Frequent computer lock ups...GRRR !

[muddywaters_6]

I realize this is a problem of many possibilities; however, figured someone out here may guide me in the right direction. The problem is: My computer keeps locking up and I have to hard boot it every time (Ctl/Alt/Del does not work). No errors, messages, etc., it just locks up tighter than a drum. I am either browsing the net or working in MS Home Publishing on a web page when it happens, but, not sure if this has anything to do with the lock ups.

computer: NEC PII 350
os: win98se
ie 5.5
ram: 256mg
standard floppy drive
2 hard drives (8 and 30 gig)
Yamaha DS-XG legacy sound on board
Diamond Monster Fusion AGP
Adaptec 2930CU PCI SCSI controller for CD Writer
SMC EZ Card 10/100 PCI NIC card
UMAX Astra 610 scanner
Wacom graphics pad
HP CD Writer Plus 9200i

Reformatted a month ago, but I do alot of installing and uninstalling (and I consistently scan disk, clean up and defrag). Do all kinds of things on the computer: games, surfing, word processing, graphics, chatting, etc.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated !

[Kuasimodem]

My brother's puter would keep doing this, and we found that it was a weak RAM module causing the lockups.

After it had run for a while, or was doing heavy crunching it would just lock up or do an automatic reboot.

I'd run a memory test program, like DocMemory, the burn in test showed the bad module. You can get it here, and it's freeware. www.simmtester.com (http://www.simmtester.com)

[muddywaters_6]

Thanx much for the input Kuasimodem! I downloaded DocMemory, ran the tests and everything passed. At least I know my RAM is good ! Thanx, again !!

[Kuasimodem]

You did do the BURN IN test, and not just the quick test, right?

...just checking...

If you are running two memory sticks, you might try running on just one memory module, some modules just don't like each other, even when they are twins.

[This message has been edited by Kuasimodem (edited 04-29-2001).]

[Michael Chiew]

Muddywaters_6

You're right. You're in muddy waters but not in waters that could not be filtered and purified.

I envy you your system and its impressive array of components. The collection do pose issues of incompatibility involving your BIOS and chipsets, not to mention device conflicts if not correctly configured.

There are questions.

Is the lock up always happening only when you're browsing the net, or working in MS Home Publishing on a web page. Have you tried other scenarios to see whether your computer locks up (you did say that you do all sorts of things with it).

You reformatted a month ago, and do a lot of installing and uninstalling, run scandisk, clean up and defrag. It still locks up. Unfortunately, scandisk, disk clean up and defrag do not remove incompatibility issues, if any.

Several things you ought to consider -

1. Check with Device Manager for possible device conflicts.
2. Upgrade your chipset drivers.
3. Upgrade your display card drivers.
4. Flash your BIOS.

If all these steps fail, you have to look at hardware. Since ram has been tested good, you may have to point your finger at the power supply, CPU and motherboard.

I had a problem once. My computer consistently locks up in any scenario, or no scenario at all. It was time-specific. The lock up takes place between 30 to 35 minutes. If I do not switch on the computer for a week, it will work but lock up after 2 hours.

I upgraded chipset drivers, display card drivers, and flashed the BIOS. The lock up continued.

Finally, with input from members, it was concluded that the CPU was at fault. I changed the CPU and the lock up was eliminated for good.

Michael Chiew

[Nanea]

Try updating your scanner drivers. I had
this problem once and it was my scanner
drivers as explained on one of MS knlowledgebase. Unfortunately, I don't remember the KB number.

[muddywaters_6]

Thank you Michael and Nanea for the advice. Nanea, I have already updated the drivers for my scanner. Michael, Although I will definitely look into your suggestions (and why do I feel that I am in for a REAL treat!!). I do know that my video card has been discontinued and I did go out and get the latest drivers for it--well, the latest I could find anyway!!).

I do appreciate the replies to this post. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/redface.gif)

[MiKe85]

I wil download the program later when i get home from school
(Day just starting http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif)

Mike

[MiKe85]

I wil download the program later when i get home from school
(Day just starting http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif)

Mike