My Computer Keeps Freezing!

Heavencent · September 22nd, 2004, 06:48 PM

I just had upgraded my system. Before with my old system (AMD Duron 850 mhz, 256 MB SDRAM PC133, 10 gig Seagate Hard Drive, Windows 98SE) my computer kept freezing when I leave it on idle (no programs running on the task bar, left on the desktop.) It would also freeze when I am doing something on it like listening to a mp3 or something. I thought it was either a: 1. Overheating processor or 2. Not enough memory and possibly 3. Kept running out of system resources.

Well, now that I upgraded my processor (AMD Barton 2500+), my ram (Mushkin 512 MB 3200), and my Mobo (BIOSTAR "M7NCD" nForce2 400 Chipset Motherboard), I still have the same problem. It still freezes on me after like 25 minutes of booting up. It cant be my processor cause its not overheating (50 degrees Celsius with stock heatsink and fan, and thats when I am using it) and I am pretty sure I have enough RAM to keep it running fine (I dont play heavy memory-eating games). I think its my system resources thats causing it, but I am also thinking its the old hard drive or even the old OS that could be causing the problem. Does anybody have any suggestions or answers? This is pissing me off cause this is one of the reasons why I upgraded. I thought that this problem would go away.

And for quick reference, here are the links to the upgraded parts, all purchased from the holy NewEgg.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProdu...-138-216&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProdu...-103-379&depa=0
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProdu...-146-219&depa=1

Thanks, guys.

Heavencent · September 22nd, 2004, 06:53 PM

Soory bout the links. try these:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...138-216&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...103-379&depa=0
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...146-219&depa=1

originel · September 22nd, 2004, 07:01 PM

when was the last time you reinstalled windows? 9x gets pretty bad about crashing after it's been installed for a long time.

it's doubtful, but it could also be the power supply. what psu are you using?

nunyadam · September 22nd, 2004, 07:12 PM

As originel said when was the last fresh install?

Whens the last time you ran adaware or spybot? virus scan?

Heavencent · September 22nd, 2004, 07:40 PM

Im using an Okia 420W power supply that came with the case. I recently bought the case along with a GeForce MX440 (see? I told ya I dont play high memory games) about 3 months ago. I used those with my last configuration until my old mobo bit the dust. I kept the case and video card for when I would by the new stuff.

As for the for the re-format, no I havent done that yet. I know I should because I installed a new mobo. However, I have reformatted plenty of times before cause of lack of hard drive space (I know, I need a new one, but I have to get money first), and even after the reformat, it still freezes. If I upgrade to XP, will that do anything?

Also, the last time (before the upgrade), my computer came from a fresh reformat. I wasnt connected to the internet for very long, and Im still not connected to the internet now (since the upgrade). I doubt if its spyware killing my system. The only program that have that has spyware is Ares.

originel · September 22nd, 2004, 07:42 PM

i bet you have more than just ares running. run ad-aware or spybot to make sure, it's surprising how much you can get without you knowing it.

Upgrading to XP could very well fix the problem since it's different from the ground up compared to 98.

TechKnickle · September 22nd, 2004, 07:59 PM

Lockups that early could be an IRQ conflict if I am not mistaken. Check device manager OR system information to see if any IRQ or memory conflicts are present... I know win 98 is famous in my town for that.

Heavencent · September 22nd, 2004, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by originel

i bet you have more than just ares running. run ad-aware or spybot to make sure, it's surprising how much you can get without you knowing it.

But im not connected to the internet at all. I haven't been since even before the upgrade, back when I had my old mobo. When I was connected, I only downloaded Ares, and thats it. I know that Ares does come packaged with Spyware, and Im aware of this. But I don't think that its that much to be freezing my system. I cant have constant spyware attacks if im never connected to the internet.

Im not saying that I dont have spyware, im just saying that I dont think its enough to freeze my system like this. And remember, before my last mobo died on me, I performed a fresh install of 98 (for like the millionth time...)

I've been thinking I should just bite the bullet and buy XP. But if I do, I have another question for you guys cause I never bought an actual OS before (it always came with my computer; so this is my first build obviously). Do I buy the "upgrade" verison or buy the "fresh install" version? Can't I just buy the "upgrade" version, reformat, install 98, then install XP over that? Or do you guys go against that? Is that even legal? I do legally own a copy of 98 with a cd key...

TechKnickle · September 22nd, 2004, 10:39 PM

You can buy an OEM version of XP for like 80 bucks or something like that online.

But I would suggest maybe trying to work through your problems first. Can you check your IRQs and your memory addresses?

originel · September 22nd, 2004, 10:43 PM

you can actually buy the upgrade and do a fresh install on a blank drive. it just asks you for an older windows cd (in your case, your 98 cd). i'd recommend that since it's so much cheaper and doesn't lack anything AFAIK.