Random Lockup when playing/using windows software

I would recommend that you run some hardware checks.

• If you are overclocking any hardware, please stop.
  
  
• Monitor temperatures during the following tests.
  
  Use the following programs to monitor the temperatures.
  • Real Temp is a good CPU temperature monitor.
  • Speccy - System Information - Free Download will monitor all hardware temperatures.
  • HWiNFO, HWiNFO32 & HWiNFO64 - Hardware Information and Analysis Tools can be inaccurate for CPU temperatures, but is a good program for GPU temperature monitoring.
  
  
  • Use FurMark: VGA Stress Test, Graphics Card and GPU Stability Test, Burn-in Test, OpenGL Benchmark and GPU Temperature | oZone3D.Net to test the graphics card GPU. Let it run until the GPU temperatures even out or until the GPU temperatures reach a dangerous level (you can find the max temperature for your card on either the nVidia or AMD sites; if you are not sure, ask us). The goal is to get a steady temperature, find out if the GPU is overheating, or to see if there are any artifacts present in the test itself: look for strange pixelated patterns on the screen or colors that do not look like they belong. Then use the |MG| Video Memory Stress Test 1.7.116 Download to test your graphics card memory. Let the memory test run for at least seven passes; the more the better.
    
    
  • Run Hardware - Stress Test With Prime95 to determine any hardware problems. Run all three tests for a few hours each. If you get errors, stop the test and post back here.
    
    
  • Follow the steps for doing CPU stress test using IntelBurnTest
  
  
• Run the boot version of Memtest86+ paying close attention to Parts 2 and 3 of the tutorial. Also, in case Memtest86+ misses anything and comes up with no errors, run the extended version of the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool for at least five passes. These you may want to run overnight since they take a long time to complete (run them an hour before bed each of the next two nights and check before going to sleep that they are still running).
  
  
     Warning

  Before you proceed with the following, answer these two questions: Are you still under warranty? Does your warranty allow you to open up the machine to check hardware? If you are unsure of the answers to these questions, contact your system manufacturer. WARNING: The steps that follow can void your warranty!!!
  
  
  For Part 3: If You Have Errors: If you swap any memory components, follow these steps for ESD safety:
  
  1. Shut down and turn off your computer.
  2. Unplug all power supplies to the computer (AC Power then battery for laptops, AC power for desktops)
  3. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds to close the circuit and ensure all power drains from components.
  4. Make sure you are grounded by using proper grounding techniques, i.e. work on an anti-static workbench, anti-static desk, or an anti-static pad. Hold something metallic while touching it to the anti-static surface, or use an anti-static wristband to attach to the anti-static material while working. If you do not have an anti-static workbench, desk, or pad, you can use your computer tower/case by finding a metal hold in it, such as a drive bay.
  
  Once these steps have been followed, it is safe to remove and replace components within your computer.

These problems are generally hardware related. If you suspect software, though, you can try to Troubleshoot Application Conflicts by Performing a Clean Startup and we can test drivers later, as well.


We will need more information to troubleshoot further.

• Please provide us with your Event Viewer administrative logs by following these steps:
  
  1. Click Start Menu
  2. Type eventvwr into Search programs and files (do not hit enter)
  3. Right click eventvwr.exe and click Run as administrator
  4. Expand Custom Views
  5. Click Administrative Events
  6. Right click Administrative Events
  7. Save all Events in Custom View As...
  8. Save them in a folder where you will remember which folder and save as Errors.evtx
  9. When asked, save the display information in English.
  10. Go to where you saved Errors.evtx
  11. Create a new folder by right clicking in a blank area within the folder Errors.evtx is saved in. You could also click New Folder at the top of the directory under the directory path box.
  12. Name the new folder Errors.
  13. Place Errors.evtx and the LocaleMetaData folder into the new Errors folder.
  14. Right click the Errors folder -> send to -> compressed (zipped) folder
  15. Upload the .zip file here.
  
  
  
• Please upload your msinfo32.nfo file. To get this: Start Menu -> Type msinfo32 into the Search programs and files box -> When it opens, go to File, Save -> Save as msinfo32.nfo and save in a place you will remember -> Let it finish the process of gathering and saving the system info -> Right click the .nfo file, click send to compressed (zipped) folder -> Upload the .zip file here.

I have run most of the tests you already asked me to do. Please understand that I can run the computer all day long and not have a freeze up, even if I am playing Age of Conan....which is a resource hog and a half! ...but if I then start playing age of empires online (a microsoft product...or hearts (built into windows version) and its a freeze waiting to happen. I will gladly send you the msinfo and eventviewer files. I can't do it at the moment, and am unsure when I can. Depends on my pain level at the time. I am on disibility, due to chronic back pain issues, and have a broken arm near the shoulder to make things even more unpleasant at the moment. I will get those 2 you as soon as I can. This is killing me to type, so gotta stop. Thanks a million for your help.

No worries. I will remain subscribed to the thread and see when you post back. Do things at whatever pace works for you and allows you to be comfortable. :)