Hi,

Please help. My computer (Compaq Presario, XP SP 3) keeps completely freezing. The computer is completely frozen and the only thing I can do is a hard-boot. It has been doing this for a about two weeks. I think that I also got the Blue Screen a couple times before this started. I didn't make any changes that I can remember just prior to this problem. I've tried:

- chkdsk /c and it seemed ok
- anti-malware (Ad-Aware) and got nothing
- Avast! but it freezes part way through
- system restore


Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

I just tried visiting PC Pitstop and ran their tests. IE crashes every time it tries to run the "3D Video" test.

There is a link on PCPitStop's web site about the 3D video tests problem.

However, at this point, I don't think it is necessary to run the tests, although I praise you for reading directions and doing everything you can to get the best support.

In your particular case I would say this is almost definitely a hardware issue. What you haven't told us is the details about your computer such as if it is a laptop or desktop, model, etc.

I would suggest that you start by reading this thread: http://forums.whatthetech.com/How_Test_Mem...ms_t103823.html

This is an excellent place to start to eliminate hardware issues. Please read the thread, make the windows memory diagnostic CD on a good computer (or on the bad one if you get enough time before lock ups). Start the memory diagnostic, pop the cover on your PC (hopefully it is a desktop and not a laptop, please let me know) and take a look inside. Follow the instructions about lightly tapping on components to check for bad connections. While you are in there, verify the case is clean, and that cooling fans and heatsinks are not clogged from moving air through.

Based on how often your computer locks up, please allow the memory diagnostic to run long enough (an hour? two hours?) to determine if your computer also locks up while running the memory diagnostic. This way you can determine if it is a hardware issue (it does lock up with memory diagnostic), or a software issue (it does not lock up with memory diagnostic).

The most likely two causes of your problem are probably heat due to a dirty case, or a loose connection.

While you have your case open, inspect for leaking capacitors which are common on older machines and will cause a lot of issues.

EDIT: After the above tests, I would also like you to re-run the chkdsk command. But this time, use the command: chkdsk /r Be patient while it checks for bad clusters (bad sectors) on your hard drive. Messages about bad clusters is a good sign of a failing hard drive.

This post has been edited by appleoddity: Nov 7 2009, 10:24 AM

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. It's a desktop Compaq Presario SR1130NX.

I think you may be right about it being a hardware issue. I can't get either of my burners to work to make the boot disk. The internal burner is a LITE-ON DVD+RW SOHW-802S and the external is Memorex DVD16+/-DL4RWlD2 USB Device. When I try to access either on, I get an "E:/ is not accessible. Incorrect function." error.

I'm trying to find a computer to make the CD. In the mean time I ran the chkdsk/r and it seemed fine. I also removed the side panel and cleaned all the dust from inside the computer. Also unplugged and replugged the internal CD drive to no avail. So I just unplugged it and that seems to have stopped the freezing. But I'm not counting on it. All capacitors look ok.

Anything else i should do/try until I get the CD made?

Thanks!

Sorry. Been crazy busy and haven't been able to get to a computer to make the disk. Hopefully this weekend. However, since I disconnected the internal CD drives it hasn't frozen.