computer freezes at random

keitkeit · October 26th, 2005, 01:11 AM

Hi i just cleaned up a computer and did a fresh install of xp pro on it and added ram it now has 640 mb of ram and new video card. Before i did all this it was freezing up at times. I though maybe it was just the operating system b/c it was loaded with spyware and virus and all that good stuff. Well i got it goin good and had no problems but the person i fixed it for said it still locks up on them.

So my question is where should I start to fix the problem. Maybe add another fan or maybe add a more powerful fan on the processor? I figured this has to be getting overheated. Is there some software i can install on the machine to see if it's overheating?

sr71000 · October 26th, 2005, 01:17 AM

do they keep it in a small area? when they use it, is it in a cabinet with the front door closed (maybe people do this without realizing the insane amount of heat that causes their hand to boil when they open the door to the cabinet MAY JUST BE A TAD BIT DANGEROUS FOR THEIR COMPUTER!!! lol. you'd be supprised how often i run into that! Uhh..you could also try memtest86 and prime95 to test the system. If there is a heat probleml, it could have already damaged hardware and they're just dumping money into an already sinking boat (depending on the age of the machine and how much it'd really be worth to repair).

DanU · October 26th, 2005, 02:42 AM

Download and run the latest version of Motherboard Monitor on the computer. Post back here with the voltages and temperatures.

keitkeit · October 26th, 2005, 04:26 PM

The motherboard doesnt seem to be supported by the software. She has a Compaq Presario 7000US.

DanU · October 26th, 2005, 06:43 PM

A COMPAQ??? God help you!

Well try the things that sr7100 suggested and let us know what you find.

My guess is maybe the power supply is starting to go. Those old compaqs used frighteningly small PSUs. We had a few old P4 1.4GHz compaqs that only had 150W or so PSUs.

dzee · October 26th, 2005, 06:56 PM

Get everest to check temps.
Get memtest to check memory.
if no probs detected try a new *decent* psu (cos the 1 in tht compaq wont b)

thats wht id do. hopefully it aint a mb thats dying! sure it aint, ehum

keitkeit · October 26th, 2005, 10:10 PM

well i have already tested the memory using microsofts memory tester. (Not sure if the ones you mentioned are any better or not?) So I guess I'll switch out the power supply and see how that goes. Hopefully thats the problem.

just_a_nobody · October 26th, 2005, 11:16 PM

Besides the PSU, memory and overheating, you may have bulging, or leaking, capacitors (metal looking barrels) on your motherboard. Most times they can be seen having a bulge at the top, as compared to a flat top (normal).

keitkeit · October 28th, 2005, 10:47 PM

ok so she tells me it will not even boot up. She turns it on and the light comes on and nothing shows up on the screen. Probably a bad sign eh.

computerwizz · October 28th, 2005, 11:20 PM

Virus Virus Virus!