Computer suddenly hangs

Hi,
I've searched the fora but I haven't found any postings with the same problem as I have.

My computer suddenly hangs even when no one is using the computer (CPU in idel mode). I have to reboot the computer to get it working again.
I've performed a memort check (memtest-86) over night without any corrupt memory reported and nothing is reported in the eventlog.

Is there any tool available for analysing this kind of problem ?

The configuration I'm using is :
AMD 2200+
512 MB RAM
XP + SP2
D-LINK

 

Hello greenwald and welcome to the Board,

The system may be getting hung up when the screen saver kicks in, try disabling it.

Regards - Charles

 

The computer can hang eventhough the screen saver is not activated. Sometimes it even hangs when I'm playing pinball (Included in XP).
I haven't found any pattern causing the computer to hang.

 

Hello Greenwald,

Check the hard drive for errors: http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/chkdsk.mspx

Use the /r switch.

Also check the event viewer for errors around the time this happens: right click My Computer > Manage > under System Tools, expand Event Viewer and look under system.

Right clicking on a line and then clicking on Properties will give you a window with more info concerning that line. You'll see in the top section right below the down arrow, a text graphic sysmbol. Clicking on that will place the error info text into your clipboard (memory). Bring up Notepad and right click and paste, that will transfer it to Notepad. You can then paste the text into your next post here.

Regards - Charles

 

Hi Charlesvar,
There is no specific entries in the event log from the time when the computer hangs. The last entry tells that the service WIA has started.

I have now run the chkdsk /r and I didn't get any errors reported.

Sometimes the computer hangs when I'm e.g. surfing the internet or reading mail and sometimes it just hangs in idel mode (i.e. no program is running).

I have re-installed the computer and the problem still occurs so I think it must have something to do with the hardware. The memory test didn't report any errors.

 

Does it do it in Safe Mode? If not then boot normally and cut out all startups and run the system stripped down to its basic mode. If it still locks up, suspect your graphics adapter or drivers. Get the latest one for a reload. If however, it doesn't lock up in stropped down mode, try to isolate what startup program is the cause by enabling them incrementally.

If no joy, check for dirty heat sinks and ensure that all fans are operating properly. Check cable connections and RAM seating.

The fact that you were able to reload the system without problems would tend to point to either the graphics adapter/drivers or some evil startup program.

 

I will try to see if it occurs in safe mode.
I've cleaned the heat sinks both on the CPU and on the graphic adapter. But without any luck. I've used a probe to check the CPU temperature and it doesn't go above 48degrees.

I think it is hard to isolating the startup program that might cause this since the computer can be up and running for days without any problems and somedays it occurs 2-3 times a day.

 

If all else fails, replace the video card.