can seem to get it to work is to take out the battery or hold down the bottom and then start it up again.

After restarting, it works for about 3 to 7 minutes.  Then freezes again.

I've tried restoring the computer to an earlier date.  I've try to run Spybot, Adaware, Kapersky Virus Scan, Hijack this, and MicroTrend House Call.  Before I could get the results for most of those the computer freezes.

I tried running these in safemode but the same thing happens.

The only one that gave me fast enough results was Hijack this.  But it froze before I could take any action.

I'm stuck on what to do next or what the problem is, any help or suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks.

[Deerpark]

Do you get any kind of error messages or does it simply stop responding?
To be honest it sounds like a hardware issue to me, I assume the laptop is still under warranty?

[drmsucks]

Sounds very frustrating.

Immediately before this problem did you do anything? Download, install a program, defrag, virus scan, etc?

Are you operating the laptop on a hard, clean surface, i.e., are the ventilation openings clear? Can you hear the laptop fan working?

[Cas]

No I do not get any error messages, it just stops responding.  Yes I have a full warranty including accidents etc for 3 years.  I was trying to avoid calling them, since they usually aren't helpful and will suggest a complete restore as the only option, when that is usually the best solution.

I didn't download any new programs as far as I can remember. Wouldn't the system restore have gotten rid of any recently downloaded programs anyway? I do regularly do virus scans. I haven't done any defrag or anything.

I will admit that my laptop is usually not on a hard surface. I usually keep it on my bed or on my lap, but if it starts to get hot I'll move it so that I'm sure the ventilation opening isn't directly against anything. The laptop was meant to handle gaming and heavy graphics, and so the laptop is meant to handle heavy graphics and stay fairly cool.

I'm pretty sure the fan is still working, but the laptop does tend to get very hot anyway. Could that be the problem?

[drmsucks]

I will admit that my laptop is usually not on a hard surface. I usually keep it on my bed or on my lap, but if it starts to get hot I'll move it so that I'm sure the ventilation opening isn't directly against anything.

Not a good practice. Look to see where the openings are - intake and exhaust - and keep them clear at all times.

I'm pretty sure the fan is still working, but the laptop does tend to get very hot anyway. Could that be the problem?

Yes. Download and install Speedfan: http://www.download.com/SpeedFan/3000-2094_4-10067444.html?hhTest=1.  Use your computer as you normally do and keep it on the surface that you normally use (albeit, a bad practice!) Check your temps after two or three minutes and post here. Modern computers shut themselves down to avoid damage, if certain temperatures get too high.

EDIT: Also, place the computer on a proper surface and see if you still get shutdowns.

[Cas]

All morning the computer has been on a table, and the shutdowns have continued, and, the freezing still continued.

It isn't shutting down. Just freezing. Manually restarting by pressing the button or removing the battery is just the only way to get it to work again.

I downloaded and installed Speedfan, and ran it. Unfortunately the first time it froze before I could get any results. I pressed the button and restarted the computer. I put it where I usually have it and ran the program while just browsing the internet. After a few minutes, the browser and the Speedfan froze.

It's strange because it's only the programs that are open, the start menu, and the desktop that freeze. I can still move the mouse, and the clock is still working.

Anyway, I'm not sure if these are the results that you want, but, this is what it was last at before it froze.

HD0: 60c
HD1: 40c
Temp1: 62c
Core0: 52c
Core1: 49c

[Broni]

Are these idle temps?
What processor is it?

[Deerpark]

If you start the computer in safe mode does it still freeze?

[Cas]

I was just barely browsing the internet. Barely.

Intel Core 2Duo CPU T8100 @ 2.10ghz

[Cas]

Yes it still freezes in safe mode.

[Broni]

Your processor max temp is listed as 105C: http://users.erols.com/chare/elec.htm, so I don't think it's overheating.

[Broni]

I'd definitely take advantage of warranty. You don't want to void it by monkeying around it.

[Cas]

Right now I'm just copying all my music/pics etc over to another comp.  I was hoping to avoid dealing with HP customer service, but if there are no solutions, I suppose once I've backed up all my data I'll give them a call.

Thanks.

[drmsucks]

Best of luck!

Let us know how it goes with HP.

[Broni]

Usually, HP people are nice.