Curse

I pwnd U · Feb 06, 2007, 09:44 PM // 21:44

Hello all. I have been expriencing random lock ups and freezes on my computer lately.

I have a Dell Inspiron E1505, Intel Centrino Dual Core T2400 1.83 GHZ, and 1 gig of ram. I have Windows XP and do have service pack 2 installed. Anyways my computer will randomly freeze.

I can't move the mouse or do anything other then force it to shut down. At first I thought it was because I left it on all the time but it has done it a couple times after I just booted up. Also I did not have a problem with this when I was at home. I have deleted a bunch of files that were cluttering up my hard drive and have run multiple virus scanners. (McAfee, AdWare SE, Spybot, and CCleaner) All came back as clean. My computer is next to a window and it is probably about 50 degrees where it is sitting so that is my only other guess. I do have programs running when it locks up but it's not from over stress. I have had it lock up when I only had AIM running. Other times I had AIM, iTunes, IE7, and Guild Wars running. So if you have any idea what it might be I'm open for suggestions.

Also I was wondering if I could remove the 4 Java Updates I have since they take up over 100 MB's of space each. Thanks for any help!

tijo · Feb 07, 2007, 01:08 AM // 01:08

You should check what type of video card you got, if its a low end or integrated video card that might explain why you get some problems with GW especially if you have shared video memory thats a bit old. If you didnt try that yet, go see if there are any driver updates for your video card. There should also be maximum temperature ranges for your computer's components available somewhere.

IzzionSona · Feb 07, 2007, 01:17 AM // 01:17

Does your computer freeze at times other than when you are playing Guild Wars?

If so, one possibility may be overheating components due to a failed/failing fan on your heat sink, power supply, or case. If the freezing is only when playing Guild Wars, however, then you can probably disregard this post.

I pwnd U · Feb 09, 2007, 04:20 PM // 16:20

I have only had it freeze once while playing GW. The other times I havent been doing anything with graphics and I have a pretty good graphics card. Never had problems with it. Also I dont think it is from overheating. I feel the bottom of my computer after it freezes and it is overly hot, just as warm if not cooler then usual.

Okay new developments. My computer froze twice in a matter of 5 minutes. All that was running was AIM and one window of IE. After restarting it my wireless optical mouse (which plugs into my USB port) stopped working. I have hit the reset button on it and unplugged it, but it still wont respond. The green light on the USB plug-in is working but the mouse wont move. Also when I went to Dell support I found out that Microsoft said that Service Package 2 for Windows XP may cause random lock-ups if you have Dual Cores. (which I do) So this might all be Microsofts fault... Either way any other ideas would be great.

tijo · Feb 09, 2007, 07:38 PM // 19:38

I'm going to give you this option as a last resort only. If the problem gets worst and you tried everything you could try, you can always use the restore discs or dvd to format your computer. Note that you will have to backup everything you want to keep since it will erase your hard drive and bring your computer back to original settings.

If you didn't update your windows already, i suggest, you do it.

Dex · Feb 10, 2007, 01:12 AM // 01:12

Have you checked to make sure all of the fans inside the computer are still running and not clogged with dust? Even if your computer is idle this can cause heat problems.

Beyond that, when did this start happening? Has anything changed as far as hardware or environment? Do you have another (non wireless) mouse you can try?

BTW - integrated video that uses shared memory isn't old...they still make video hardware that does that and it's quite common...it's just not desirable and performs poorly in games.

Lord Sojar · Feb 10, 2007, 04:30 AM // 04:30

There are so many reasons for this.

Overheating, system corruption, defective hardware, processor error (a sign that something internally has malfunctioned with the CPU), and a list of other smaller possibilities.

Point is, you need to list all your hardware with detailed specs for me to take a looky at. Temps of hardware would also be needed.

Another thing to check is drive fragmentation. That can cause windows to corrupt. Also, windows could have just randomly corrupted because it is such a craptastic OS. Reinstall windows and start fresh, solves many issues of this nature.

I pwnd U · Feb 11, 2007, 12:05 AM // 00:05

I am backing up my computer soon. Also yes the enviroment has change, the computer is now in a COLDER envirorment then it is used to, which might be the problem I updated my Windows with the supposed fix for the random lock-ups and so far no problems with that. The only problem I have is the USB mouse still randomly locking up.

I checked about possible fragmantation of the data, it is not bad, still pretty good. So no random lock-ups in a day now, keeping fingers crossed that the last update fixed it.

easyg · Feb 11, 2007, 01:36 AM // 01:36

Since the USB mouse is nonresponsive and the green light is on, wouldn't that suggest that something may be amiss with the (software) USB controller?

Why not use Device Manager to reinstall or update the USB drivers before going nuclear with a whole clean install of the OS?

I pwnd U · Feb 11, 2007, 08:23 AM // 08:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by easyg

Since the USB mouse is nonresponsive and the green light is on, wouldn't that suggest that something may be amiss with the (software) USB controller?

Why not use Device Manager to reinstall or update the USB drivers before going nuclear with a whole clean install of the OS?

Yes this would be why I never said I was going to wipe the computer.

Just said that I am backing it up.

As it is it works fine then when it freezes i just unplug it after hitting reset then plug it back in and it works fine.

Poison Ivy · Feb 14, 2007, 03:16 AM // 03:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by I pwnd U

Also I was wondering if I could remove the 4 Java Updates I have since they take up over 100 MB's of space each. Thanks for any help!

I actually wanted an answer on that one, but I found out on my own anyhow.

Those are different versions of Java, for some dumb reason whenever your computer automatically updates Java, it doesn't touch the old versions, so the best way would be uninstall them from the Add/Remove Programs platform, restart, run CCleaner and check the folder again for any remaining leftovers.

After you've deleted all versions of Java, reinstall it from http://www.java.com/en/download/windows_xpi.jsp, for a fresh brand new copy, unless of course you have the latest version, than that's not necessary.

Dex · Feb 14, 2007, 04:37 AM // 04:37

Hmmmm.....mouse locking up and computer locking up. Have you tried using a different mouse like I suggested? It would be nice to eliminate that possibility. The computer lock-ups and mouse lock-ups starting at the same time might not be a coincidence, eh? They might be, but why not try it out?

Fungus Amongus · Feb 14, 2007, 08:35 PM // 20:35

I just began experiencing similar lock ups over tha last few days. I would have to force a power down then resart the computer a few times before it would boot without another lock up.

Yesterday my PC crashed for the final time and I can't even get it to begin booting. If anyone knows a trick to help the sucker at least begin to boot, please let me know.

Also, if anyone knows any good resources for checking the problems you mentioned in response to I pwned U's issues please provide some links. It might help me too. Thanks.

Dex · Feb 14, 2007, 08:40 PM // 20:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fungus Amongus

I just began experiencing similar lock ups over tha last few days. I would have to force a power down then resart the computer a few times before it would boot without another lock up.

Yesterday my PC crashed for the final time and I can't even get it to begin booting. If anyone knows a trick to help the sucker at least begin to boot, please let me know.

Also, if anyone knows any good resources for checking the problems you mentioned in response to I pwned U's issues please provide some links. It might help me too. Thanks.

Sounds like you've had some hardware fail. There are no "tricks" for that. You're going to have to troubleshoot (process of elimination) to try to find out what failed. What, exactly, happens when you try to boot up?

Fungus Amongus · Feb 15, 2007, 02:28 AM // 02:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dex

Sounds like you've had some hardware fail. There are no "tricks" for that. You're going to have to troubleshoot (process of elimination) to try to find out what failed. What, exactly, happens when you try to boot up?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I have unplugged all hardware and tried to reboot and still nothing. My fans will turn slowly and that's it. I believe I am in need of a power supply. Until I change it don't worry about me, I don't want to hijack this thread.

Let's try to help I pwned U now.

About Java:
I have used Add Remove Programs to remove all Java. It has cured many problems for me in the past. It seems the Java stuff keeps piling up until nothing works properly anymore. Just get rid of it all since it seems mostly unnecessary (from what I have noticed). It can always reinstall as needed if you apps require it. Don't take my advice like I am an expert though, because I am not. I've just been using computers on the, er, user level for many years. Since the TI64 days actually.

Later,
Fungus