Windows XP: Windows XP system just randomly freezes, what’s causing this?
- 12/5/08 3:48 PM
I had the same problem
by jrbeckwith - 11/21/08 7:22 PM In reply to: Windows XP system just randomly freezes, what’s causing this? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Jose:
I had the same problem with my Dell Inspiron 1420 running Vista. After running a while, without warning, the screen would instantly go totally black. It was as if the battery were removed and the power plug was pulled. I suspected that it was a problem with air access to the fan, so I fashioned a 3/4" thick wooden "Stand" with a cutout for where the fan is on the bottom to allow for air circulation.
This worked for quite a while but then the problem started coming back again. This time, I got out my vacume cleaner, turned it on and placed the hose nozzle over the fan opening with and without the fan running. I also vacumed the exhaust vents real good. Presto
Since then, about 3 months ago, I've had no problem. If it starts up again, out comes the vacume!
I reallize that this is not a high tech solution, but, hey, it works for me! Let me know if it works for you, OK?
John
Be careful with vacume and fans
by Galdhrim - 11/24/08 4:30 PM In reply to: I had the same problem by jrbeckwithI have read a vacume can cause the fans to spin a lot faster than the speed they are intended to move, and it can cause damages... so the advice is to make sure the laptop is off, hold de fan somehow to prevent if from spinning, and only then to apply the vacume. Make sure you have released the fan before turning on the laptop....
windows freezing
by Jose Armijo - 12/5/08 11:03 PM In reply to: I had the same problem by jrbeckwithJohn:
Thanks a lot, yes it works and also I bought one of those stands with two fans and it realy helped. Once again thank you very much.
Greetings from Mexico, City
José
I HAVE THE ANSWER FOR YOU - XP FREEZING
by GEO2003 - 11/21/08 7:33 PM In reply to: Windows XP system just randomly freezes, what’s causing this? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I HAVE EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM AS YOU DO. THERE ARE SOME DIFFERENCES BUT I DID NARROW DOWN THE PROBLEM.
My laptop is 3 years old - Dell XPS GEN2.
Originally it came with Windows XP. In March of 2007 I decided to upgrade to Windows Vista. I bought the laptop in Sept. 2006.
I ran the Vista Upgrade Advisor and everything indicated that I could run Vista with no problem, except my Alps Mouse Pad.
So I waited and Waited to see if Dell would come up with an update to the Alps Driver for Vista. They never did, being that the laptop was only 6 months old I was hoping for a driver update but Dell dropped the ball on all users of the XPS GEN2.
When I installed Vista, everything was running fine, I never had any problem. But I was interested in getting back my full mouse pad functunality such as Scroll up, down and side to side.
So while using Vista with the Generic mouse pad drivers I never had any freez ups. Vista even found updated drivers for my Nvidia 6800 Go Ultra which has 256MB or Ram.
I started looking for a Vista driver for the Alps and I found several but they were not for my laptop.
Until I found one that restore the full functionality that I had with XP. Still was not for my laptop but it worked or so I thought.
So I installed it, and started having freez ups, since I test applications and drivers, I though that it may have been one of the applications that I was testing.
I return my system to a clean install, installed all the Vista patches first as I alwasy do, before installing any other application.
It has always work well for me doing it like this since I never run into crashes.
In the process Vista re-installed the Video Drivers, and then I installed the Alps drivers,, work with it for a week and sure enough the laptop began to freez. So I Uninstall the Alps Drivers and work about a week with no freezes at all.
I installed the Alps drivers again and sure enough the freezing return.
Since I wanted to keep the Alps Drivers for full functionality, I started testing what was best. Install the Alps drivers and not installed any updated video drivers or the reverse.
After testing I discover that I can keep both, it is just the order in which they are installed.
In my case the updated Video drivers have to be installed first and the mouse drivers second.
There is something the mouse drivers don't like about the video drivers but that is how I solve the problem.
I have not suffer any freezes since which has been about 5 months until just about 3 days ago when I installed an application called TWEEKIV, with this application you can make many changes to Vista.
Interesting is that when I get to the module to make changes to the desktop it freezes, and the next day without using the application my laptop froze just like it had before.
So I know that TweekIV made some changes that combined is starting to freeze my laptop again. My solution is simple revert to prior use of TweekIV and be more careful about what I change.
Now it is a little different in that you are using XP but if you have done any hardware updates lately or have not done any. Try finding updates and installing them in different order if one way does not solve the problem.
You did not indicate how old your laptop is but most likely it will turn out to be a Video Driver or hardware change by something you have done on the pc.
For you to do this install/uninstall more cleanly get REVO UNINSTALLER here at cnet and use the Advance Mode, it is an easy application but it will clean up a lot of entries from the registry that applications leave behind.
I don't necessarily recomend doing a System Restore, since hardware drivers are changed at the core of the driver. Hence system Restore may see the date of the driver as newer and leave it causing the problem to continue even though you think that everything should have been reverse.
Revo on the other hand will just do it best at removing any trace of the application installed.
Remember to reboot the pc after each install/uninstall so that windows reverses to the old drivers.
Also get Wise Registry Cleaner 3 here at Cnet also and run it, it will clean a lot more then Revo will.
Just be careful because this application installs a ONE CLICK CLEANING ICON ON YOUR DESKTOP, IF YOU CLICK ON THIS ICON IT WILL RUN AND CLEAN WITHOUT YOU SEEN ANYTHING.
You should use the second Icon which is for the manual cleaning, it lunches the application and waites for you to start the scanning process as well as the cleaning process.
Don't clean anything in Orange.
I CAN'T OVERENPHIZES THAT YOU SHOULD BACK UP ALL YOUR DATA BEFORE YOU TRY THE ABOVE.
I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH REVO IN VISTA OR WISE REGISTRY CLEANER 3 IN VISTA ALSO. I have also used these applications on a spare XP HOME PC with no problems.
Try to think back as to when the problem started, if you got the pc from dell with this problem you should scream at them for shipping a pc with a harware conflict. Just kidding about the screaming but you are entitle to complain.
I hope this gives you a new direction on solving your problem
Geo
Second Post from Geo on XP FREEZING
by GEO2003 - 11/21/08 8:01 PM In reply to: I HAVE THE ANSWER FOR YOU - XP FREEZING by GEO2003I forgot to tell you.
Even if you haven't changed any hardware.
Windows XP UPDATE can and will download hardware driver updates if you have it set to Auto.
Now, I am after two years of using Vista more aclamaited to Vista, and I know that Vista has an option to reverse a patch, but I don't remember if XP does, however you can review your update history in XP to see if some hardware has been changed.
Have you updated to XP SP3, did it start happening after the patch.
Another issue that I forgot to tell you.
When you use Wise Registry Cleaner 3, it tends to mark external drive letters as save to fix.
I kind of does not matter since Windows recreates the link with the drive letter.
In my case however, I like my externals to load in the same order all the time.
So in the Wise Registry Cleaner Result Window if there is a Green link to my external hardware, I just right click on it and send it to the execption list and WRC3 will never delete that for me again.
Hope you resolve your issue.
Geo
you notebook jut freezes?
by larry123 - 11/21/08 7:35 PM In reply to: Windows XP system just randomly freezes, what’s causing this? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My first guess would be overheating.
I'd check the air vents on the bottom of the notebook. The next thing would be to check the temperature of the notebook. The next time you open your notebook, put a book or something under the back edge to raise it up and create a air space under it. I then would set a small fan to blow cool air under it and see if that cures the problem.
Locking up/freezing on your computer
by un0rTh0d0x - 11/21/08 7:41 PM In reply to: Windows XP system just randomly freezes, what’s causing this? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Jose,
Your probelm could be a number of things, however, with what you have explained its most likely a Hard Drive issue. Normally when a hard drive is on its way out this is common to see the computer randomly lock up. It could also be Malware (malicious adware) there are a number a free progrmas you can download to check for malware. one of the best malware utilities I have tried is malwarebytes which can be downloaded at malwarebytes.org. If you still have continous locking up after running this program I would suggest running the chkdsk utility under command in Windows. If you are running Windows XP go to run and type "cmd" without the quotes then hit enter. Then a command window will pop up. you can type chkdsk /f to check the hard drive and fix errors. if this does not fix your locking up problems. I would recommend calling Dell or taking your computer in for service.
Could Be A Hardware Issue...
by Launchpad_72 - 11/21/08 7:58 PM In reply to: Windows XP system just randomly freezes, what’s causing this? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have/had (I used it for parts) an Insprion 2500 which had similar problems. Granted it's a much older model, but I think it's relavant. It would randomly freeze on me (completely, not like one application freezing up) and sometimes it would come out of it like nothing had happened, other times I had to do a hard reset. Eventually, I decided to remove the guts from the case and then try powering it up (I don't reccommend this unless you're not planning on using it anymore, as this tends to damage the frame) to see what the problem was. It turns out that it was a combination of the internal cables coming loose (mainly the keyboard and screen ribbon cables) and the case warping and putting pressure on the built-in hotkeys. Once I had the case off, the computer (ironically) worked perfectly, with the glaring exception that it was no longer a laptop, but a pile of circuit boards.
Anywho, the point to the long ramble is that you're probably having a hardware issue that no amount of tinkering inside XP will fix. The next time your computer locks up, (please don't cringe) grab the laptop at opposite corners and gently warp the frame. If this causes your computer to respond, you probably have a loose cable somewhere. You could try removing your keyboard (which is deceptively easy) and tightening down all the visible connectors, or you could complain to Dell, though I doubt they'll be willing to do anything.
Also, check your power supply. Does this happen when you're working off the battery?
-IAmTheDonut aka Launchpad_72
pc freezing randomly
by aakwright - 11/21/08 8:00 PM In reply to: Windows XP system just randomly freezes, what’s causing this? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I had the same problem, after much to do. Ifinnaly bought a new mouse, bingo! Computer has worked just like new ever since.
Drivers up to date? What Service Pack?
by warpete - 11/21/08 8:14 PM In reply to: Windows XP system just randomly freezes, what’s causing this? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Oh, the amazing, mysterious XP freeze strikes again! When you think about it, the Laptop is working just fine--then something suddenly causes it to freeze--a process starts and Windows doesn't know what to do with it, so it just stops. Or, it could be a failing Hard Drive or Memory Module. First, I would make sure that all your drivers are up to date. If that is totally Greek to you, a good starting point is the "full tests" at pcpitstop.com. You must register, but the testing is free. You will be scored on the test which looks at all vital components in your Laptop and further breaks them down as to where there are problems and offers help on how to fix them. There are many other ways of finding and fixing your problem, but most are beyond the scope of the average user. One such program (free) is "process explorer" by Sysinternals which Microsoft now owns.
Another important consideration--are all Microsoft updates and critical patches installed? And what Service Pack is installed? If you have not yet installed Windows XP Service Pack 3, that Service Pack sometimes fixes problems and that's all you have to do. It's (SP/3) been out now for quite a while and seems to be ready for "prime time".
I don't want to avoid any direct answers to your problem, but to be quite frank, it can be caused by a multitude of things. HEAT! Make sure your Laptop Fans have not failed! Blow them out with compressed air if you can and allow the Laptop to breath while using it(don't cover up the air intakes). If you get all your drivers up to date, install all Microsoft patches, etc. do a complete (with current definitions) Malware scan with a free program such as Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware--then you should be fairly safe and stable. You have already run Anti-Virus.
A more knowledgeable user can go to "Administrative tools" in the Control Panel, then to "Services" and look at the errors in both the "Application" and "System" tabs. They will offer an insight as to what the problem could be. In many cases you will see an error "code" which you can look up on Google for help. If all else fails, there is always Microsoft's support. I have seen, however, where Windows XP Service Pack 3 has solved many problems such as yours.
Here are a few possible answers
by Vstream - 11/21/08 8:36 PM In reply to: Windows XP system just randomly freezes, what’s causing this? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Jose,
There could be two possibilities that can cause your laptop to freeze completely out of nowhere. One could be the memory. Have you recently installed any memory? If so maybe the new memory stick is not fully compatible with your laptop. If you haven't recently installed any new memory it's possible that maybe the memory stick is about to get fried and it is letting you know that it is time to replace the memory stick(s). How long do you use your laptop? The heatness can also cause this if you use the laptop for long periods of time. If you do you can buy a laptop cooler to prevent the laptop from freezing itself.
Another possibility is the motherboard. The motherboard controls everything on the laptop so it can work the way it is suppose to. This does not affect Windows. I used to have an IBM Thinkpad R40 and I would have the exact same problem that you are going through with your laptop now. I did find a solution but it is a low tech fix and the fix didn't last long and I don't suggest that you should do this to your laptop. I actually put a folded post-it paper where it is between the memory cover and the memory. That did the fix for six months. After that the laptop died on its own and now I am a proud owner of an Apple Macbook (not the new aluminum one). The only thing that I could say is if you tried the memory steps and the laptop is still acting the way it is now you can call the company of that laptop and tell them the problem. If you are under warranty then you are good to get that laptop fixed ASAP. If not just get ready to pay for replacing the motherboard which could cost around $500 (the price really depends on what motherboard they used and how much they would pay for it). I hope this helped. If you have any more questions you can freely respond back to this post.
First Shot? Thermal Issues
by Finge - 11/21/08 8:41 PM In reply to: Windows XP system just randomly freezes, what’s causing this? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Most reviews puts your machine at 3-4 years old. If used on a regular basis for long hours, I’d say the culprit is “blocked cooling”, that is if no one’s spilled anything in it or dropped it without you knowing it. Aside from bad fans or other thermal related problems, it’s a safe bet dust bunnies have gathered in your air intake and exhaust ports, clogging the cooling system. Unobstructed air flow is a must for cooling your processor, the video chip, the Ram, and your hard drive. With the cooling system obstructed, the first result is the most common fault, OS lockups. The worse the air flow is hindered, the faster and more frequent your lockups become. Repeated lock ups requiring forced shut downs can have a rather nasty effect on your Data processing not to mention your hard drive, which can easily result in corrupt files and/or a damaged Operating System if done too many times. I would suggest you DO NOT turn it on again until you get that machine to a “laptop technician”, friend or business, for a thermal examination. If you don’t have backups of your data, DO NOT even try it until the machine is running correctly again. A good tech can correct the thermal issues, check your hard drive, the OS, and your data integrity. If there’s problem with any of these, there are options, but if the machine is successfully serviced, a backup of your data should be done immediately whether by the tech or by you, and preferably, an accessible clone (consult your tech about that one). (Note:) Laptops should be checked for thermal issues at least once a year and bi-yearly if they’re in “not so dust and pet hair free” environments. Using a laptop on your lap is another way to create immediate thermal problems by blocking off its intake ports and/or it’s output ports. You’d be surprised how much lint can accumulate within a laptop while using it in bed. Laptops are not “shade tree friendly” because of their micro parts design so be cautious when choosing who works on it. Like many techs, I can show you some pictures of laptop dust and hair clogs that resulted in toasted processors, crippled and dead drives, mother board damage, and the dreaded, non recoverable loss of data. By the oddball chance, if your problem is caused by something else, it’s still extremely prudent to check the thermal issues first. Most likely, that’ll fix it and if you’re lucky, no parts required. Good Luck.
Finge
MACAFEE Is Rotten
by tbowers8993 - 11/21/08 8:55 PM In reply to: First Shot? Thermal Issues by FingeI use to run MACAFEE back in the win98 and win2000 days. It would lock up my system all the time. I would download Avast Antivirus free edition, and uninstall MACAFEE . I also use to work for a local School system here in SC, doing tech support. Most of our problems would come from our Dell machines. It seems to be the Motherboards, and Intel Processor combos they use. With any laptop though a nice USB Cooler to blow some good cold air on the system is nice, and helps keep things running longer. Hope this helps you out.
System Freezes
by murrays - 11/21/08 8:46 PM In reply to: Windows XP system just randomly freezes, what’s causing this? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
This problem was a major irritation for me for about 4 years. NOBODY could ID the cause. Last year when I upgraded my RAM to 2GB from 1/2GB, the problem disappeared. I think it had to do with an intermittant failure on one of the RAM sticks and not the amount of memory. The old sticks were discarded. The freezes were absolutely random, sometimes once every few days and sometimes two or three times a day - at any time during use, from startup to shutdown. This may not be your problem, but it sure fixed mine.
FYI - my machine is P4 2.0GH on Intel MB D845GEBV2 running XP Home.
system suddenly stops without any apparant reason.
by papa54 - 11/21/08 9:11 PM In reply to: Windows XP system just randomly freezes, what’s causing this? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
its simple and right in front of your eyes .. McCafee....
i have ran that program for years and then a few years back they came out with a total system suite that was supposed to protect us from all errors.while not all of McCafee is bad the system suite is. .Now i am assuming you have not been around cpu's for years as some of the old hands have been.. and maybe i might be wrong but the first thing i would do is uninstall all of McCafee except for virus protection.
there are many third party programs that can help maintain a healthy system.
The reson i suspect McCafee, is because i had the same problems and i sat a week removing programs that hard way. once i had the system where it was stable i started adding the bits and pieces and found it was McCafee the whole time from day one untill i got rid of the suite and kept just the anti-virus part of that Program.
i have ran into that problem with other anti-virus suites,so now i stir clear of any and all so called suites. whille they check your cpu, you are dead in the water and most of the time right in the middle of an important project.
Now that is my opinion and i have not been shut down unless i had the whole suite added in my machine..
i was stupid enough to think that problem had been solved and did a whole suite , you know to never have any worries and flop, dead in the water. Gave the cpu another chance and flop, dead in the water.. so i removed the suite except for the anti-virus part or program and have never had that problem again untill windows vista came with Norton anti-virus . first thing i know.. i am dead in the water while this programs supposed to be helping me.It was checking and double checking all moves that i made and the sites i visited to the point of becoming a worthless cpu.
Then i remembered about the info i just gave you and maybe many others. Microsoft has a Phishing filter that can lock you down or make your cpu sluggish also. So do as you please, but i strongly suggest removing everything thats supposed to protect you except the anti-virus program its self and run it as a free standing program.
It's your cpu , you are not its puppet, sorry for the lenghty answer, but everything that promises us a healthy machine can make it to healthy to get any use out of it.
just a thought,been there done that, many times.
papa54
enjoy and have fun.
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