Constant Computer Freezes - Windows 7

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  1. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64 SP1
       #1

    Constant Computer Freezes - Windows 7


    Greetings,

    I'm new to this forum, so please forgive me if I make a mistake.

    I recently purchased a Dell Latitude E4300 refurbished laptop from a seller on eBay. Ever since I brought it home, it has been constantly freezing randomly, whether it be whilst I'm browsing, navigating through windows etc.

    I've reformatted, and completely wiped the system about 3-4 times, installing different versions of Windows 7 whether it be Home Premium x32 or x64, or Windows 7 Professional x32 or x64 bit, but regardless of what I do, it concludes pointless.

    I first suspected it was the graphics driver, hence I've tried updating, and downgrading the driver to see whether it would rectify the problem. After that appeared pointless, I suspected it might've been the fan, as the computer does heat up quite quickly, however that concluded pointless as the computer froze even on the windows 7 boot logo. Finally I suspected it might've been the hard drive, and/or the ram, I did some tests (Windows Memory Diagnostic & Memtest86+) and CHKDSK multiple times without any detected errors being found.

    What I found interesting was that it mainly froze when I initiated a "Windows Experience Index" test, however that was at the beginning...

    I've conversed with the seller that I purchased it from, they pretty much said too bad, so sad, we can fix it at $135 p/hour (Which is a load of crap).

    My last option may be to take it to a computer shop, fortunately there's one close by that would inspect it for free, and quote me on what needs to be repaired, but before I do, I was wondering whether I could seek help, and possible rectify this problem from the help of some nice people on this forum.

    Can you please help me??

    My computer specs are:
    Dell Latitude E4300
    Intel Core 2 Duo (P9400) 2.40ghz
    4GB DDR3 (2 x 2 Modules) (PC3-8500F 533 MHz)
    Graphics: Intel GMA 4500MHD (Pretty sure)
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64 SP1
    (If you need more information, I'd be happy to provide.

    Thanks in advance for everyone that assists with my problems. I hope haven't babbled on for too long...

    I look forward to all replies,
    Cheers.
    Last edited by Mr JamesD; 17 Jun 2012 at 06:10.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 313
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1 clean install
       #2

    Hi and welcome to Seven Forums!
    I recommend you to fill in your system specs in your profile. Here's how: System Info - See Your System Specs

    I suspect your problem is caused by overheating, it's not a new computer, maybe it's dirt inside.
    Have you noticed, when it freezes, if it's very hot?

    CyberZeus
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64 SP1
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks.

    I'll get the information momentarily.

    In the beginning, it mainly froze when the computer was hot and when I was accessing the 'Windows Experience Index', however lately it has been freezing randomly, whether it be during the Windows 7 boot logo, after I login, whilst I'm browsing 30 minutes later etc - It's entirely random, not to mention annoying. I gave it a clean today with some compressed air in the fans, around the ram bay etc, and vacuumed the vents externally last week - To be honest, and unfortunately it hasn't made much of a difference.

    Despite doing those tests (As mentioned in the original post) on the ram, and hard drive, I suspect the problem might reside with one of them, as it's the only thing I can think of... however don't take my word for it, I could be wrong.

    Thanks.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 313
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1 clean install
       #4

    It could be caused by a buggy memory module.
    You could take a look here (Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool) to download and run a memory test.

    CyberZeus
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64 SP1
    Thread Starter
       #5

    I did do the Auto-Installer for USB Key test before, it ran until it finished pass 1, and said no errors detected. I did leave it to run the remaining passes, however I had forgotten to place it on charge, hence the system shutdown from inadequate charge.

    Do you believe it would be wise to allow the program to run through all the passes?? Is there something specific I can do with this program, whether it be a certain test I should run??

    Thanks.
    Last edited by Mr JamesD; 17 Jun 2012 at 06:07.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6,292
    Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
       #6

    I agree with CyberZuess: Test the RAM with Memtest.

    Then, test the hard drive with the manufacturer's diagnostic tool. Choose the one for your hard drive here:
    7 Free Hard Drive Testing Software Tools

    Finally, test the power system. Shut down, remove the laptop battery, plug in the power supply, and run it without a battery to see if it changes anything.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64 SP1
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Cheers.

    I'll have to get back to you with the results.

    I'm running the Seagate Seatools test as we speak, I decided to use the DOS boot version. I'll retest the ram with Memtest afterwoods.

    As for the battery test, I'll do that afterwoods. Am I testing to see whether that rectifies the random freezes? Either way, I'll give it a go.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 81
    windows 7 home 64-bit
       #8

    Did you check your cpu fan?
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 6,292
    Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
       #9

    Mr JamesD said:
    As for the battery test, I'll do that afterwoods. Am I testing to see whether that rectifies the random freezes? Either way, I'll give it a go.
    Yes. A failing battery can throw up some weird power problems.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64 SP1
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Just thought I'd provide an update.

    I ran Memtest86+ overnight, managed to get through 8 passes using the boot test, without any errors - Safe to assume it's not the ram, or modules??

    I did also run the Seagate Seatools boot test, a couple of the tests said failed, saying something along the lines of the drive was locked?? Can't remember exactly.

    As for the battery test, I'll try that out shortly.

    tootal2, I did clean the fan out yesterday, to be honest, the functionality of the fan is worrying, as the computer heats up too fast, but as I've determined, the complete computer freezes occur at random intervals, even if the computer isn't hot at all!

    Does anyone have and/or know any other good hard drive programs that would be able to diagnose my HDD, and inform me whether there's an error??

    Thanks all.
    Last edited by Mr JamesD; 18 Jun 2012 at 03:30.
      My Computer


 
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