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Computer freezes in a day or 3-4 days.
rizla01
Posts: 7,260 Forumite
in Techie Stuff
Complete lock up. No choice but to power down and reboot.
I suspect graphics as I downloaded Nvidia graphic software, - or Hopefully not, the Graphics board. Gforce 8600 GS.
System is 64bit Intel Core2 Duo E4500 with 4Gb
It could happen when in use or when idle. With or without screensaver. So far no pattern emerged.
Is there a register that records the reason for lock-ups somewhere that some kind soul might interpret (If needed) for me?
Any software that might locate the issue or software that might be causing the issue?
Anyone?
I suspect graphics as I downloaded Nvidia graphic software, - or Hopefully not, the Graphics board. Gforce 8600 GS.
System is 64bit Intel Core2 Duo E4500 with 4Gb
It could happen when in use or when idle. With or without screensaver. So far no pattern emerged.
Is there a register that records the reason for lock-ups somewhere that some kind soul might interpret (If needed) for me?
Any software that might locate the issue or software that might be causing the issue?
Anyone?
"Unhappiness is not knowing what we want, and killing ourselves to get it."
Post Count: 4,111 Thanked 3,111 Times in 1,111 Posts (Actual figures as they once were))
Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.
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Comments
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if recent might be related to a software change
could revert to a restore point.
also be worth running hardware checks.0 -
Are you sure that the system unit is not overheating because of dust and fluff inside the case?0
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Only real change I made was fitting DVD writer/player so I now have CD reading ability.
One is IDE and the other is SATA but cant imagine that being an issue.
Cabinet & fans look pretty free of dust as I did that at the same time."Unhappiness is not knowing what we want, and killing ourselves to get it."Post Count: 4,111 Thanked 3,111 Times in 1,111 Posts (Actual figures as they once were))Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.0 -
If you're happy poking around inside your case, unplug, and plug back in, everything, including the RAM. Could be a much quicker fix than hunting around in software, and you may have disturbed something when adding the DVD.0
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Complete freezes and not BSOD's are normally an indication of a hardware rather than a driver/SW problem but not always. I'd firstly suspect the graphics and throw in another card to test, especially with those Nvidia 8000 series as they had some issues with the solder joints. Consider this after you have checked all connections as suggested by Allmiller
Alternatively disconnect the DVD and run the system for a while and see if you still have lock-ups.
It is definitely a lock-up and not a BSOD ?Science isn't exact, it's only confidence within limits.0 -
Soz for delay. Yep no BSOD. Just a frustrating freeze.
Because it can happen whenever and not when doing anything in particular I can see how we can rule out software.
Didn't realise there were issues with those graphics cards. I vaguelly recall removing and cleaning contacts with Alcohol and then using an eraser to solve a problem so maybe another issue is returning.
Whats a good reasonable priced Graphics card to go for?
One with decent speed and graphic control?"Unhappiness is not knowing what we want, and killing ourselves to get it."Post Count: 4,111 Thanked 3,111 Times in 1,111 Posts (Actual figures as they once were))Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.0 -
Whats a good reasonable priced Graphics card to go for?
One with decent speed and graphic control?
There is no guarantee that it is the graphics card, it could be the PSU or a mobo fault, it's a matter of a process of elimination and voltage rail testing. You could end up paying money here for components for a very old system that may not solve your issue.
I have spares so it's zero cost for me to replace and test but not for you. It's conceivable but unlikely that it may be related to the MCP 73 drivers, I've had fun and games with MCP chipsets in the past but also seen a fair degree of Nvidia 8000 series failures.
Do check that fans are spinning properly as well before you do anything else, that costs nothing. Check inside the PSU as well for detritus, that also costs nothing.
Double check both the CPU/video card fans and cooling veins are clear as wellScience isn't exact, it's only confidence within limits.0 -
Oh dear. Not working now.
Decided to very carefully brush out all the dust but then noticed the Power Supply was well & truly fogged up with fluffs so dismantled it and cleaned what I could but then went one 'Better' - I blew it out with my leaf blower, very carefully and in short bursts making sure the fans didn't spin.
What i didn't think of, (And I am guessing here) is that electrical/plastic leaf blower made me a walking static gun and I fear I might have zapped it?
Have done the PSU paper clip test and that seems fine but there are no lights on the Mobo (Not sure if there were before) but nothing works when plugged in - no fans - Nowt!
I'm back using my E521 but I do prefer my Medion. (sulk)!"Unhappiness is not knowing what we want, and killing ourselves to get it."Post Count: 4,111 Thanked 3,111 Times in 1,111 Posts (Actual figures as they once were))Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.0 -
A leaf blower sounds a bit OTT, but I would be disconnecting all the power stuff from the PSU to all the components, and reconnecting everything.0
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Anything else in your PC repair toolkit ?
Science isn't exact, it's only confidence within limits.0
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