Computer freezes with web based program

[KenV]

How do you troubleshoot computer freezing when using a web based program?

I have XP Pro, SP2, IE7 (but it happens with Firefox, too), a ton of memory and
HD space. I am running a web based teaching program that seems to use a lot of
resources, makes the processor run hotter, etc. After several mouse clicks on
various teaching "balloons" in the program, the computer freezes--can't move the
PS2 mouse--and I have to reboot.

I know that no one can say why it is freezing, but is there any way to trace
what is happening? On another computer I use for this program--essentially the
same hardware and OS configuration--the freezing never occurs. How do you
troubleshoot this sort of thing?

Thanks.

Ken

 

[Microsoft MVP]

When you say "freeze" what do you mean exactly? Is it just the mouse as you
mentioned? Can you press ctrl+alt+del or does the whole computer stop
responding? Have you tried watching Task manager for memory and CPU usage?
If the CPU (and possibly other components) gets too hot, it WILL freeze the
computer (ironic, eh? heat freezes, but i digress).
Is your browser cache full maybe? Is your graphics card up to the task? Is
there a component the software needs that you don't have installed?
Does the program use Java?
There are, of course, poorly written programs out there that malfunction and
that could be the cause.

 

[Malke]

When you say "freeze" what do you mean exactly? Is it just the mouse as you
mentioned? Can you press ctrl+alt+del or does the whole computer stop
responding? Have you tried watching Task manager for memory and CPU usage?
If the CPU (and possibly other components) gets too hot, it WILL freeze the
computer (ironic, eh? heat freezes, but i digress).
Is your browser cache full maybe? Is your graphics card up to the task? Is
there a component the software needs that you don't have installed?
Does the program use Java?
There are, of course, poorly written programs out there that malfunction and
that could be the cause.

You've been posting as "Microsoft MVP" on the MS public newsgroups for a
while. Please post back with the link to your public MVP profile before
I ask my lead to investigate.

Thank you.


Malke

 

[Malke]

How do you troubleshoot computer freezing when using a web based program?

I have XP Pro, SP2, IE7 (but it happens with Firefox, too), a ton of
memory and HD space. I am running a web based teaching program that
seems to use a lot of resources, makes the processor run hotter, etc.
After several mouse clicks on various teaching "balloons" in the
program, the computer freezes--can't move the PS2 mouse--and I have to
reboot.

I know that no one can say why it is freezing, but is there any way to
trace what is happening? On another computer I use for this
program--essentially the same hardware and OS configuration--the
freezing never occurs. How do you troubleshoot this sort of thing?

Since this only happens with the one program (presumably), then you need
to determine what is different on the computer where it works. You might
find an answer in Event Viewer on the computer where it fails, but
probably you should also contact the program mftr.'s tech support for
suggestions. It might save some time.

Start>Run>eventvwr.msc [enter]


Malke

 

[KenV]

No, it freezes completely--can't do anything, including ctrl+alt+del. The
CPU usage prior to freezing is very high. The program uses Java. I have a 16
mb video card (Radeon Mobility 7500). I've just today reinstalled the video
drivers. I don't think the CPU is overheating to the extent that it freezes
the computer, but I could be wrong. I'm going to put a temp monitor on it if
I can.

Ken