[Mandolin Bee]

Really, all my troubles started when I attempted to use Windows Update to install SP3. My PC would freeze part way through the installation, and I would have to do a hard reset.

After this, I did NOT get the "unstable system" warnings, nor was the SP3 update in my add/remove programs for me to undo anything it had already done. I -believe- that the installer wasn't even getting far enough to actually change anything before freezing.

After this, I gave up on SP3 because I didn't feel like reformatting my windows. I wanted to try a freebie MMO, and on trying to install that, my system locked up during the installation.

I am NOT getting BSOD's.

At this point, my computer freezes randomly. I'd like to fix it, but I'm not sure of the source of the problem, so I don't know where to start. Could it be Malware? Could the sheer number of things I have installed/uninstalled (yes, I do it a lot) contribute to the problem? Do I start with a windows repair and see if that helps? I'm concerned about windows repair because my XP CD is a really old one, and I don't know if it can be "too" old. Plus, do I need to save my product key from my current install or get a new one (I actually lost the sticker that had it on it).

One thing I did try already was to go back to a restore point prior to doing the SP3 install. That didn't seem to fix anything.

What should I do?

Edited by Mandolin Bee, 23 July 2008 - 06:20 PM.

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Can I bump this after so long? I don't mean to be a pest.

I'm relatively good with computers and great at following directions. ^_^ If you can tell me where to start... will the Windows Repair be okay with the old disk I have, or will it create more problems than it solves?

Would it be a good idea for me to post a HijackThis log right now? I was avoiding doing so because it may not be necessary just yet.

Any help? Thanks.

[Mandolin Bee]

Can I bump this after so long? I don't mean to be a pest.

I'm relatively good with computers and great at following directions. ^_^ If you can tell me where to start... will the Windows Repair be okay with the old disk I have, or will it create more problems than it solves?

Would it be a good idea for me to post a HijackThis log right now? I was avoiding doing so because it may not be necessary just yet.

Any help? Thanks.

[Tyger]

Before doing anything else I would run memtest86 on your machine. You can put it on a floppy or CD and boot from it. The problems you describe could easily be caused by faulty memory and it would be a great waste of time to try other fixes before eliminating that. Let it run for at least an hour and see if any errors occur. It will list them.

[Mandolin Bee]

Thank you very much for responding.

I did as you directed and ran memtest86 at boot from a CD. I let it run for an hour and a half, and it said it had completed its pass and found no errors, and was apparently in the middle of a second pass when I canceled it.