computer freezes frequently

[nikhilmgupta]

my computer with XP Pro freezes frequently. The freezing occurs quite
at random, sometimes just after five minutes after startup and
sometimes even after a couple of hours. No particular program that
causes this. I have a P4 3.0 Ghz processor and 512 MB Kingston 400 Mhz
RAM. with a Intel 915 GVWB motherboard. The problem first occured
around a couple of weeks back but after a couple of freezes, I ran
Safemode and then it didn't hang on restarting in normal mode. But
yesterday, it starting freezing a number of times after just 5 min of
startup. Even in Safemode it froze even though after 2-3 hours.
I am having a horrible time as I lose all my data, and when it freezes
I have to just restart the system.
Please, let me know why this is happening and how should get it fixed.
Is it a hardware issue or a software one?
Nikhil

 

[Fishman >]

my computer with XP Pro freezes frequently.

Please, let me know why this is happening

Something is wrong and is causing the system to be unstable.

and how should get it fixed.

Either take it to a PC repairer or try a series of checks to eliminate some
possible causes.

Is it a hardware issue or a software one?

Could be either.

In situations like this all you can do is perform a whole series of tests to
eliminate possible causes.
Some to get you going:

1) Visual inside
Ensure CPU cooling fan is spinning ok and that it isn't caked full with
dust.
Look at the capacitors on the mainboard, bulging or leaking ones can
commonly causes this.

2) Download Memtest, make the bootable floppy, run for several hours.
If the tests fail then faulty memory (or memory module connection)
If tests run ok, but PC keeps crashing then you've a hardware problem -
perhaps PSU
If tests run ok and PC doesn't crash suspect an XP software and or driver
problem.

3) Remove your HDD and temporarily replace with any cheap spare one.
Try an XP install from your CD on that.
If all is OK and you dont get any crashes then it has to be either your HDD
or whats on it at fault.
If you can't get XP to install and work properly then the fault wasn't your
software.

You don't mention history of problem?
- Suddenly started
- ocasionally done it before but getting more frequent.
- since I fitted ABC
- since I installed XYZ etc.

 

[Guest]

Simply Put, (Up grade your Memory) Promblem resolved for about 89.00$. Woz

 

[nikhilmgupta]

thx for ur advice, but I don't think it is becoz of low RAM on my comp!
Most of my friends' comps here run on my config or maybe even less, but
run fine. Maybe it is becoz of over heating. but the fans are running
properly even the CPU one. Should I reinstall Win XP on my comp? Would
that solve my problem? but still i think it is a hardware problem.
guys, please help me.
Regarding the history of the problem as someone asked me to elaborate,
the problem did start suddenly. The machine was running fine when
suddenly, it froze. It happened a couple of times that day but then
after around 3 weeks, the problem resurfaced. and now it is pretty
frequent.
It has not started after I fitted anything or installed any particular
program.
Please help me out guys. Do u think it is becoz of a faulty hard drive.

 

[Guest]

nikhilmgupta, I believe Fishman, stated most known possibilities and causes.
I would try the approach of installing WinXP on another HDD. If this does not
work try a 5.12 stick of memory,it's reasonable. Then try
http://support/microsoft.com/?kbid=315255. Good Luck,
Woz