[t3rm3y]

Hi guys,
i have a 3ghz processor, 2gb of ram. (pretty old)
win xp sp3
pc has started to freeze when started up. it loads to desktop, if i click "my computer" it opens the folder but just searches, i can open the start menu but nothing will load. if i click shutdown the shutdown options dont appear, just the hourglass, so i have to hold power button in to switch off, the nrestart and it seems ok.

I can open a webpage and it works for a while, but that also just freezes after a few mins.

i did notice that about a month ago the pc started making a lot of noise, like the fan was really powering up. but that hasnt happened for a while now and doesnt happen during this issue.

I have run ad aware, malweare bytes and the windows security essentials, no virus found.
no strange sounds from the hdd.

I cant boot into safe mode, i select it but it just reloads wondows normal.
There was some virus about a year ago and that was repairded by a professional computer engineer. i doubt its related to the current issue, but could be the reason safe mode doesnt work??

is the PC dying or is it something else?

howe can i run tests?
i dont have a xp disc as this is a display pc and i understand that they used one version of xp on each display model or something like that (not 100% - maybe they just didnt provide the disc)

Edited by t3rm3y, 09 April 2013 - 02:09 PM.

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What is the capacity of the HDD and how much free space do you have available on the HDD, some info below;

Please note that you must always have a minimum of between 15 and 20% of a HDDs overall storage capacity available as free space or you risk the data on the drive becoming corrupt or in a worse case scenario mechanical failure of the HDD itself.
The above can render a computer inoperable if the HDD concerned has the OS on it due to the MBR (Master Boot Record) becoming damaged/corrupt, please see information @ http://pcsupport.abo...sterbootrec.htm

To check your HDD and if possible provide a screenshot for us (if you can`t you can tell us the total capacity of the HDD and how much free space is available).

Go to Start then to Run/Search
Type in compmgmt.msc and click Enter
On the left side click on Disk Management
On the right side you will see your hard drive.
Now I need you to take a screenshot and attach it to your next reply.
Do the following to take a screenshot while the above is open and showing on your desktop.

To capture and post a screenshot;

Click on the ALT key + PRT SCR key..its on the top row..right hand side..now click on start...all programs...accessories...paint....left click in the white area ...press CTRL + V...click on file...click on save...save it to your desktop...name it something related to the screen your capturing... BE SURE TO SAVE IT AS A .JPG ...otherwise it may be to big to upload... then after typing in any response you have... click on browse...desktop...find the screenshot..select it and click on the upload button...then on the lower left...after it says upload successful...click on add reply like you normally would.

Screenshot instructions are provided to assist those that may read this topic but are not yet aware of the “how to”.

[phillpower2]

What is the capacity of the HDD and how much free space do you have available on the HDD, some info below;

Please note that you must always have a minimum of between 15 and 20% of a HDDs overall storage capacity available as free space or you risk the data on the drive becoming corrupt or in a worse case scenario mechanical failure of the HDD itself.
The above can render a computer inoperable if the HDD concerned has the OS on it due to the MBR (Master Boot Record) becoming damaged/corrupt, please see information @ http://pcsupport.abo...sterbootrec.htm

To check your HDD and if possible provide a screenshot for us (if you can`t you can tell us the total capacity of the HDD and how much free space is available).

Go to Start then to Run/Search
Type in compmgmt.msc and click Enter
On the left side click on Disk Management
On the right side you will see your hard drive.
Now I need you to take a screenshot and attach it to your next reply.
Do the following to take a screenshot while the above is open and showing on your desktop.

To capture and post a screenshot;

Click on the ALT key + PRT SCR key..its on the top row..right hand side..now click on start...all programs...accessories...paint....left click in the white area ...press CTRL + V...click on file...click on save...save it to your desktop...name it something related to the screen your capturing... BE SURE TO SAVE IT AS A .JPG ...otherwise it may be to big to upload... then after typing in any response you have... click on browse...desktop...find the screenshot..select it and click on the upload button...then on the lower left...after it says upload successful...click on add reply like you normally would.

Screenshot instructions are provided to assist those that may read this topic but are not yet aware of the “how to”.

[t3rm3y]

pic as requested, its a small harddrive. but its all we need at mo.

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[phillpower2]

Screenshot shows the HDD is fine

Couple of questions if I may;
When was the last time that the computer was cleaned out of heat trapping dust.
What is the brand and model name or number of the PSU (power supply unit).

Download Speedfan and install it. Once it's installed, run the program and post here the information it shows. The information I want you to post is the stuff that is circled in the example picture I have attached.
If you are running on a vista machine, please go to where you installed the program and run the program as administrator.


(this is a screenshot from a vista machine)

Depending on the results we may need to run further software for comparison http://www.cpuid.com.../hwmonitor.html

[t3rm3y]

my fan 1 is running at 2000 rpm is that normal?

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[phillpower2]

Couple of questions if I may;
When was the last time that the computer was cleaned out of heat trapping dust.
What is the brand and model name or number of the PSU (power supply unit).

Can you answer these two questions for us.

Some fans run a lot faster than 2000rpm so as long as your fan is not rattling or clunking you are fine.

Run HWMonitor and provide a screenshot so that we have a comparison to Speedfan please http://www.cpuid.com.../hwmonitor.html

Remove any testing software as you see fit.

[t3rm3y]

fan doesnt make any dodgy sounds as far as i can tell.
hw pic added.
dust cleaned out maybe 2 months ago. but prior to that it was never cleaner reguarly and hasnt had this issue before.
Not sure of PSU - hot can i tell? if it needs opening of the case that will need to wait till weekend im afraid.

temps and speeds may be higher as been watching a video on the pc. (might as well get as much use as possible whilst its still alive.

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[t3rm3y]

my partner switched computer on this morning and it didnt even load the icons on the desktop, just the full image with no way of doing anything.
i will look at the psu tonight and maybe give the fan a little hoover whilst its open.

[Wolfeymole]

Do NOT use a vacuum cleaner of any description whatsoever.

Obtain a can of compressed air to clean the inside of the machine.

[t3rm3y]

ok, thanks for the heads up.

[t3rm3y]

Psu is a enlight GPS 350AB C. It looked pretty dust free in there. Everything looked ok. Cables were pushed to confirm fully connected.

[phillpower2]

Thanks for the additional information

Voltages are fine and the temps explained by watching a video which was a good idea BTW before checking the temps as the results give us a better idea of how the PSU is performing.

I am suspecting a tired HDD as the cause so I suggest that you try and back up any important data before we test the HDD, you can use Puppy Linux for this as it does not boot from the HDD it uses the Ram, please see below;


===================
***Required Hardware***
CD Burner (CDRW) Drive,
Blank CD,
Extra Storage Device (USB Flash Drive, External Hard Drive)
===================

1. Save these files to your Desktop/Burn Your Live CD:

• Download Latest Puppy Linux ISO (i.e.: lupu-520.iso)
  Download BurnCDCC ISO Burning Software
  
  
• Open BurnCDCC with Windows Explorer
• Extract All files to a location you can remember
• Double Click BurnCDCC
• Click Browse and navigate to the Puppy Linux ISO file you just downloaded
• Open/Double Click that file
  IMPORTANT: Adjust the speed bar to CD: 4x DVD: 1x
• Click Start
• Your CD Burner Tray will open automatically
• Insert a blank CD and close the tray
• Click OK

Puppy Linux Live CD will now be created
2. Set your boot priority in the BIOS to CD-ROM first, Hard Drive Second

• Start the computer/press the power button
• Immediately start tapping the appropriate key to enter the BIOS, aka "Setup"
  (Usually shown during the "Dell" screen, or "Gateway" Screen)
• Once in the BIOS, under Advanced BIOS Options change boot priority to:
  CD-ROM 1st, Hard Drive 2nd
• Open your ROM drive and insert the disk
• Press F10 to save and exit
• Agree with "Y" to continue
• Your computer will restart and boot from the Puppy Linux Live CD
  
  

3. Recover Your Data

• Once Puppy Linux has loaded, it is actually running in your computer's Memory (RAM). You will see a fully functioning Graphical User Interface similar to what you normally call "your computer". Internet access may or may not be available depending on your machine, so it is recommended you print these instructions before beginning. Also, double clicking is not needed in Puppy. To expand, or open folders/icons, just click once. Puppy is very light on resources, so you will quickly notice it is much speedier than you are used to. This is normal. Ready? Let's get started.
  
  3a. Mount Drives[list]
• Click the Mount Icon located at the top left of your desktop.
• A Window will open. By default, the "drive" tab will be forward/highlighted. Click on Mount for your hard drive.
• Assuming you only have one hard drive and/or partition, there may be only one selection to mount.
• USB Flash Drives usually automatically mount upon boot, but click the "usbdrv" tab and make sure it is mounted.
• If using an external hard drive for the data recovery, do this under the "drive" tab. Mount it now.

3b. Transfer Files.

• At the bottom left of your desktop a list of all hard drives/partitions, USB Drives, and Optical Drives are listed with a familiar looking hard drive icon.
• Open your old hard drive i.e. sda1
• Next, open your USB Flash Drive or External Drive. i.e. sdc or sdb1
• If you open the wrong drive, simply X out at the top right corner of the window that opens. (Just like in Windows)
• From your old hard drive, drag and drop whatever files/folders you wish to transfer to your USB Drive's Window.

For The Novice: The common path to your pictures, music, video, and documents folders is: Documents and Settings >> All Users (or each idividual name of each user. CHECK All Names!) >> Documents >> You will now see My Music, My Pictures, and My Videos.

Remember to only click once! No double clicking! Once you drag and drop your first folder, you will notice a small menu will appear giving you the option to move or copy. Choose COPY each time you drag and drop.

YOU ARE DONE!!! Simply click Menu >> Mouse Over Shutdown >> Reboot/Turn Off Computer. Be sure to plug your USB Drive into another working windows machine to verify all data is there and transferred without corruption. Congratulations!

Note that there might be some other Puppy distros on the page (such as Slacko Puppy), but you need Lucid Puppy (lupu), the Ubuntu-based one. Always make sure you start downloading a file that starts with "lupu"!

Can I ask whether or not you have an add on video card or if you are using a video chip that is integrated into the MB
If using an add on video card can you tell us the brand and model name or number please.