Computer freezes randomly

[jcsmith35]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that this is my only desktop computer. So, I do not have another power source lying around.

[Karnac]

Memtest86 confirmed your memory is OK....You should borrow a power supply and eliminate it as the source of the problems......No sense going through a reinstall if it's a hardware issue.

[Karnac]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that this is my only desktop computer. So, I do not have another power source lying around.

Saw this after I posted.....you gotta make some decisions.

[jcsmith35]

My initial thought would be that the reinstallation of windows does not cost me anything except time. I have an external hard drive that I use as a backup. So, I already have everything saved.

My other thought is this: can I rule out the power source as the cause by testing it with a multimeter?

[jcsmith35]

I meant to ask this earlier, but forgot:

The initial cleaning process highlighted a file that it could not identify:
O16 - DPF: {DE625294-70E6-45ED-B895-CFFA13AEB044} - http://65.111.137.206/activex/AMC.cab

I have not been able to find anything about this file. I'm hesitant to just delete an unknown file. However, if it is the cause of the problem, then it may be worth while to remove it. I guess if I am planning to reinstall windows anyways, what would it hurt to delete it and see what happens?

[Karnac]

That file is an ActiveX file from AxisMediaControl used for video streaming.

I always recommend swapping the power supply as do most of the helpers on this forum, rather than testing them for safety reasons, or the possibility that the PSU problems are intermittant and testing won't show DC voltage fluctuations, etc....In your case , if you are confident have a look at this video or simply Google "Test PC power supply".

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6128707099915121976

[jcsmith35]

Thanks everyone. I'm pretty comfortable working with around electricity. I'll try to test it this weekend and let you know what I find.

[jcsmith35]

I just did a couple of tests on the power supply.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4968937_test-power-supply-using-voltmeter.html?optype=text
For this test, I got +11.78 volts and +5 volts.

http://www.ehow.com/how_5329291_test-bestec-pc-power-supply.html
After inserting the paper clip and plugging in the computer, the fan kicked on.

So, it looks like the power supply passed both tests.