FREEZE! You're a genius if you can figure this one out!!!

[Guest]

Homegrown with MSI K8T Neo-V and AMD Athlon 64bit 754 socket 3400+; 1.5GB
Ram, ATI Radeon X1600Pro AGP 512MB video, 4 HD's, 2 SATA and all 4 connected
to PCI adaptor card. The machine freezes up at random but always when a
video file, such as an .wmv or internet feed news video is played.
Downloaded .wmv files also cause it to freeze. I have to reboot as it will
not accept any keyboard or mouse commands. Videos from online sources, DVD
or one of my stored Pinnacle videos is played. I am using Windows Media
Player. Plugins are installed for DVD play. I also have Nero 7 Ultra
Edition and Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition installed. MP3, CDs and
WMA files played through WMP do not cause a problem.
Here is what I have been through both here and at a local shop:
Replaced the motjherboard and processor with identical components in hopes
of not having to reload all of my software. Tried 4 different MBs, identical
to the original.
Purchased new 160GB HD and did a clean install of XP SP2 OS using the shop's
disc; my license.
Purchased two new 1GB Ram, one of which was then declared bad by the shop
(it does post up in another computer) DDR
I have uninstalled/downloaded/installed various versions of Windows Media
Player
I have uninstalled/downloaded/installed various versions of Adobe Reader
As I write this I put a video in the DVD player. It plays UNTIL I attempt
to use the control for full screen either by double clicking on the image or
using the pull down menu for view. Freezes up.
Swapped out video cards
Eliminated all hardware and built it back up with new drivers.
Checked for viruses home and at the shop.
At this moment I'm working in Corel Paint Shop Pro without any difficulties.
I also have not had any problems playing FreeCell. Emails through Microsoft
Outlook and online page loading have not been a problem. The tech said one
stick of the new 1GB Sandisc ram failed to post but I have a 512 in there and
it posts with the other 1GB, showing 1.5 GB. The tech said he swapped ram in
the two slots with no post.
What's left???
thanks

 

[Guest]

Here's another twist: although audio files play through WM I just attempted
to play one in Nero 7 and the system immediately froze up.
Go figure.

 

[R. McCarty]

Motherboard BIOS flashed to latest release ?, Using the latest Chipset
driver package?

Four disk drives, 2 SATA and 2 IDE ? Which ones are connected to a
PCI controller card and what Vendor/Model PCI add-in card.

Sounds to me like a possible IRQ mapping issue. I'd look and check
that the system is using a APIC controller ( 23 IRQs ), MsInfo32.Exe
to check IRQ map.

I'd probably drop any traditional IDE/PATA devices and use SATA
exclusively. It would also be a good idea to Chkdsk all your volumes.
You would also want to verify that all drives are operating at their
highest rated UDMA modes ( 5 or 6 ).

 

[DL]

And; you havent used msupdate for any drivers have you?

 

[Guest]

Screech! You just flew over my head.
The PCI card came with the Seagate ST3200822A SATA. I do have 2 SATA and 2
IDE drives hooked directly to the card. This configuration has served me for
over a year.
Here's what happened: I was installed additional PC133 into a friend's
computer. SOMEHOW I inserted one stick of PC133 into my machine. Conclusion
was to replace the MB as the system was down. In so doing I inherited this
problem and have been trying for 3 months to get it solved.
I can print these suggestions out for a higher force to examine. I do have
some much younger (20's) associates who claim they can fix anything.
I CAN disconnect the two IDE drives and only use them when I want to backup
or access the files on there. I'll try that the next time it freezes up.
Anything I said that gives you more insight?
thanks!
a

 

[Guest]

I have not. Am I wrong in assuming that Computer St. Louis, having taken the
machine back in 3 times and did the fresh install would not have done this?
Another problem I was having were the USB ports. They simply would not post.
This happened with at least two of the motherboards I submitted to them. I
bought 5 off the internet (replacing the exact board so I wouldn't have to
reload) and they said 2 were bad. I'm not soooo sure of this. These people
should know what they're doing.
Any help am I?
a

 

[R. McCarty]

I'm doubtful I can give you any exact information. Your description
includes too many variables/actions you've taken to help you sort it out.

To me, it seems like you've got a mix-&-match of various components
that don't match a "Technology Timeline" ( similar dates/technology
types ). Sometimes there are certain combinations of Hardware that
will just be a problem and a never ending headache to get resolved or
work together effectively.

 

[Guest]

If the system had not been working for over a year until I pulled a zinger I
could start from there.
This is very comlex, as anything with various drives, etc. can be.
I'll keep trying!
thanks again,
a

 

[Harry Ohrn]

It sounds like you've swapped out most if not all hardware except the power
supply. It could be the problem?

 

[Guest]

Power supplies have created many an unsuspecting problem haven't they?
I'm in the process of CD at the moment but I do have a spare and there is no
reason not to try it!
thanks!
a

It sounds like you've swapped out most if not all hardware except the power
supply. It could be the problem?

--


Harry Ohrn MS MVP [Shell\User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp

Homegrown with MSI K8T Neo-V and AMD Athlon 64bit 754 socket 3400+; 1.5GB
Ram, ATI Radeon X1600Pro AGP 512MB video, 4 HD's, 2 SATA and all 4
connected
to PCI adaptor card. The machine freezes up at random but always when a
video file, such as an .wmv or internet feed news video is played.
Downloaded .wmv files also cause it to freeze. I have to reboot as it
will
not accept any keyboard or mouse commands. Videos from online sources,
DVD
or one of my stored Pinnacle videos is played. I am using Windows Media
Player. Plugins are installed for DVD play. I also have Nero 7 Ultra
Edition and Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition installed. MP3, CDs and
WMA files played through WMP do not cause a problem.
Here is what I have been through both here and at a local shop:
Replaced the motjherboard and processor with identical components in hopes
of not having to reload all of my software. Tried 4 different MBs,
identical
to the original.
Purchased new 160GB HD and did a clean install of XP SP2 OS using the
shop's
disc; my license.
Purchased two new 1GB Ram, one of which was then declared bad by the shop
(it does post up in another computer) DDR
I have uninstalled/downloaded/installed various versions of Windows Media
Player
I have uninstalled/downloaded/installed various versions of Adobe Reader
As I write this I put a video in the DVD player. It plays UNTIL I attempt
to use the control for full screen either by double clicking on the image
or
using the pull down menu for view. Freezes up.
Swapped out video cards
Eliminated all hardware and built it back up with new drivers.
Checked for viruses home and at the shop.
At this moment I'm working in Corel Paint Shop Pro without any
difficulties.
I also have not had any problems playing FreeCell. Emails through
Microsoft
Outlook and online page loading have not been a problem. The tech said
one
stick of the new 1GB Sandisc ram failed to post but I have a 512 in there
and
it posts with the other 1GB, showing 1.5 GB. The tech said he swapped ram
in
the two slots with no post.
What's left???
thanks

 

[DL]

Unfortunately unless you 'know' your repairshop you can never know whether
they relied on default drivers or used the correct drivers supplied by your
mobo, and other hw manufacturers
..

 

[Guest]

Which drivers would you start with?
I did try another power supply....5 secs of video.
My next trick is to disconnect the two IDE drives. I just cannot believe
this is happening after all of the replacement/reloading!
a

 

[DL]

The chipset & other mobo drivers from MSI
Video drivers from ATI

PS I assume Event viewer gave no clues

 

[Guest]

Homegrown with MSI K8T Neo-V and AMD Athlon 64bit 754 socket 3400+; 1.5GB
Ram, ATI Radeon X1600Pro AGP 512MB video, 4 HD's, 2 SATA and all 4 connected
to PCI adaptor card. The machine freezes up at random but always when a
video file, such as an .wmv or internet feed news video is played.
Downloaded .wmv files also cause it to freeze. I have to reboot as it will
not accept any keyboard or mouse commands. Videos from online sources, DVD
or one of my stored Pinnacle videos is played. I am using Windows Media
Player. Plugins are installed for DVD play. I also have Nero 7 Ultra
Edition and Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition installed. MP3, CDs and
WMA files played through WMP do not cause a problem.
Here is what I have been through both here and at a local shop:
Replaced the motjherboard and processor with identical components in hopes
of not having to reload all of my software. Tried 4 different MBs, identical
to the original.
Purchased new 160GB HD and did a clean install of XP SP2 OS using the shop's
disc; my license.
Purchased two new 1GB Ram, one of which was then declared bad by the shop
(it does post up in another computer) DDR
I have uninstalled/downloaded/installed various versions of Windows Media
Player
I have uninstalled/downloaded/installed various versions of Adobe Reader
As I write this I put a video in the DVD player. It plays UNTIL I attempt
to use the control for full screen either by double clicking on the image or
using the pull down menu for view. Freezes up.
Swapped out video cards
Eliminated all hardware and built it back up with new drivers.
Checked for viruses home and at the shop.
At this moment I'm working in Corel Paint Shop Pro without any difficulties.
I also have not had any problems playing FreeCell. Emails through Microsoft
Outlook and online page loading have not been a problem. The tech said one
stick of the new 1GB Sandisc ram failed to post but I have a 512 in there and
it posts with the other 1GB, showing 1.5 GB. The tech said he swapped ram in
the two slots with no post.
What's left???
thanks

Try to perform a clean boot and then recheck the items one at-a time and see
which program will cause the issue.
Also look in the event viewer,every error should log there either success or
failure.
Use the FileMon and the Process Explorer to capture the running process in
realtime and see which will cause or take the most CPU usage and make Freeze!.
Any Third-Party Toolbars installed?.
=How to perform a clean boot procedure to prevent background programs from
interfering with a game or a program that you currently use
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/331796
Download the FileMon to see the Running Processes in realtime from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/filemon.mspx
Or Process Explorer :
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Processesandthreadsutilities.mspx

3... You may have a bad RAM try to test your RAM by running Memory test by
downloading this tool and unzip it and make a floppy or CD/DVD and run it on
Reboot.
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp.
You may need to reposition/reset the RAM sticks in their slots.
Open a Notepad, customize or minimize to the taskbar as you will need it
later for this step to copy the error message on it.
Open a run command and type in:
eventvwr.msc click [OK] you will get the Event viewer control Panel.
click on each of these:
Application
System
Security
Look in the right Pane/window for error message with red (X) or Yellow
exclamation mark /!\ , double click each one to get more info about the
causer.
On the Event error properties message you will see:
Up Arrow
Down arrow
Two pages
Click on the two pages to copy the error message then bring up the Notepad
you opened earlier and right click on the first line and select Paste from
the list, this will paste the error message on a Notepad.
Please don't duplicate the error message one of each kind will be sufficient.
HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308427/en-us
HTH.
Let us know.
Regards,
nass

 

[Guest]

Hi Nass.......
Looks like I have a bit of trial and error ahead of me yet! I can't believe
a repair shop (independent) could not correct the problems.
Thanks for all of these suggestions.
Hopefully I can be successful. It is a clean install already. I think I'll
remove all of the periphial drives and go from there.
a

Homegrown with MSI K8T Neo-V and AMD Athlon 64bit 754 socket 3400+; 1.5GB
Ram, ATI Radeon X1600Pro AGP 512MB video, 4 HD's, 2 SATA and all 4 connected
to PCI adaptor card. The machine freezes up at random but always when a
video file, such as an .wmv or internet feed news video is played.
Downloaded .wmv files also cause it to freeze. I have to reboot as it will
not accept any keyboard or mouse commands. Videos from online sources, DVD
or one of my stored Pinnacle videos is played. I am using Windows Media
Player. Plugins are installed for DVD play. I also have Nero 7 Ultra
Edition and Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition installed. MP3, CDs and
WMA files played through WMP do not cause a problem.
Here is what I have been through both here and at a local shop:
Replaced the motjherboard and processor with identical components in hopes
of not having to reload all of my software. Tried 4 different MBs, identical
to the original.
Purchased new 160GB HD and did a clean install of XP SP2 OS using the shop's
disc; my license.
Purchased two new 1GB Ram, one of which was then declared bad by the shop
(it does post up in another computer) DDR
I have uninstalled/downloaded/installed various versions of Windows Media
Player
I have uninstalled/downloaded/installed various versions of Adobe Reader
As I write this I put a video in the DVD player. It plays UNTIL I attempt
to use the control for full screen either by double clicking on the image or
using the pull down menu for view. Freezes up.
Swapped out video cards
Eliminated all hardware and built it back up with new drivers.
Checked for viruses home and at the shop.
At this moment I'm working in Corel Paint Shop Pro without any difficulties.
I also have not had any problems playing FreeCell. Emails through Microsoft
Outlook and online page loading have not been a problem. The tech said one
stick of the new 1GB Sandisc ram failed to post but I have a 512 in there and
it posts with the other 1GB, showing 1.5 GB. The tech said he swapped ram in
the two slots with no post.
What's left???
thanks

Try to perform a clean boot and then recheck the items one at-a time and see
which program will cause the issue.
Also look in the event viewer,every error should log there either success or
failure.
Use the FileMon and the Process Explorer to capture the running process in
realtime and see which will cause or take the most CPU usage and make Freeze!.
Any Third-Party Toolbars installed?.
=How to perform a clean boot procedure to prevent background programs from
interfering with a game or a program that you currently use
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/331796
Download the FileMon to see the Running Processes in realtime from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/filemon.mspx
Or Process Explorer :
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Processesandthreadsutilities.mspx

3... You may have a bad RAM try to test your RAM by running Memory test by
downloading this tool and unzip it and make a floppy or CD/DVD and run it on
Reboot.
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp.
You may need to reposition/reset the RAM sticks in their slots.
Open a Notepad, customize or minimize to the taskbar as you will need it
later for this step to copy the error message on it.
Open a run command and type in:
eventvwr.msc click [OK] you will get the Event viewer control Panel.
click on each of these:
Application
System
Security
Look in the right Pane/window for error message with red (X) or Yellow
exclamation mark /!\ , double click each one to get more info about the
causer.
On the Event error properties message you will see:
Up Arrow
Down arrow
Two pages
Click on the two pages to copy the error message then bring up the Notepad
you opened earlier and right click on the first line and select Paste from
the list, this will paste the error message on a Notepad.
Please don't duplicate the error message one of each kind will be sufficient.
HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308427/en-us
HTH.
Let us know.
Regards,
nass

 

[Guest]

You are getting some great advice. There is a lot of reading here. But I
don't remember if you have checked the Ram of your Video card? To me if this
was occuring I would check everything due to video and monitor. Is there a
cooling fan on the Video card Ramchip? They put off alot of heat.
How much Virtual Memory have you alloted? On a situation like this you can
not let VM be manage by system/OS.
Just my thoughts.

Hi Nass.......
Looks like I have a bit of trial and error ahead of me yet! I can't believe
a repair shop (independent) could not correct the problems.
Thanks for all of these suggestions.
Hopefully I can be successful. It is a clean install already. I think I'll
remove all of the periphial drives and go from there.
a

Homegrown with MSI K8T Neo-V and AMD Athlon 64bit 754 socket 3400+; 1.5GB
Ram, ATI Radeon X1600Pro AGP 512MB video, 4 HD's, 2 SATA and all 4 connected
to PCI adaptor card. The machine freezes up at random but always when a
video file, such as an .wmv or internet feed news video is played.
Downloaded .wmv files also cause it to freeze. I have to reboot as it will
not accept any keyboard or mouse commands. Videos from online sources, DVD
or one of my stored Pinnacle videos is played. I am using Windows Media
Player. Plugins are installed for DVD play. I also have Nero 7 Ultra
Edition and Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition installed. MP3, CDs and
WMA files played through WMP do not cause a problem.
Here is what I have been through both here and at a local shop:
Replaced the motjherboard and processor with identical components in hopes
of not having to reload all of my software. Tried 4 different MBs, identical
to the original.
Purchased new 160GB HD and did a clean install of XP SP2 OS using the shop's
disc; my license.
Purchased two new 1GB Ram, one of which was then declared bad by the shop
(it does post up in another computer) DDR
I have uninstalled/downloaded/installed various versions of Windows Media
Player
I have uninstalled/downloaded/installed various versions of Adobe Reader
As I write this I put a video in the DVD player. It plays UNTIL I attempt
to use the control for full screen either by double clicking on the image or
using the pull down menu for view. Freezes up.
Swapped out video cards
Eliminated all hardware and built it back up with new drivers.
Checked for viruses home and at the shop.
At this moment I'm working in Corel Paint Shop Pro without any difficulties.
I also have not had any problems playing FreeCell. Emails through Microsoft
Outlook and online page loading have not been a problem. The tech said one
stick of the new 1GB Sandisc ram failed to post but I have a 512 in there and
it posts with the other 1GB, showing 1.5 GB. The tech said he swapped ram in
the two slots with no post.
What's left???
thanks

Try to perform a clean boot and then recheck the items one at-a time and see
which program will cause the issue.
Also look in the event viewer,every error should log there either success or
failure.
Use the FileMon and the Process Explorer to capture the running process in
realtime and see which will cause or take the most CPU usage and make Freeze!.
Any Third-Party Toolbars installed?.
=How to perform a clean boot procedure to prevent background programs from
interfering with a game or a program that you currently use
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/331796
Download the FileMon to see the Running Processes in realtime from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/filemon.mspx
Or Process Explorer :
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Processesandthreadsutilities.mspx

3... You may have a bad RAM try to test your RAM by running Memory test by
downloading this tool and unzip it and make a floppy or CD/DVD and run it on
Reboot.
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp.
You may need to reposition/reset the RAM sticks in their slots.
Open a Notepad, customize or minimize to the taskbar as you will need it
later for this step to copy the error message on it.
Open a run command and type in:
eventvwr.msc click [OK] you will get the Event viewer control Panel.
click on each of these:
Application
System
Security
Look in the right Pane/window for error message with red (X) or Yellow
exclamation mark /!\ , double click each one to get more info about the
causer.
On the Event error properties message you will see:
Up Arrow
Down arrow
Two pages
Click on the two pages to copy the error message then bring up the Notepad
you opened earlier and right click on the first line and select Paste from
the list, this will paste the error message on a Notepad.
Please don't duplicate the error message one of each kind will be sufficient.
HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308427/en-us
HTH.
Let us know.
Regards,
nass

 

[Guest]

The first two places I went were Windows Media Player and the video card. I
had unninstalled/installed WMP and then I started with the card. I have a
relatively new card but swapped it out nonetheless with the previous card.
No luck. I haven't done anything with the monitor EXCEPT I have used both
types of connections with the 512 video card. The other only allows a
standard connection.
The last post with multiple steps is going to take me some time. I'm really
stumped!
thanks,
a

You are getting some great advice. There is a lot of reading here. But I
don't remember if you have checked the Ram of your Video card? To me if this
was occuring I would check everything due to video and monitor. Is there a
cooling fan on the Video card Ramchip? They put off alot of heat.
How much Virtual Memory have you alloted? On a situation like this you can
not let VM be manage by system/OS.
Just my thoughts.

Hi Nass.......
Looks like I have a bit of trial and error ahead of me yet! I can't believe
a repair shop (independent) could not correct the problems.
Thanks for all of these suggestions.
Hopefully I can be successful. It is a clean install already. I think I'll
remove all of the periphial drives and go from there.
a

:

Homegrown with MSI K8T Neo-V and AMD Athlon 64bit 754 socket 3400+; 1.5GB
Ram, ATI Radeon X1600Pro AGP 512MB video, 4 HD's, 2 SATA and all 4 connected
to PCI adaptor card. The machine freezes up at random but always when a
video file, such as an .wmv or internet feed news video is played.
Downloaded .wmv files also cause it to freeze. I have to reboot as it will
not accept any keyboard or mouse commands. Videos from online sources, DVD
or one of my stored Pinnacle videos is played. I am using Windows Media
Player. Plugins are installed for DVD play. I also have Nero 7 Ultra
Edition and Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition installed. MP3, CDs and
WMA files played through WMP do not cause a problem.
Here is what I have been through both here and at a local shop:
Replaced the motjherboard and processor with identical components in hopes
of not having to reload all of my software. Tried 4 different MBs, identical
to the original.
Purchased new 160GB HD and did a clean install of XP SP2 OS using the shop's
disc; my license.
Purchased two new 1GB Ram, one of which was then declared bad by the shop
(it does post up in another computer) DDR
I have uninstalled/downloaded/installed various versions of Windows Media
Player
I have uninstalled/downloaded/installed various versions of Adobe Reader
As I write this I put a video in the DVD player. It plays UNTIL I attempt
to use the control for full screen either by double clicking on the image or
using the pull down menu for view. Freezes up.
Swapped out video cards
Eliminated all hardware and built it back up with new drivers.
Checked for viruses home and at the shop.
At this moment I'm working in Corel Paint Shop Pro without any difficulties.
I also have not had any problems playing FreeCell. Emails through Microsoft
Outlook and online page loading have not been a problem. The tech said one
stick of the new 1GB Sandisc ram failed to post but I have a 512 in there and
it posts with the other 1GB, showing 1.5 GB. The tech said he swapped ram in
the two slots with no post.
What's left???
thanks


Try to perform a clean boot and then recheck the items one at-a time and see
which program will cause the issue.
Also look in the event viewer,every error should log there either success or
failure.
Use the FileMon and the Process Explorer to capture the running process in
realtime and see which will cause or take the most CPU usage and make Freeze!.
Any Third-Party Toolbars installed?.
=How to perform a clean boot procedure to prevent background programs from
interfering with a game or a program that you currently use
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/331796
Download the FileMon to see the Running Processes in realtime from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/filemon.mspx
Or Process Explorer :
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Processesandthreadsutilities.mspx

3... You may have a bad RAM try to test your RAM by running Memory test by
downloading this tool and unzip it and make a floppy or CD/DVD and run it on
Reboot.
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp.
You may need to reposition/reset the RAM sticks in their slots.
Open a Notepad, customize or minimize to the taskbar as you will need it
later for this step to copy the error message on it.
Open a run command and type in:
eventvwr.msc click [OK] you will get the Event viewer control Panel.
click on each of these:
Application
System
Security
Look in the right Pane/window for error message with red (X) or Yellow
exclamation mark /!\ , double click each one to get more info about the
causer.
On the Event error properties message you will see:
Up Arrow
Down arrow
Two pages
Click on the two pages to copy the error message then bring up the Notepad
you opened earlier and right click on the first line and select Paste from
the list, this will paste the error message on a Notepad.
Please don't duplicate the error message one of each kind will be sufficient.
HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308427/en-us
HTH.
Let us know.
Regards,
nass