Computer Hangs

  • Thread starter Thread starter BH2
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B

BH2

Hi Guys,
Have a P4, MSI 65IM-V Mobo, 80Gig HDD, running windows Xp Service Pack 2.
my problems is that the computers keeps freezing up constantly, it is
driving me nuts. What normally causes this to happen and what is the best
way for me to correct it, are there any URL's that will explain it for me.
Help and advice is welcome and appreciated
Thanks Guys
Bob
 
Your solution begins with first collecting facts - then
breaking the problem down into parts. Test each part to
establish integrity; then move on to other suspects.

Information is first collected from the Event (system) log
and from Device Manager.

Then the first subsystem is verified - using a 3.5 digit
multimeter to verify power supply 'system' integrity. Without
numbers from that meter, then you have no idea whether the
power supply system is working or deficient.

Once power supply 'system' is verified (and that requires a
digital meter), then move on to other 'usual' hardware
suspects using comprehensive diagnostics provided by the
computer manufacturer. If manufacturer is not so responsible,
then download diagnostics for each computer component from
component manufacturers or from third parties. Start with the
more likely suspects that can hang an NT system - memory,
sound card, video controller, and basic CPU functions. These
tests made even more effective by using another diagnostic
tool - heat from a hair dryer on high.

After hardware is confirmed, then move on the the last
suspect - the Operating System.
 
Overheating the CPU, for one. Overclocking too. You might try using BIOS
fail-safe settings too. Sometimes certain BIOS settings can cause problems.

Jim
 
Overheating is a 'too often cited' reason when people 1)
are wildly speculating, and 2) don't have a grasp of the
underlying technologies. But let's look at Jim's response.
The processor is an Intel P4. Overheating does not 'hang the
processor'. With insufficient cooling, the processor would
slow down.

Jim demonstrates a growing problem in America. Too many
computer assemblers don't even know how electricity works.
Therefore N America is fertile ground even for dumping more
profitable power supplies that are missing essential
functions. Jim only demonstrates how many will post without
sufficient technical knowledge - to wildly speculate and even
blame overheating of an Intel processor.

Provided elsewhere is how the technically informed step
through a problem - to first discover a reason for that
problem before 'trying this and trying that' - also called
shotgunning.

The processor is Intel which means "the computers keeps
freezing up" is not created by overheating. Blaming heat is a
shotgun approach all too common when technical knowledge is
minimal. Furthermore, heat is a diagnostic tool that can
identify defective hardware. Yet many without sufficient
technical knowledge will cure the symptom by installing "more
fans". 'More fans' or 'more power' is a joke from Tim Allen's
Home Improvement about those who really don't first learn.
It's an Intel processor: that should have said enough.
 
BH2 said:
Hi Guys,
Have a P4, MSI 65IM-V Mobo, 80Gig HDD, running windows Xp Service Pack 2.
my problems is that the computers keeps freezing up constantly, it is
driving me nuts. What normally causes this to happen and what is the best
way for me to correct it, are there any URL's that will explain it for me.
Help and advice is welcome and appreciated
Thanks Guys
Bob
Click to expand...

CPU temp? Is the case cooling sufficient?

PSU? Is it it overloaded? (400W will do a mobo plus several HDs/CDs extra
fans etc.)

Faulty RAM?
 
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