Windows instability HELP!!!

[oneraichu4u]

I have just built my own computer but i can't keep it from crashing on me from time to time.

p4-1.8 Ghz
soyo ps4 dragonlite motherboard
512 MB DDR-RAM
Sony CD-RW
Western Digital 60 Gig HDD
GeForce 4 TI-4600
Sound Blaster Audigy Platinum

I didn't have any problems until i tried to install the operating system. I first put 98SE on, but when i would try to install it, it would freeze up at 6,23,&55%. Miraculously, one night it finished installing. I then proceeded to put XP Pro on, and it did the same thing until once, it finished. The computer didn't freeze up again until i tried installing the software for my sound card. It would install 10% and then freeze up. I disabled the onboard sound on my motherboard but it didn't help any. So, I installed Norton 2002. It installed fine, but when i do a surface scan, it usually freezes when it gets into the windows files, but it never finishes without freezing. I then installed a game, but when it gets to the point that it is going to load the main menu, it locks up the computer also. I decided to start from scratch, so I reformated my HDD and tried to put 98 SE on for the time being. I again had troubles installing 98SE. THis time it continuously stalled on 6%. Finally, one night it completely installed without freezing. However, when I load windows, it freezes at either the logon screen, just after loading the icons on the desktop, when the screensaver runs for a few minutes, or when i put it into standby mode. I have about two weeks to return any of the parts from my pc so I was wondering if it is the mobo or processor. I already checked the DDR ram with a diagnostic program off the internet. SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME! THANKS IN ADVANCE.:)

[AlexGee]

The general pattern seems to be normal functioning for a time and then a lock-up? This could be a heat problem.

Are you sure you put the heatsink on the chip correctly, it is possible to get it backwards in which case it doesn't quite sit flush on the chip. This could cause it to overheat unevenly and make it crash at some interval after booting. I have done this myself and seen it happen a number of times.

This is a good place to start in what might prove to be a longer troubleshooting procedure.

I would also go to my WD disk and run their diagnostic program on the HD. This could pick up an error other diagnostics could miss.

I would check the overheating issue myself. Before you take out chip go into your CMOS setup and find out where you can get CPU temperature reading, often under 'chipset features'. If not there it will be in the setup menu somewhere.

While in CMOS I would set BIOS to use 'safe' settings, I.E. not high performance settings.

RE: THE GFORCE 4. Just saw you had the 4600. You need a good power supply to run this card. Probably a 300w or better. If you have an older vid card by all means put it in and see if this fixes the problem!

[AllGamer]

Agree, Heat is the most likely cause

2nd suspect not enough PSU power

but first lets make sure is not heat

which is a very simple task

just remove the computer Chassis Cover

and let it run free for a while and see if that causes any problem

if it was heat related by removing the Cover, it'll prevent heat build up

and if that was the problem

just add more fan

or think about upgraded to a Full Tower chassis

:t

[BipolarBill]

Check the HDD for errors - full surface scan.

[oneraichu4u]

ok, i've left the system running for about an hour or so before, and then checked the temp of the cpu. the cpu is at 50C and the system is running around 32C. As for the power, i'm running 420W on a full tower. Didn't get cheap there, already read about all of the problems with power supplies. You guys are really helping alot, but as for the heat sink. You said it is suppose to fit on one way. Is it suppose to be tight to the chip? Mine seems a little loose, there are two levers that I can flip down, but they don't seem to go but about halfway before getting hard to push. I just don't want to damage my cpu by forcing the heatsink down. Is this the problem and should i just push with all my might to get it down, or is that because it is on backwards.

[bushmaster]

50c at idle is not normal. The hsf should fit tightly against the heat spreader that covers the die on the P4 processor. Both of those levers should be locked all the way in the down position. What are you using between the hsf and the cpu for thermal transfer?? thermal pad that came on hsf or thermal paste?

P.S. The stock intel hsf's I've seen are omni-directional. Meaning there is no backwards.

[BipolarBill]

The plastic clips on the Pentiums can sometimes be slid on from the side. Keep the lever loose until you're sure that they're hooked on the socket.

You must use the thermal pad and must clip the heatsink on.

[philocipher]

I don't mean to rock the boat. but after u installed windows 98 did u upgrade the drivers ?

[oneraichu4u]

THanks guys for all your help. I cracked open the computer, and got up the nerve to pull the two bars on the heatsink in the other direction all the way. I turned on the pc, and IT HASN"T FROZEN UP YET!!! THanks again. THe cpu still runs about 45C with a system temp of 35C. But my MOBO manual says that is normal.

[BipolarBill]

Truly cool. :cool:

[bushmaster]

Simply marvelous.

[AlexGee]

exxxxxxxxcelent

[optic_pro1430]

Good... :)