Computer freezes

My computer freezes about 15 minutes after startup -- but only after I have had it shut down for a day or two. On days I can start up -- and after the freeze, if I try to start, the hard drive, fan, etc. starts, but the monitor shuts off. Then, if I wait a day or two, it's working (for about 15-20 minutes). I have checked my monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc., all seem to be working. I also updated my graphics driver, and have cleaned the inside of the tower. Another thing I also noticed is that my computer loads very slowly. I have a Dell (5 yrs) and am running Windows 2000.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Jeena

 

I would like to mention one other thing. A friend took it home, plugged it in and had the same symptoms -- the monitor shut off right away. He opened the tower, unplugged the cards, ram, etc. and plugged them back in and he told me the computer was running for 2 hours without any problems. Of course, once I got it back -- same problem.

Jeena

 

The monitor going out sounds like it could be due to the graphics card or onboard graphics going bad. You may also have a dying power supply. That old of a Dell will require a power supply specifically built for Dell or an adapter to use a standard ATX/MATX power supply.

What model Dell is this?

 

It is a Dell Dimension 4400. Because my knowledge of computers is limited, can you tell me what you mean by "or an adapter to use a standard ATX/MATX power supply "?

Jeena

 

Only from my experience, I have seen blank screens at startup which were due to a failing motherboard. Power supply, not that I can remember, although Dell only tend to include a power supply that will do the job and no more. I always wince when I need to upgrade any parts on a Dell, in case the power supply cannot handle the extra load.

One area I have found is resource conflicts. I suggest you remove any add-in (PCI) cards and USB devices and see how it starts up then. Whatever was not supplied by Dell, disconnect/remove them, see if it starts normally, then add the hardware back, one at a time, to find the cause.

When the system starts, you should see LEDs on the keyboard and the drives flash. If one stays on constantly, that will probably be the what is causing the bad startup.

Replace the CMOS battery. It is a silver coin-like battery on the motherboard. It may not be the cause, but I never rule it out with motherboards that default to "Quick POST" and not full POST (POST is the system tests/checks, when a full post is completed and things are fine, you hear one beep).

When Windows is running, do a restart, not a shutdown. Does it restart OK? (Try several times.)

Matt