[rbittinger]

Hello, I hope someone can help.  I was just live streaming PBS newshour on our laptop when suddenly the screen froze and a loud buzzing started.  The computer won't respond to any keystrokes, or to the on/off button.  I have unplugged it thinking it will finally stop buzzing when the battery runs out.  But until then what can I do?  and what may have happened?  What should I do to get it fixed?  Thank you very much.

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Recommend removing the battery, (hopefully it's easily removable), before something overheats and causes some serious damage.

 

What is the make and model of the laptop? How old is it?

[SpywareDr]

Recommend removing the battery, (hopefully it's easily removable), before something overheats and causes some serious damage.

 

What is the make and model of the laptop? How old is it?

[rbittinger]

Thank you.   It had stopped before I read your reply, but I will definitely do that if it recurs.  I brought it up in safe mode, shut down, and now brought up normally it looks good. 

 

It is a Dell Inspiron N7010; not sure how old it is but at least a few years.

[SpywareDr]

In order for us to assist you with your computer's BSOD (crash) symptoms, upload the contents of your "\Windows\Minidump" folder. The DMP file that's in there contains the only record of the sequence of events leading up to the crash, what drivers were loaded, and what was responsible.

The procedure:

• Copy the contents of \Windows\Minidump to another (temporary) location somewhere on your machine.
• Zip up the copy.
• Attach the ZIP archive to your post using the "paperclip" (file attachments) button.
• If the files are too large please upload them to a file sharing service like "Rapidshare" and put a link to them in your reply.

To ensure minidumps are enabled:

• On your computer click the Start button, type in sysdm.cpl and press [Enter].
• Under the Advanced tab, click on the Startup and Recovery Settings... button.
• Ensure that Automatically restart is unchecked.
• Under the Write Debugging Information header select Small memory dump (256 kB) in the dropdown box, (the 256kb varies).
• Ensure that the Small Dump Directory is listed as %systemroot%\Minidump
• OK your way out.
• Reboot if changes have been made.

Note that if your computer crashes whn trying to retrieve a DMP file, you may be able to get to it without crashing by booting into Safe mode (F8) with networking.
 

 

[rbittinger]

It had not been set to do a small memory dump, so I've followed your instructions, and done that now.  If it happens again, and I get a minidump file, should I just upload it to this topic, or is it preferred that I start a new one?

 

Thank you very much for your time and expertise.

[SpywareDr]

If you reply (and attach the .dmp file) to this thread, I'll get an email letting me know.