Computer Hope
Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: vgates81 on January 12, 2010, 12:34:20 PM
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Hope this is the right place..
My computer randomly freezes up, I tried formatting twice but it still happens. Any ideas on what it could be?
Tried reformatting in case it was a program/virus but it still happens, checking batteries in wireless mouse & keyboard. Alt-Crtl-Del to bring up the task manager window always un-freezes it for a while, but then it happens again. Sometimes it will randomly go back a screen if I am in an internet browser. Ive had this pc about a year and it just started doing this over the last couple days. Ideas or thoughts on fixes welcome :)
I am running:
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6001) Service Pack 1
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gateway
System Model: P-7805u
BIOS: Ver 1.00PARTTBL
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU P8400 @ 2.26GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.3GHz
Memory: 4090MB RAM
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GTS
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Is this legit Vista copy (6001.longhorn_rtm)?
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Of course, its what came with my os from gateway via bestbuy. Why?
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Just checking :)
Freezing may be caused by number of reasons.
Main ones would be:
*** overheating (when was the last time, you cleaned inside the case?)
*** RAM problem
A. If you have more than one RAM module installed, try starting computer with one RAM stick at a time.
NOTE Keep in mind, the manual check listed above is always superior to the software check, listed below. DO NOT proceed with memtest, if you can go with option A
B. If you have only one RAM stick installed...
...run memtest...
1. Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip) (http://www.memtest.org/download/2.11/memtest86+-2.11.iso.zip)
2. Unzip downloaded memtest86+-2.11.iso.zip file.
3. Inside, you'll find memtest86+-2.11.iso file.
4. Download, and install ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/
5. Insert blank CD into your CD drive.
6. Open ImgBurn, and click on Write image file to disc
7. Click on Browse for a file... icon:
(http://209.85.48.8/228/109/upload/p4393897.gif)
8. Locate memtest86+-2.11.iso file, and click Open button.
9. Click on ImgBurn green arrow to start burning bootable memtest86 CD:
(http://209.85.48.8/228/109/upload/p4393911.gif)
10. Once the CD is created, boot from it, and memtest will automatically start to run.
The running program will look something like this depending on the size and number of ram modules installed:
(http://icrontic.com/draco/images/articles/diagnose_with_memtest86/main_menu.jpg)
It's recommended to run 5-6 passes. Each pass contains very same 8 tests.
This will show the progress of the test. It can take a while. Be patient, or leave it running overnight.
(http://icrontic.com/draco/images/articles/diagnose_with_memtest86/testarea_cu.jpg)
The following image is the test results area:
(http://209.85.48.8/228/109/upload/p4393925.gif)
The most important item here is the “errors” line. If you see ANY errors, even one, most likely, you have bad RAM.
*** hard drive problem
Run hard drive diagnostics: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287
Make sure, you select tool, which is appropriate for the brand of your hard drive.
Depending on the program, it'll create bootable floppy, or bootable CD.
If downloaded file is of .iso type, use ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/ to burn .iso file to a CD (select "Write image file to disc" option), and make the CD bootable.
NOTE. If your hard drive is made by Toshiba, unfortunately, you're out of luck, because Toshiba doesn't provide any diagnostic tool.
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Thanks I will try it.
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Longhorn ? ?
8)
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I can see, he just edited his initial post.
I'm not sure why would that note appear.
You think, it's some bootleg Vista?
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::)
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My dear husband figured out what has been wrong with my computer acting up. A tiny browser button on my wireless mouse was mashed down in such a way you'd never notice unless you looked close. Crazy how small issues cause big problems.
And no its not a bootleg Vista. I am not a hacker/thief etc.
I edited my post since I was concerned by your comment that my info might be offering up some tasty tidbit to a thief. I never had someone mention my dxdiag codes back to me like that.
Considering these comments I really doubt ill post any issues here again.. even so.. I appreciate those who tried to help. Have a good year.