Random PC freezes

writhziden · 14 Feb 2012

Alright, let us know how the clean startup goes. Best wishes!

Tolis21 · 18 Feb 2012

hey there again. i have been using my pc in safe mode the last 3 days and everything seemed to be ok, but today i had a freeze again while i was in safe mode.

writhziden · 18 Feb 2012

Have you tried running with just one memory module? Mixing RAM manufacturers/models/modules bought at different times can cause instability. It may help to run with just one module. You can test the memory through running Windows. Test the memory slots as follows.

Shut down and turn off your computer.
Unplug all power sources to the tower (unplug the power from the outlet/surge protector or PSU).
Hold down the power button for 30 seconds (for your safety and the safety of the components) to close the circuit and drain all power from components.
Remove the casing.
Remove all but one memory module making sure you are grounded while doing so.
Replace the casing and put the remaining memory modules in a safe, static free environment.
If the problem persists, repeat steps 1-4 and move the memory module to another slot (while staying grounded, of course).

Do this until all slots have been tested. If all slots fail, the memory module may be bad. Test with one of the remaining modules. Continue one module at a time in one slot at a time until you find a good module and good slot. Test remaining modules in the good slot, test good modules in other slots to find bad slots, etc.

When you swap any memory components, follow these steps for ESD safety:

Shut down and turn off your computer.
Unplug all power supplies to the computer (AC Power then battery for laptops, AC power for desktops)
Hold down the power button for 30 seconds to close the circuit and ensure all power drains from components.
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.

Once these steps have been followed, it is safe to remove and replace components within your computer.

I also note the following problem device:

Code:

PS/2 Keyboard	ACPI\PNP0303\4&20D7719E&0	This device is not present, is not working properly, or does not have all its drivers installed.

Did the freezes stop after doing the above steps?

Tolis21 · 11 Mar 2012

hey there. to be honest i didn't have much free time the previous 2 weeks because it was an exam period in my university. so i will start from tommorow trying these steps. By the way you say that i should test all the combinations of slots and memory modules. A combination will fail if my pc freezes, or is there any other way to determine it?

Do you know also how i can fix the "PS/2 Keyboard ACPI\PNP0303\4&20D7719E&0 This device is not present, is not working properly, or does not have all its drivers installed." ? I have tried updating the drivers but it didn't work.

writhziden · 11 Mar 2012

Yes, the best way to test is see if the memory/slot combination does or does not cause a freeze/crash. How long does the issue usually take to occur?

For the PS/2 keyboard issue: If updating the drivers did not help, you may want to check your device manager to see if there are any devices shown there that are not working properly. Uninstall those devices by right clicking them and clicking Uninstall. Accept any dialogs that pop up after.

Tolis21 · 11 Mar 2012

it depends. it usually happens in the first 30 minutes after i start using my pc and then my pc runs fine. it happens usually once or twice per day but i has also taken 3 days for a freeze to occur. so testing the rams might take awhile. in which category is PS/2 Keyboard device in the device manager? i can't find it by that name

writhziden · 11 Mar 2012

It should be under keyboards. You may have to get the device to show up first if it is hidden or not connected. To get it to show up, follow these steps:

Run an Elevated Command Prompt:

1. Click Start Menu
2. Click All Programs
3. Click Accessories
4. Right click Command Prompt
5. Click Run as administrator
6. Type into command prompt “set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1″ without quotes
7. Hit enter.
8. Type “devmgmt.msc” without quotes
9. Click View (at the top)
10. Check Show hidden devices
11. Click the + next to Keyboards

Are there any grey (faded) keyboards listed? If so, uninstall them (and check the box if asked if you want to delete the driver software for the device).
When finished, go back to View and uncheck Show hidden devices.

Tolis21 · 12 Mar 2012

i followed the steps and under the keyboard tab it shows 3 objects. it shows 2 times the keyboard i am using, one normal and one faded, and it also shows PS/2 Keyboard which is gray and has a yellow exclamation mark. i uninstalled the PS/2 Keyboard device and it's driver. should i do the same with the other gray keyboard or not?

writhziden · 12 Mar 2012

If you are not sure, do not uninstall the device. It probably will not hurt anything to do so, but the best rule is to do nothing if unsure. The PS/2 keyboard with the exclamation mark is the problem device your crash report picked up on, so that was the right one to uninstall. Post back whether you still have freezes/crashes.

Tolis21 · 14 Mar 2012

i had a freeze again yesterday at night. when i opened my pc again i saw in the device manager that under the keyboard's tab the PS/2 Keyboard still existed with an exclamation mark. I uninstalled it again. then after sometime when i shutted down my pc, 2 windows updates were installed. today i checked again the device manager and the PS/2 Keyboard is still there, hidden under the keyboard tab with an exclamation mark.