Win7 x32 freezes frequently

ryanst · 26 Oct 2010

Hey, I've been running windows 7 on my machine for quite some time and it worked perfectly until a few months ago. I've rarely been able to start up windows without rebooting my computer 2-3 times, and when it finally boots it usually hangs for a long period of time (~15 minutes).
I've tried starting up in safe mode, but it hangs at "CLASSPNP.sys".
I've also reinstalled windows 7 about 4 times already, clearing the drive and reformatting entirely.
Is there any way to solve this without buying a new hard drive?

richc46 · 26 Oct 2010

Some ideas to get you started. Over heating is the most crucial.
Go to search type device manager and look for any yellow warning markers
Download and run malwarebytes, a full scan after you update
Run antivirus scan
Check memory with memtest86
Make sure that you are not over heating.
Try a clean boot
Make sure PSU is working properly
If overclocking, restore to original
Test hard drive at company website.

Check back and I will get you some links that you can use for the above
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/topic...ing-memtest86/
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135
http://malwarebytes.org/
http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php

This seems like a lot, but go slow, ask questiions and you will be up and running.

ryanst · 28 Oct 2010

Thanks for the reply. After trying memtest86, I am wondering whether my ram is fried. If the ram is fried, would it still show up in windows? And would memtest86 find this as an error?

And although I just recently (2 days ago) reformatted + reinstalled windows, would I still have malware/viruses? The moment i reinstalled windows it was very slow and had trouble booting.

Finally, to update on my problems: Like I said, windows refuses to boot unless I restart my computer a few times, and when it finally does, it takes about 15-20 minutes to run the startup tasks I have installed (steam, LAN, and sound). I've yet to try a clean boot, partly because my system refuses to boot at the moment, and I'm also going to try removing the mouse, keyboard and usb headphones I have plugged in.

richc46 · 28 Oct 2010

You run memtest for 6 passes and test each slot with a know good stick, any problems will be detected.

The question about malware can be answered by only you. It is possible to get malware one minute after install. What type of sites do you visit? Any email attachments opened from strangers etc?

If nothing else comes up, I think it is a bad driver. Safe mode does not load much, maybe a few essential drivers and you still have problems.

ryanst · 28 Oct 2010

I'm almost positive I have no malware nor antiviruses on my computer, and I'm rather reluctant to test for them because of the state of my computer. I'll test that last if I'm unable to solve this problem.

The only drivers I have installed so far is my Nvidia 8800gt driver. Would it help if I installed the motherboard and bios drivers?
I checked the device manager, and it has yellow !'s on "Texas Instruments 1394 OHCI Compliant Host Controller" and "Multimedia Video Controller". I've tried google for the TI driver, but I can't find the right driver. Do you know what I need for this hardware?

richc46 · 28 Oct 2010

If you give me the model etc I will try to find the drivers for you.
If you have the yellow warning, that is probably the problem.

ryanst · 28 Oct 2010

I wish I could give you the model number, but I don't know what Bus host controller I have installed. Do you know of a way I can find this out? All I see is Texas Instruments 1394 OHCI Compliant Host Controller

richc46 · 28 Oct 2010

No its much easier than that. The model and make of your computer.

ryanst · 28 Oct 2010

Oh, my computer's model is Gateway GM5639E

richc46 · 28 Oct 2010

They are asking for serial number etc. Try to find the driver. Ask, if you come to a problem
Gateway Support - Drivers, Software and Firmware Updates