Finding cause of random crash.

[Bill]

Hi,

I may be on the wrong path here but in order to troubleshoot a random reboot
(and sometimes the program just drops out without reboot) when the kids are
playing games like Harry Potter and Age of Empires I have used a number of
utilities to stress the system but nothing yet has recreated the problem.

Can anyone recommend any test utils that will load the system in a similar
way to such a games please.

.... or suggest another strategy!!

If it helps the problem is definitely worse during (but not limited to)
network game play - that is on a local network not the internet.

Regards.
Bill.

 

[w_tom]

Break the problem down into parts. A suspect that causes
strange failures is the power supply 'system'. Yes, a
'system' that includes one component - the power supply. We
first take numbers. There is no better power supply 'system'
test (other than with expensive equipment) than the 3.5 digit
multimeter - a tool so ubiquitous as to be sold in Home Depot,
Sears, Lowes, and Radio Shack. A previously posted procedure
defines how to confirm power supply integrity in but two
minutes. But you need only concentrate on one particular
condition. First confirm voltages on orange, yellow, red, and
gray wires first when computer is just idling, then again when
game (and other programs) are accessing all hardware
simultaneously. If the voltages 'under load' drop out of the
upper 3/4 of those limits (in chart in previous post), then we
have a guilty component.

The procedures and some pictures that demonstrate the
equipment:
"Computer doesnt start at all" in alt.comp.hardware on 10
Jan 2004 at
http://tinyurl.com/2t69q
"I think my power supply is dead" in alt.comp.hardware on 5
Feb 2004 at
http://www.tinyurl.com/2musa

http://techrepublic.com.com/5102-10586-5566528.html
www.ochardware.com/articles/psuvolt/psuvolt.html

Once the power supply 'system' is confirmed, then move on
to other suspects. Responsible computer manufacturers provide
comprehensive hardware diagnostics either on hard drive or via
their web site. Comprehensive diagnostics execute without
Windows. You don't want (yet) testing with Windows loaded.
Testing without the OS is what diagnostics are for. Only test
hardware.

If your manufacturer is not so responsible, then seek
diagnostics from third parties or component manufacturers.
Start with the memory diagnostic such as Memtst86 or Docmem.
Perform the memory test at room temperature. Then repeat test
with memory heated by a hair dryer on high. One need only
review manufacturer data sheets to know this is 'pig heaven'
normal temperature to memory. But defective (intermittent)
memory tends to become obvious when heated at temperatures
well above what a hairdryer can output.

Also repeat the heat and diagnostic test on chips that
interface with memory. Heat and diagnostic testing also
applies to other components - disk drive, video controller,
etc. Download those diagnostics as well.

In an NT OS, the most likely suspects after power supply are
memory, video controller, sound card, CPU, and CPU support
chips. NT limits what hardware can actually crash the system.

Once you have verified hardware, then move on to usual
software suspects.

Meanwhile, I assume you have already reviewed the standard
error date in Device Manager and in the system (event) logs.
I assume your problem is with any program that, for example,
does massive data processing such as video games.

 

[William W. Plummer]

Hi,

I may be on the wrong path here but in order to troubleshoot a random reboot
(and sometimes the program just drops out without reboot) when the kids are
playing games like Harry Potter and Age of Empires I have used a number of
utilities to stress the system but nothing yet has recreated the problem.

Can anyone recommend any test utils that will load the system in a similar
way to such a games please.

... or suggest another strategy!!

If it helps the problem is definitely worse during (but not limited to)
network game play - that is on a local network not the internet.

You need to install some software mousetraps to catch it when the fault
actually happens. Download and install the system symbols for the OS
you are using and install a debugging terminal. You'll have to do some
reading about WinXP (or whatever) and install a breakpoint where illegal
traps are detected. You machine might be simply jumping into the BIOS
restart point, but that's not too likely.

If you value your time at all, just buy a whole new machine. Board
replacement is expensive and takes awhile, but won't detect CPU errors
such as dropping an address bit.

Another shot in the dark is to slow down your buss speed. I found that
my Abit MB doesn't run reliably at the full 133 MHz ("266") but is fine
at 100. Of course you can slow down the CPU clock also ("underclocking").

 

[Bill]

Many thanks for your very comprehensive reply. I will work though!!!

 

[Bill]

I meant to say that 'I will work through!!"

 

[NuQ]

Hi,

I may be on the wrong path here but in order to troubleshoot a random
reboot (and sometimes the program just drops out without reboot) when
the kids are playing games like Harry Potter and Age of Empires I
have used a number of utilities to stress the system but nothing yet
has recreated the problem.

Can anyone recommend any test utils that will load the system in a
similar way to such a games please.

... or suggest another strategy!!

If it helps the problem is definitely worse during (but not limited
to) network game play - that is on a local network not the internet.

Check the Event Viewer (in Admin Tools) right after a crash or reboot.