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Computer freezes (even after fresh windows install)

Started by Shlink , Nov 15 2009 03:38 AM

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#1
Shlink
Posted 15 November 2009 - 03:38 AM

Shlink

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Several weeks ago my computer started freezing. The screen will lock up and the computer will become unresponsive. Occasionally the sound will continue for a second after the freeze, but always loops the last millisecond. It happens at random times. Sometimes it will freeze before I even log into windows, other times the computer may have been running for hours. I don't want to say its related to video, however if it freezes while I am trying to watch a movie or a show (either downloaded or streaming) after I restart and continue watching it will usually consistently freeze again within several minutes.

I built this computer from all new parts several months ago, and haven't had a problem until now. I downloaded AVG Anti-Virus which came up with nothing, ran a Registry Cleaner program, and installed fresh video card drivers, none of which helped. I installed windows on my spare hard drive to see if a fresh install would help before having to re-format my primary hard drive. It did not help, the computer still freezes just the same.

Unfortunately I'm out of ideas, and am guessing its some type of hardware issue. Can anyone tell me where to go from here?

I am running Windows Vista Home Premium 32 bit
Here is some information copied from my DXDiag
If there is any other information that could help diagnose the problem let me know and I'll get it to you.



------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 11/15/2009, 04:05:05
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6001) Service Pack 1 (6001.vistasp1_gdr.090805-0102)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO.,LTD
System Model: MS-7514
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel® Core™2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz (4 CPUs), ~2.4GHz
Memory: 3070MB RAM
Page File: 1328MB used, 5013MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 6.00.6001.18000 32bit Unicode


---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0612&SUBSYS_C8733842&REV_A2
Display Memory: 1777 MB
Dedicated Memory: 497 MB
Shared Memory: 1279 MB
Current Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (61Hz)
Monitor: Hanns.G HI221 D-sub
Driver Name: nvd3dum.dll,nvwgf2um.dll,nvwgf2um.dll
Driver Version: 8.16.0011.9107 (English)
DDI Version: 10
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 9/27/2009 16:12:22, 7614056 bytes
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#2
rshaffer61
Posted 15 November 2009 - 07:31 AM

rshaffer61

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OK first we don't recommend using any type of Registry Cleaner as they usually will cause more harm then they fix.
A registry cleaner will not increase your system's speed or performance, and has the potential to break your registry to the point that your PC is no longer bootable. We strongly advise that people stay away from any of the registry cleaners out there. Go HERE to get more information about why registry cleaners aren't needed.


Thanks to Sari for the explanation


Second: Run hard drive diagnostics: http://www.tacktech....ay.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.

Thanks to Broni for the instructions


Third:
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)
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:

Posted Image

8. Locate memtest86+-2.11.iso file, and click Open button.
9. Click on ImgBurn green arrow to start burning bootable memtest86 CD:

Posted Image

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:


Posted Image

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.

Posted Image

The following image is the test results area:

Posted Image

The most important item here is the “errors” line. If you see ANY errors, even one, most likely, you have bad RAM.
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