3-5 minutes and XP freezes

[Sorcerdon]

Hi there experts,

I have an intresting problem on my computer.
I have a 2.7GHZ, 1GB RAM machine with XP proffesional installed.

Extra Cards I have that run:
1) ATI 1900x Radeon
2) SoundBlast Live 24!

The actual problem: Computer loads windows and then freezes after a
few minutes allowing me to move the mouse, but not allwoing me to
click on anything and freezes my keyboard as well.

I did not have any issues with it until it started to just start
rebooting by itself. I thought it was just temporary and then now
everytime I start the computer, it freezes at multiple locations.
I am very experienced with computers, since i am a software developer.
Don't be afraid to go technical on me.

Here are some things that I have noticed:

1) If i just let it load normally, it will freeze when the login
screen pops up (the screen that displays all account names and you
click on one to log in). I believe this is when all the drivers get
loaded, is anything else loaded except the drivers at this point?

2) If I log on to some account without waiting, it logs on displaying
my desktop background with no icons (it used to be the opposite where
i would see the icons and then the image or both at the same time -
THIS IS VERY STRANGE) then after it loads everyhthing the icons show
up. 3-5 minutes later, with no memory issues, no applications running,
with my computer on 99% on the Idle process it just freezes. It allows
me to move the mouse, but I can't click on anything and the keyboard
is also disabled.

3) In safe (with networking and without networking) mode, the system
runs fine.

4) I have a 1900X Radeon graphics card which requires a power supply.
I have a 400WATT power supply which should be ok with the Radeon 1900x
series.

5) this is a 3 year old machine that ran like a tank without any
issues. No spyware, no viruses, no trojans. First thing I have
installed on the machine is ZoneAlarm (7.0), AVG anti virus, CCleaner,
Spybot, etc. (All the goodies that protected my computer from even 1
virus). The worst thing that hit me was the AIM virus, but I took care
of that.

6) Another intresting thing is that in "MsConfig" I see that it says
"use original boot.ini"

Things I tried:

1) I tried to uninstall all my drivers one by one, then they
automatically get installed when I click to detect hardware changes.

2) Ran all the possible scans - nothing found (in safemode):
a) CCleaner
b) SpyBot
c) Windows Defender
d) Spyware Terminator


3) Installed sysinternals (www.sysinternals.com) and saw that NOTHING
is running when the computer freezes. Not one extra byte is used for
any application or anything that could freeze my computer.

4) Dusted my machine - Throughly

Things I will still try to do:

1) Use system restore

2) update ZoneAlarm with the latest version

3) Remove sound card

4) Replace Radeon with my old nvidia card - I hate to do this because
I have to uninstall everything in perfect order and make sure nvidia
is installed correctly.







Any ideas? What would you first do to make

 

[Malke]

Hi there experts,

I have an intresting problem on my computer.
I have a 2.7GHZ, 1GB RAM machine with XP proffesional installed.

Extra Cards I have that run:
1) ATI 1900x Radeon
2) SoundBlast Live 24!

The actual problem: Computer loads windows and then freezes after a
few minutes allowing me to move the mouse, but not allwoing me to
click on anything and freezes my keyboard as well.

I did not have any issues with it until it started to just start
rebooting by itself. I thought it was just temporary and then now
everytime I start the computer, it freezes at multiple locations.
I am very experienced with computers, since i am a software developer.
Don't be afraid to go technical on me.

Here are some things that I have noticed:

1) If i just let it load normally, it will freeze when the login
screen pops up (the screen that displays all account names and you
click on one to log in). I believe this is when all the drivers get
loaded, is anything else loaded except the drivers at this point?

2) If I log on to some account without waiting, it logs on displaying
my desktop background with no icons (it used to be the opposite where
i would see the icons and then the image or both at the same time -
THIS IS VERY STRANGE) then after it loads everyhthing the icons show
up. 3-5 minutes later, with no memory issues, no applications running,
with my computer on 99% on the Idle process it just freezes. It allows
me to move the mouse, but I can't click on anything and the keyboard
is also disabled.

3) In safe (with networking and without networking) mode, the system
runs fine.

4) I have a 1900X Radeon graphics card which requires a power supply.
I have a 400WATT power supply which should be ok with the Radeon 1900x
series.

5) this is a 3 year old machine that ran like a tank without any
issues. No spyware, no viruses, no trojans. First thing I have
installed on the machine is ZoneAlarm (7.0), AVG anti virus, CCleaner,
Spybot, etc. (All the goodies that protected my computer from even 1
virus). The worst thing that hit me was the AIM virus, but I took care
of that.

6) Another intresting thing is that in "MsConfig" I see that it says
"use original boot.ini"

Things I tried:

1) I tried to uninstall all my drivers one by one, then they
automatically get installed when I click to detect hardware changes.

2) Ran all the possible scans - nothing found (in safemode):
a) CCleaner
b) SpyBot
c) Windows Defender
d) Spyware Terminator


3) Installed sysinternals (www.sysinternals.com) and saw that NOTHING
is running when the computer freezes. Not one extra byte is used for
any application or anything that could freeze my computer.

4) Dusted my machine - Throughly

Things I will still try to do:

1) Use system restore

2) update ZoneAlarm with the latest version

3) Remove sound card

4) Replace Radeon with my old nvidia card - I hate to do this because
I have to uninstall everything in perfect order and make sure nvidia

Test your hard drive first and then your RAM.

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Hardware_Tshoot

Also follow the instructions to test for overheating.


Malke

 

[Terry R.]

On 6/6/2007 8:04 AM On a whim, Sorcerdon pounded out on the keyboard

Hi there experts,

I have an intresting problem on my computer.
I have a 2.7GHZ, 1GB RAM machine with XP proffesional installed.

Extra Cards I have that run:
1) ATI 1900x Radeon
2) SoundBlast Live 24!

The actual problem: Computer loads windows and then freezes after a
few minutes allowing me to move the mouse, but not allwoing me to
click on anything and freezes my keyboard as well.

I did not have any issues with it until it started to just start
rebooting by itself. I thought it was just temporary and then now
everytime I start the computer, it freezes at multiple locations.
I am very experienced with computers, since i am a software developer.
Don't be afraid to go technical on me.

Here are some things that I have noticed:

1) If i just let it load normally, it will freeze when the login
screen pops up (the screen that displays all account names and you
click on one to log in). I believe this is when all the drivers get
loaded, is anything else loaded except the drivers at this point?

2) If I log on to some account without waiting, it logs on displaying
my desktop background with no icons (it used to be the opposite where
i would see the icons and then the image or both at the same time -
THIS IS VERY STRANGE) then after it loads everyhthing the icons show
up. 3-5 minutes later, with no memory issues, no applications running,
with my computer on 99% on the Idle process it just freezes. It allows
me to move the mouse, but I can't click on anything and the keyboard
is also disabled.

3) In safe (with networking and without networking) mode, the system
runs fine.

4) I have a 1900X Radeon graphics card which requires a power supply.
I have a 400WATT power supply which should be ok with the Radeon 1900x
series.

5) this is a 3 year old machine that ran like a tank without any
issues. No spyware, no viruses, no trojans. First thing I have
installed on the machine is ZoneAlarm (7.0), AVG anti virus, CCleaner,
Spybot, etc. (All the goodies that protected my computer from even 1
virus). The worst thing that hit me was the AIM virus, but I took care
of that.

6) Another intresting thing is that in "MsConfig" I see that it says
"use original boot.ini"

Things I tried:

1) I tried to uninstall all my drivers one by one, then they
automatically get installed when I click to detect hardware changes.

2) Ran all the possible scans - nothing found (in safemode):
a) CCleaner
b) SpyBot
c) Windows Defender
d) Spyware Terminator


3) Installed sysinternals (www.sysinternals.com) and saw that NOTHING
is running when the computer freezes. Not one extra byte is used for
any application or anything that could freeze my computer.

4) Dusted my machine - Throughly

Things I will still try to do:

1) Use system restore

2) update ZoneAlarm with the latest version

3) Remove sound card

4) Replace Radeon with my old nvidia card - I hate to do this because
I have to uninstall everything in perfect order and make sure nvidia
is installed correctly.







Any ideas? What would you first do to make

Hi,

As Malke suggested, test the hard drive and RAM. I had a hard drive
cause blue screens (most likely by accessing a corrupt file on a bad
sector). Also important is your cooling within the case. Check all
your fan grills and remove dust/lint, same with CPU heat sink and fan.
Check the power supply fan. Take all necessary precautions regarding
grounding when opening the case.

Report back,

--
Terry R.

***Reply Note***
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

 

[Sorcerdon]

On 6/6/2007 8:04 AM On a whim, Sorcerdon pounded out on the keyboard




























Hi,

As Malke suggested, test the hard drive and RAM. I had a hard drive
cause blue screens (most likely by accessing a corrupt file on a bad
sector). Also important is your cooling within the case. Check all
your fan grills and remove dust/lint, same with CPU heat sink and fan.
Check the power supply fan. Take all necessary precautions regarding
grounding when opening the case.

Report back,

--
Terry R.

***Reply Note***
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Um I have 4 fans for the machine. I have dusted them thoroughly.
I have a temperature indicator - the temperature is usually around 37
i think.

 

[Fuzzy Logic]

Hi there experts,

I have an intresting problem on my computer.
I have a 2.7GHZ, 1GB RAM machine with XP proffesional installed.

Extra Cards I have that run:
1) ATI 1900x Radeon
2) SoundBlast Live 24!

The actual problem: Computer loads windows and then freezes after a
few minutes allowing me to move the mouse, but not allwoing me to
click on anything and freezes my keyboard as well.

I did not have any issues with it until it started to just start
rebooting by itself. I thought it was just temporary and then now
everytime I start the computer, it freezes at multiple locations.
I am very experienced with computers, since i am a software developer.
Don't be afraid to go technical on me.

Here are some things that I have noticed:

1) If i just let it load normally, it will freeze when the login
screen pops up (the screen that displays all account names and you
click on one to log in). I believe this is when all the drivers get
loaded, is anything else loaded except the drivers at this point?

2) If I log on to some account without waiting, it logs on displaying
my desktop background with no icons (it used to be the opposite where
i would see the icons and then the image or both at the same time -
THIS IS VERY STRANGE) then after it loads everyhthing the icons show
up. 3-5 minutes later, with no memory issues, no applications running,
with my computer on 99% on the Idle process it just freezes. It allows
me to move the mouse, but I can't click on anything and the keyboard
is also disabled.

3) In safe (with networking and without networking) mode, the system
runs fine.

4) I have a 1900X Radeon graphics card which requires a power supply.
I have a 400WATT power supply which should be ok with the Radeon 1900x
series.

5) this is a 3 year old machine that ran like a tank without any
issues. No spyware, no viruses, no trojans. First thing I have
installed on the machine is ZoneAlarm (7.0), AVG anti virus, CCleaner,
Spybot, etc. (All the goodies that protected my computer from even 1
virus). The worst thing that hit me was the AIM virus, but I took care
of that.

6) Another intresting thing is that in "MsConfig" I see that it says
"use original boot.ini"

Things I tried:

1) I tried to uninstall all my drivers one by one, then they
automatically get installed when I click to detect hardware changes.

2) Ran all the possible scans - nothing found (in safemode):
a) CCleaner
b) SpyBot
c) Windows Defender
d) Spyware Terminator


3) Installed sysinternals (www.sysinternals.com) and saw that NOTHING
is running when the computer freezes. Not one extra byte is used for
any application or anything that could freeze my computer.

4) Dusted my machine - Throughly

Things I will still try to do:

1) Use system restore

2) update ZoneAlarm with the latest version

3) Remove sound card

4) Replace Radeon with my old nvidia card - I hate to do this because
I have to uninstall everything in perfect order and make sure nvidia
is installed correctly.







Any ideas? What would you first do to make

Try this if you haven't already:

Download and install KB927891

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927891

Download and install Windows Update Agent 3.0

http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7/windowsupdate/redist/standalone/WindowsUpdateAgent30-
x86.exe

 

[Terry R.]

On 6/6/2007 10:18 AM On a whim, Sorcerdon pounded out on the keyboard

Um I have 4 fans for the machine. I have dusted them thoroughly.
I have a temperature indicator - the temperature is usually around 37
i think.

And you're sure your ps is working properly? I had a workstation
locking at random times like yours (usually 3 to 5 minutes) and it was
the power supply overheating. I have found that freezes within a short
period on a consistent basis have usually been heat related.

Beyond the fans being clean is the opening to where the fan is mounted.
A working fan and a plugged opening is useless, the air needs to
circulate.

--
Terry R.

***Reply Note***
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

 

[Sorcerdon]

Thx guys.

I will try all these tonight when I get home.
I will stop by HomeDepot and get a nice dust cleaner for PC's as well.

I will post again tommorow, and will let you guys know how and if the
problem is fixed.
The first thing ill do is Dust, then i will do a system restore to the
day it was working fine, then i will run the proper updates.
Ill update zone alarm as well.

 

[Malke]

Thx guys.

I will try all these tonight when I get home.
I will stop by HomeDepot and get a nice dust cleaner for PC's as well.

I will post again tommorow, and will let you guys know how and if the
problem is fixed.
The first thing ill do is Dust, then i will do a system restore to the
day it was working fine, then i will run the proper updates.
Ill update zone alarm as well.

No, I beg to disagree. Getting the dust cleaner is fine but there is no
point in doing all that software work when most probably the issue is
caused by hardware. Of course I can't be sure of this since I can't see
your machine, but if it were here in my shop the first thing I would be
doing (after cleaning it out and running it open to see what was going
on in there) would be to test the hard drive and then the RAM.


Malke

 

[Plato]

The actual problem: Computer loads windows and then freezes after a
few minutes allowing me to move the mouse, but not allwoing me to
click on anything and freezes my keyboard as well.

Often it's just a loose connection to one of your devices connected to
your PC. Happens often if you move things around a lot.

 

[Sorcerdon]

Problem is now fixed.

I want to thank all of who helped me out with this.

Solution:
1) Uninstalled AVS Anti-Virus
2) Disabled Automatic Updates Service

It said I have a corrupt version of AVS. It said to download and
reinstall it.

BTW,
The reason I knew it wasn't hardware was because SafeMode worked
perfectly.
It was one of the serviced, and I thought about it for quite a while
Knowing it was a service.