Random Freezes on PC

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kiepie

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Hi

Trying to fix a friend's pc, the pc is freezing at random will. First it was when movies played, but when I started copying file to format the pc, it also started to freeze.

When it freezes I can't even press Control Alt Delete. I need to do a reset.

A few answer to possible questions coming.

There is no viruses found.
I formatted Windows Xp. (still freezes)
There is no graphics card, it's on board.

When I have a external hdd connected, it doesn't want to boot, although the boot seq in the BIOS is correct. I need ot remove all USB devices before a restart.

It freezes with and without USB devices connected to it.

What can be wrong?
 
My guess is the motherboard... Happened to me also. Good luck!
*Edit* Is it "freezing" even at POST or just after Windows loaded?
 
These things are often caused my memory problems.

Download memtest86 and run that just to eliminate that possibility.

Write the iso file to a CD and boot from that. Run for a few hours.

If it gives memory errors then that's it. If not, but still freezes, swap memory and try again.

If it still freezes replace the motherboard.
 
Last edited:
You've probably already checked but I figured I'd mention it just in case - check that the CPU Fan hasn't siezed (or been jammed with dust or something!)...and freezing like this too when my CPU fan decided to keel over.
Strange that it doesn't boot with USB devices attached - have you tried the default "safe" bios settings (with the boot order changed afterwards)?
 
I would check that it isn't an over-heating issue...
After the first lock-up, does it it freeze again quicker than the first time?

Try opening the case and blowing any household fan in there and see if it takes longer to freeze or it if it freezes at all.
I had similar issues with a CPU heatsink that was properly seated
 
Jola said:
These things are often caused my memory problems.

Download memtest86 and run that just to eliminate that possibility.

Write the iso file to a CD and boot from that. Run for a few hours.

If it gives memory errors then that's it. If not, but still freezes, swap memory and try again.

If it still freezes replace the motherboard.
Click to expand...

Ok will do that now, thanks.

Vixremento said:
You've probably already checked but I figured I'd mention it just in case - check that the CPU Fan hasn't siezed (or been jammed with dust or something!)...and freezing like this too when my CPU fan decided to keel over.
Strange that it doesn't boot with USB devices attached - have you tried the default "safe" bios settings (with the boot order changed afterwards)?
Click to expand...

Yip, CPU fan is working fine. Dust is a little, will clean it and try again.

Yes, the freezing with my external attached to it, is weird for me aswell (on a reboot, startup) but in Windows, I can access my external perfectly.
I'm not to clued up on the "safe" bios, what is that?

FuNkEr said:
My guess is the motherboard... Happened to me also. Good luck!
*Edit* Is it "freezing" even at POST or just after Windows loaded?
Click to expand...

It freezes just after Windows have loaded. The time differs now, beginning of the week it was between 10-20mins, it is now more like 2 hours.

charlie_82 said:
I would check that it isn't an over-heating issue...
After the first lock-up, does it it freeze again quicker than the first time?

Try opening the case and blowing any household fan in there and see if it takes longer to freeze or it if it freezes at all.
I had similar issues with a CPU heatsink that was properly seated
Click to expand...

The first time is like 2 hours, the second time is sometimes even longer.


Some extra notes:

I have added RAM from my working pc, still freezes.
Opened up the case, for more ventilation, still freezes.
Checked the temp. All looks fine.
 
Mine did this also in the beginning and then the "freezes" got more and more frequent and later on I couldn't even get past POST, and it even "froze" in the BIOS.
From my experience, (which ain't a lot though), I say it's the mobo.
Good luck man!
 
Jola said:
Did you take all the old RAM out when you did the test ?
Click to expand...

Yip, took out old RAM, now it is running with my RAM (on a working pc), still freezes. :(

FuNkEr said:
Mine did this also in the beginning and then the "freezes" got more and more frequent and later on I couldn't even get past POST, and it even "froze" in the BIOS.
From my experience, (which ain't a lot though), I say it's the mobo.
Good luck man!
Click to expand...

Thanks man, will have to buy a new mobo then. :(
What is POST?
 
Man this is quite a tough one.
I did a little research for you and found that this problem can be caused by the following:
Faulty ram[but you replaced the memory]

Incorrect drivers loaded or are not verified

Faulty memory slot

Faulty Power supply

Or, a faulty motherboard.[Most problems solved was due to this]

Its a pity the pc didn't just get a blue screen of death, because at least it offers a more direct diagnosis.
 
Power-On Self-Test. Basically the pre-boot sequence. Like when you see the mobo screen at the beginning when you switch your pc on, that's POST ;)
 
this is gonna sound odd... but unplug your cd/dvd-rom and see what happens

Ive had this ONCE... :)
 
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