Resolved Possible hardware issue

I have a quite new PC which is now running Windows 8 Pro, and am having a lot of freezes and "Not Responding" messages which don`t seem to be tied down to any particular software.
Can somebody suggest a good set of general routines for testing all of my hardware - the processor , my hard disk and the RAM & the motherboard if possible.

 

The Ultimate Boot CD has several diagnostic utilities. Simply boot your computer from it and select the utility you want to run.

Note: If you aren't sure who made the hard drive in your computer, Seagate's Seatools works with most any make of drive.

The following instructions may prove helpful for burning the UBCD .iso file to disc: How can I write (burn) ISO files to CD or DVD?

 

Might need a more powerful Power supply.

 

How new? Is it still under warranty? If so, you need to get on record now that you are having problems.

Besides ensuring good power, you need to look at your heat. Is the case interior clean of heat-trapping dust? Are your CPU, system, and graphics temperatures with safe limits.?

 

It was bought in November 2012 so its well within warranty and its quite free of dust lol! however I am dubious about its power supply - its 240W which isn`t much.
Thanks for the tip about the ultimate boot cd - I will give it a whirl.
Something I HAVE done since I posted is run the sfc /scannow utility, which found corrupt files according to the screen message, however , its still taking a loooong time to boot completely -it boots, but nothing will start without the "not responding" message in the title bar.
I`ve been advised to run chkdsk /f /r as well, so that's my next task , then I want to test the actual nuts and bolts and the CD will help so thank you.

 

Recommend running the hard drive manufacturer's diagnostic utility before running CHKDSK. If the hard drive is failing, CHKDSK can cause even more damage by trying to repair unrepairable problems.

 

I`m not sure there is a diagnostic utility on it, - its a Lenovo 2561 -520S.
There was some "bloatware" and the usual trial bundled applications with it but I upgraded from Windows 8 to windows 8 Pro so they got deleted.

is there not a CHKDSK that just diagnoses without applying a fix? - would that tell me if the disk is suspect?

 

No, that is not much but unless you added more hardware since new, it is big enough. It could be faulty, however.

Note if you enter chkdsk /? you will see the /r switch "implies" or includes the checks included with the /f switch. Meaning whoever gave you that advice should have said to run chkdsk /r only.

Since this computer is just 3 months, I would return it. Period.

 

Mmmmm - I would like to pin down whats wrong if possible, if I just take it back the store will just boot it up and say "look its working" then charge me - such is the problem with intermittent faults unfortunately.
And its taken me Ages to load all my apps and to configure and set it up just as I want it and I am keen to avoid having to do it all over again.
This is why I made the initial post, - to find out how to do a thorough diagnosis and to eliminate the parts that are definitely working properly.

The only stuff I`ve added is USB bits and bobs - webcam, printer, wireless mouse and keyboard & joystick.

 

The USB things shouldn't be a problem but if me, I would disconnect the webcam and printer and see what happens. If possible, connect your printer to your network instead of your computer, then there is little chance it can affect your computer.

I understand you not wanting to rebuild your computer with all your apps and stuff, but then that's what good backups are for. At least you can plan this. If your computer suddenly fails completely and you have no backup, you will really have headaches.

What programs are getting the Not Responding error?

Have you scanned for malware?

You cannot test your motherboard or CPU without swapping in known good ones. You can run with just one stick of RAM at a time and maybe isolate one stick having problems. Just make sure you unplug from the wall and touch bare metal of the case interior EVERY TIME and BEFORE reaching in to remove or install your RAM.

 

I`m fully backed up, both with Livedrive and locally on an external USB drive (on the Network via my second PC)
Its mostly ALL the desktop apps and is very noticeable immediately after a reboot.
I`ve scanned with the stock defender windows A/V and also with search and destroy and malwarebytes.

I am pretty conversant with anti-static procedures (even have my own zap-strap) having worked for some time in an electronics factory.

 

Great! As for the straps, they are great too (assuming the other end is properly grounded to the case chassis), but remember sweat, dead skin, dirt and grime and plain ol' wear and tear can minimize their effectiveness.

 

Yes - I had that drummed into me quite thoroughly whilst working there (and have a box full of new straps to dip into when the whim takes me
Also have my own workshop complete with Anti static workstation and mat and Temperature controlled soldering workstation. - I was into Electronics waaaay before computers.

 

Yeah, I actually like those cheap disposable straps simply because you don't have to worry about wear or built-up grime.

Follow the link in my sig and you will see we have much in common.

 

Thanks for the advice Bill, sent you a PM,

 

I would contact the manufacturer, get a claim number, also talk to support tech. You should not be charged because the computer is under warranty for a year from the date purchased.

 

Erm ...@ Spyware Doctor, you DO know that link you posted is for a Linux version of the utility disk?

I found the Windows version here:- http://www.ubcd4win.com/downloads.htm

Thanks anyway!

 

Yes, Ben's "4win" version is mentioned right under the screenshot on UBCD's home page:

 

I`m (trying) to build it now, - wish they had just posted an iso file on their website, would have been much easier for old fogies like me

& that's where I got the link from.

 

Nope! - No good, - in order to build the iso image you require an XP SP1 or 2 installation disk.
Haven`t got one so its not much good to me I`m afraid.
Ah well, back to the drawing board.