Computer lockup

Solution #1: Just use Linux

Solution #2: You may try getting one of those hard drive diagnostics thingy from your hard drive manufaturer''s web site, and do the "Write 0''s To Hard Drive" test. That''ll completely overwrite EVERYTHING (MBR and all). Standard formatting usually won''t.

I once had a computer that''d lock up for no reason, even after reformatting and reinstalling MANY times. Finally we put a new hard drive in and it worked fine. Since it works ok in Linux i doubt its a hardware problem, so try COMPLETELY starting over.

Funny, I was/am having the same sort of problem.

Dumb Story: My hard drive was making a noise whenever it was accessed, leading me to think the screws on it had come loose. After cracking open the case, all I had to do was touch one and it came off. Since I have a mid tower, I had to take the thing apart to get at the other side of the HD. To do that I had to take out my GF4. After some bashing I was able to get the HD bay out, replace the screws, and pop everything back in. I power it back on and it turns out I didn''t seat my GF properly and an nice alarm from my MB. I get it back in and get the system working again, but after all the bashing, I knocked the network card and sound card loose. After about 20 reboots reinstalling the drivers, then to get them working by pushing them in a quarter of an inch, I experienced a couple of freezes under normal operating conditions. My modem (that has never been used) wasn''t completely seated, so I pushed that in until the connectors disappeared into the slot, but I am not yet confident it won''t freeze again.

Morale: Get a full tower.

Does anyone know if a poorly seated card could cause the system to freeze? It doesn''t seem unreasonable. If so that may be the culprit (although there are more likely reasons I''m sure).

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50% of people are below average.

Poorly seated cards can surely freeze a computer.

My dad has this computer with this POS motherboard and this POS case that basically won''t let an AGP card sit in all the way (and AGP cards are notorious for coming loose) and every once in a while the computer would just suddenly loose video and completely freeze. I think I ended up having to just remove the AGP card (it was a dumpy old Vanta anyhow) and stick in an old PCI card of mine. Works fine now.

Well, I am self-employed working with this stuff while I go to college. Unfortunately, lockups can be just about anything. The most common reason for the ones you are talking about are the following:

1. Insufficient Power Source. This is probably one of the common reasons. If you have added things to your computer, then that 300 watt power source might not be enough to power it. The funny thing is, alot of times your computer might run perfectly in games, but once you use Windows Explorer or on initial startup it might lock up. It would lock up with Explorer because it accesses all the drives, and in that instance draws a bit more power. The same goes for startup.

2. Heat. This is another common reason, and it doesn''t always just involve your main CPU. There are alot of devices that are prone to become unstable as a result of getting too hot. I would check to see if there is some space between your AGP video card, and any other cards near it. If you have your video card packed in near another card, it builds up more heat. Also, you need to make sure you have good airflow going through your case. Most heat problems that I run across usually have nothing to do with the inside of the computer. It has to do with the environment around it. If you are in a room that is around 80 degrees or higher, then can cause your computer to lock up alot. Computers are kind of like space heaters with all the heat they generate. If you have it bottled up in a small place (15x15 room or smaller), then heat can build up in your room. Just make sure you have your computer in a location that is 70 degrees or lower and is in a nice large place.

3. A damaged component. Computers are complex beasts, and it is possible that one of your components might be damaged. Remember, damaged electronic equipment will often continue to function. The individual resistors, capacitors, transistors might not be operating at their standard though. You would be surprised what can happen to your computer, and still have it function. Unfortunately, it might not function 100%. If your computer is on a dirty power line, then I would suspect this as a cause. Over time, a dirty power source can really wreek havoc on electronics. This usually effects the device''s power source. Also, it could be damage as a result of poor handling.

4. Bad drivers. Since your computer workes fine in Linux, your lockups might be caused by bad drivers. Also, Windows is pretty complex, and so is all the software running on your system right now. Unfortunately, neither human beings nor your software is perfect. Certain combinations can just result in a unstable system. The same goes for various hardware, chipsets, and other components you might be using. They might not work that well together.

5. You might have a virus. Kind of unlikely that you have come across one that will cause your computer to lock up like that, but some do produce similar symptoms.

6. Cards/Devices not seated or connected properly. This can produce alot of lockups. You might want to go through and make sure everything is nice and secure

...and on and on forever...

To tell you the truth, it could be alot of different things. If you have added things to your computer, then I would suggest getting a bigger power supply. Go up by 100 watts (300 to 400), and that might fix your problems. Make sure your computer is staying cool too. Just try different things until you can fix it.

I just wanted to add that my computer actually heats my computer room. In the winter, I just shut off all the vents, and my computer keeps the room at about 75 degrees. Hehehe.

Just thought I''d give yall an update, it seems that the graphics card took a hit awhile back in a powersurge. It basicly died on me, I replaced the piece with a old card and it hasnt frozen yet. Linux apprently didnt access the function or funciton of the card that was bad. Anywho, getting a replacement (it has a lifetime warrenty) and I''ll be back in buisness quick. Thanks for the help

Glandalf