Computer Randomly Freezes

Just wondered - did you try my suggestion of just leaving it loaded at the bios stage?
If you have a hardware fault it should hang up the same, probably, but maybe not if ram isn't being utilised - so as said a ramtest beckons.

 

I experience the same problem with Windows XP but under a different situation. The only time the computer will randomly freeze is after I disconnect from the internet. Software is AT&T Worldnet, and I right click on the globe in the lower right corner. Select disconnect, and usually everything disconnects. But once in a while, everything freezes, although the phone line is free. Keyboard, mouse, nothing works. I have tried double clicking, then select disconnect, double clicking on the two "monitors ", select disconnect. It does not matter, ocassionally, as described above, everything freezes. The only way to turn things off is to hold down the power button.
Lots of fun. E-Machines laptop. Windows XP Home Edition pre-loaded. And re-loaded several times.

 

BenzHead - please start a new thread. Easier for everyone to keep track of who has which problems and tried what fixes that way.

 

ok i ran a memory tester for like 6 hours and it didnt find anything could it be the hard drive or something?

 

me2

You're not alone...I am also experiencing the same random lock-up problems as you. Everything freezes up, the only thing to do is press and hold the power button until the computer turns off. If there happens to be sound playing at the time it locks up also, just repeating the same pitch. I do not think it is a hardware issue. My problems started after installing some of Microsoft's critical updates. I have tried system restore but it will not let me go back before the update(s).

Sorry I don't have any answers for you but if I find a solution I will certainly share it.

 

fixed!

Don't know if this will help but...I went in and started deleting MS's critical updates (control panel - add/remove programs). I don't know which one it was, but I must have eliminated the culprit. Problem solved, no more freezes. Hope you can fix your's also. Regards...

 

xpuser2
No disrespect intended, but I wouldn't ask anyone to randomly start deleting MS patches and updates to fix a problem like Hyperguy described.

He's been through the checklist, and still having problems. There are basically two choices here:
1. Take it to a repair shop
2. Burn as many backups as possible, and reinstall XP. Clean or repair. I would choose clean, that way, no problems are carried over. If the computer still freezes after a clean install, it's probably a hardware issue.

Afterwards, and before going online, install a reliable firewall/AV, then update it ASAP. All MS patches and fixes must be reinstalled. Install software one program at a time, rebooting in between each one. If there is a software conflict, maybe you can catch it early. Good luck.

Johanna

 

Ok, im still having the same problem. I need this fixed soon because i have a school report i have to do and i cant do it very well if the computer freezes every 5 minutes. I've tried alll your ideas, and none of them work. I would bring it to a professional, but last time i did that they charged me $250 and didn't even find the problem. I tried calling the manufacturer about my warrenty but they said they couldn't do anything because the problem may be software related.

 

Hell Xpuser,

There is a good chance that one of the MS upates or combination caused this on your system. And the way to handle things like this is to find out which one instead of indescriminate deletion of updates.

In general, people like you who install MS updates wholesale instead of one at a time in order to find out what the effects would be, are asking for this sort of problem.

Regards - Charles

 

Hello HyperGuy,

I went thru this thread, and the only advice I haven't seen is to disable background processes one at a time. In other words, disable one, run for a time, disable one, run for a time. That's how I would try to pinpoint a problem, it would go a long way towards eliminating the chance of software conflicts.

One thing to keep in mind, if you disable the firewall, and you want to go onto to the net, start XP's firewall - ICF - otherwise you may have added problems.

Regards - Charles

 

I have a firewall built into my router, so I don't think the firewall will be much of a problem, but I will try that,

 

Ok then, if you have confidence in the router leave ICF out of the mix - its an "alien presence" and you don't want to introduce anything different.

One thing I forgot to ask, is this only when you're on-line or doesn't that make any difference?

Regards - Charles

 

it doesnt seem to make a difference when im online or offline. it's frozen in safemode, so i dont think its a hacker or anything

 

HyperGuy,

Judging from the harsh replies to my post, it seems that I may have given you some bad advice. If my post caused you any further problems I appologize.

My intention was not necessarily that you follow my example, but rather to inform you of a potential culprit (critical updates or other downloads). Unless you have experienced this problem from day one there is generally a trigger or something that has changed (such as downloading updates).

Again I'm sorry if I led you astray. I hope you are able to get this resolved.

 

I wasn't thinking hacker, I was thinking Browser and a BHO install/conflict.

Ran out of ideas. The only thing to try is to re-install the OS before deciding this is hardware.

Have you tried a repair of XP?

One more thought, disk mfgr's usually have diagnostic software on their web sites - wouldn't hurt to give that a try.

Regards - Charles

 

Sorry if it sounded harsh, but I get impatient with people that set themselves up for this kind of problem.

Regards - Charles

 

Speaking of Windows Updates.

I am 100% sure about 98SE but only 50% sure about XP

In SE there were some updates that had to be installed separately.

Is this a possible in XP also ? I have not has that many updates in XP so I just do not know.

I also know from experience that the non-critical ones CAN cause trouble. A good many of them are directed at certain items of hardware and/or software.

BillyBob

 

I tried the process thing, didnt work . I'd love to reinstall windows... but i have no disk, and im worried the system will freeze during installation.. Do you think it would be worth it to get a cheap windws me disk for $10 on ebay?

 

Not clear on how WinME will help here

One possibility is to price XP cd's that are labeled "upgrade ", usually half price. The upgrades are the full OS, just need proof of a having a Windows system. In that case, a 98 or ME disc would serve.

Regards - Charles