Win XP Freezing, Hanging

[Guest]

Problem: Windows XP freezes or hangs, sometimes just after Windows loads,
sometimes in half and hour, sometimes in an hour, but it always happens. Need
to press the reset button.
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I've checked the forums for both hardware and software at MSI, both in the
VGA and MB areas. I've also checked the MS knowledge base.
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The computer is a new build, reusing my old HD. I had Win98 on the HD, and
before the build upgraded to WinXP. I've always run the most up to date
Norton anti-virus software, both on the old computer, and the new one
(featuring the old HD), and did a full scan before and after the build.

I am absolutely stumped.
Any help would be received with great gratitude AND I will pass on the info!

Thanks much!
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MB - MSI K8N Neo4 Plat
Video card - MSI NX6200TC-32E
RAM - Kingston DDR CRSR 512MB X2
HD - IBM Deskstar, 7200 RPM, 20G
PS - ANtec SP-500, ATX 12V, v2.0 P/S2, Dual Fan
OS - Winxp HE
Monitor - CRT

No sound card yet.
Standard CD burner, floppy.
Big, airy case with good air circulation.

 

[Guest]

It doesn't really sound like a hardware problem...If you can still log in and
use XP...Try looking into your Task Manager/ Process Tab...look for any
processes that are taking up your CPU....hmm...I would like to hear feedback
of this problem...thanks...

Hope this helps...

 

[Guest]

I was able to use the machine for a while last night, and found my screen
saver (Seti at Home) using 99%. Howwever, after disabling this, the freezing
happened again.

I did keep an eye on the processes until the next freezing event, and only
saw a real spike in CPU use for a moment when I first started any program.

I noticed that 37 things were "using" the CPU, but most were using no or
little of the CPU.

I also ran the Core Temp utility and noticed that my CPU temp was at 35C.
I've had people suggest that the CPU itself was overheating, and did try to
remove it (and the attached heatsink/fan) last night, but was unable to. I
was afraid of damaging anything, so stopped my attempts to pull the CPU.

The thinking is that the material between the heatsink and the CPU (theraml
grease, or whatever) was improperly applied by me, or not applied. I know
that I did not receive any thermal grease with the CPU, and honestly can't
recall if there was a pre-applied gasket or lining type material. I did check
and recheck the instructions for installing the CPU (which I still have) and
see no reference of any kind to applying grease or lining/adhesive type
material.

I do appreciate your help.

 

[Guest]

Update:

Ok, so I pulled the CPU and discovered that yes indeed, they did put thermal
grease on it at the factory. So, I regreased it and reinstalled it and think
I can safely eliminate overheating as a possible cause of the
freezing/hanging problem.

I've also done a full repair of Windows twice, and spent almost 3 hours on
the phone with Windows technical support. He and I checked everything that
could be checked and still don't what is going on. In fact, the support guy
referred me to "research" the next level up, but they have yet to call...

The closest we came is possibly narrowing it down to the VGA card and or
it's driver. I have a deep and abiding suspicion that I'm going to have to
trash the card and get another, ensuring that the new card and it's drivers
are "Windows XP Logo Tested."

Now though, possibly due to my damaging the CPU, (or God only knows what at
this point) my floppy doesn't work. The system recognizes that there is a
floppy, but the light never comes on, nor does it function..... Sigh.....