PC is keeps on hanging

[gaurav2325]

I have PC Running since 4 years with the following configuration but

since 3 months my PC is keeps on getting hanging any time.


Configuration:

OS: Windows XP
System: P4, 2.80 GHZ
Graphic card: NVIDIA GFORCE 9400 GT
TV TUNER CARD: Gemini (5 years old)
DVD R/W: LG (1 year)
HDD: Segate HDD (80 GB) had 56 KB bad sector now chnaged with new one

SEGATE 1TB (on 21st NOV 2010).
RAM: 1 GB + 512 MB (on 2 slots)
ANTIVIRUS : KASPERSKY 2011 internet security

I have formatted my system twice but the issue remains same.

Following steps already taken:

1. HDD replaced with NEw one
2. SMPS replaced with new one (old one 3 years old).
3. RAM slots chnaged (had 1 GB and 512 MB RAM), now running on 512 MB

RAM
4. PC was running since 1 years on 1.5 GB (1 GB and 512 MB -- 2slots).

Still hanging whenever it wants.

Please help.

Thanks
Gaurav GUpta

 

[floppybootstomp]

What is an SMPS? (Switched Mode Power Supply is all I can think of).

Download Memtest (it's free software) burn the CD with it, boot from the CD and test each stick of memory for two or three runs of Memtest. This will take about an hour per stick and will tell you if you have faulty memory. If so - replace.

When you say you have formatted twice - you have then carried out fresh installs of Win XP?

Btw, 512Mb is the bare minimum memory to run XP - not enough really.

Do the hangs occur without any other software loaded or do the hangs occur when a particular program has been loaded?

Boot into the BIOS and look at your hardware specs. Note the CPU temperature. If it's above 50C it could be a heat related problem.

In fact, take the side off the PC case and clean out any excess dust. If need be use a clean dry paintbrush and vacum cleaner and unclog the CPU fan.

You could also aim a household fan into the PC with the case side off and if the PC then doesn't hang you know the problem is through overheating.

And I'm assuming you have all XP updates & service packs and latest drivers for all hardware?

There's a few suggestions, good luck.

 

[gaurav2325]

Twice formatted means clean install

I guess, the system hanged after installation of device drivers but not graphic card drivers.

CPU temperature is constant to 40 degree

No guess for hanging

Power supply and HDD has already been replaced with new ones

 

[floppybootstomp]

Memtest?

 

[gaurav2325]

currently I am using only one 512 MB RAM not 1 GB.
Should I go for MEMTEST?

 

[floppybootstomp]

currently I am using only one 512 MB RAM not 1 GB.
Should I go for MEMTEST?

Please re-read my earlier post.

But, well, yes, you should.

The symptoms you're describing are very commonly caused by faulty memory and you'd do well to either prove or disprove your memory.