windows xp machine locks up

[Guest]

windows xp machine will run for a while and then freeze up. have changed
power management settings, shut down all startup items running in background,
turned off screen saver, set background to none, swapped out graphics card,
changed acceleration settings and put new thermal compound between processor
& heat sink . Still happening. Any ideas what to try next?

 

[Ted Zieglar]

Scan for and remove viruses and spyware. Since spyware is so hard to
detect you'll want to use several spyware scanners.

 

[Maurice N ~ MVP]

Hello Laura,

Following is not a cure, but will give some information on what the problem area is.

When the pc is booting up (after the BIOS has done its POST test and
before Windows starts loading),
Tap F8 Function key to get bootup options. Tap & keep repeat tapping F8 !

You will actually see "Disable automatic restart on system failure" as an option .
Select that and give it a try. This option is available if you have XP service pack 2.

You really need to see the STOP code because there is a fatal error condition.

Once having disabled automatic restart, reboot system and try Normal mode again.

See what Event Viewer has in it's log. Select Start button/ select Run , then type in

eventvwr.msc<enter>

-- or Go to Control Panel / Performance and Maintenance/Administrative Tools >Event Viewer.

Review the sections and look for Errors or Warnings that match the time the event occurred.
Double click---the information "may" give a clue.

 

[Guest]

Have run adaware, spybot S&D and one click clean up, also AVG antivirus

 

[Guest]

Hi Maurice

I don't think this machine is running SP2. It is not indicated under system
properties on this machine as it is on my laptop.

is not a cure, but will give some information on what the problem area is.

 

[Maurice N ~ MVP]

Laura:
Restart pc into Safe mode:
When the pc is booting up, right away start tapping & repeat tapping F8
Function key to get bootup options. You will get an Advanced bootup options
menu.
Select SAFE Mode.

Once in Safe mode,
Right Click the My Computer icon on desktop. Select Properties.
Next, select Advanced. Look for a block that says Startup and recovery.
Press the settings button.
In System failure section, turn off (un-check) Automatically restart.
Apply change.

Now logoff and restart. See how far you get into normal mode, and if you
get a STOP error.

If you do, please write down the complete STOP codes and the text, and post
back that info.

--
Maurice N
MS-MVP Windows (Shell / User), Aumha.net VSOP , DTS-L
-----

Hi Maurice

I don't think this machine is running SP2. It is not indicated under
system
properties on this machine as it is on my laptop.

is not a cure, but will give some information on what the problem area is.