Computer locks up randomly

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  1. Posts : 17
    Windows XP/Soon to be 7
       #1

    Computer locks up randomly


    Guys I've got a problem with a Dell 1525 laptop I was hoping someone could offer some insight into. Recently, say the last two weeks, the computer has started freezing randomly even when it is just sitting idle doing nothing but showing the desktop. The mouse will still move, but the computer won't respond to Ctrl-Alt-Del or anything else other than a hard reset.

    I've tried all the usual suspects- spyware, Antivirus scans, defrag, scan disk, etc and all come back fine. I downloaded MemTest86+ and it came up with on error on one of the RAM tests, however the Dell diagnostic tests passed the memory.

    I've also downloaded a temperature application and monitored the CPU and HD temperatures, both of which are running fine so I know it isn't a heat issue. Lastly, my power profile is set to "always on" regardless of whether it is on battery or AC power so I know that isn't an issue.

    Anyone have any ideas? I've changed NOTHING software or hardware wise since the problem began.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 4,573
       #2

    Run MemTest for a day. At least 8 hours.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,419
    Windows 7 7600 1 X64
       #3

    Computer locks up randomly


    Cp2k, review your reliability log.
    1. Open action center
    2. Click Maintainance
    3. View reliability report
    4. Click on the red bullet
    5. Take a screen shot if you can!
    Same thing happened here on my end.
    Regards,
    Adrian
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,419
    Windows 7 7600 1 X64
       #4

    Antman said:
    Run MemTest for a day. At least 8 hours.
    Good to CU around:)
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 17
    Windows XP/Soon to be 7
    Thread Starter
       #5

    The system actually belongs to a friend of mine, I dropped of MemTest & am going to have him run it all night tonight while he sleeps and give me a report tomorrow. I have a newer version of the same laptop myself so if it identifies faulty RAM I'm going to remove one of my 2gb sticks and put it in his to see how it runs with that. It should rule the RAM issue out or identify it is my thinking.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 4,573
       #6

    You are doing a good thing. MemTest has a Major Upgrade available and will run from USB if the laptop will boot from USB.

    I have not tested the download yet, so I do not know if you need to take any steps to make the USB bootable.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 5,747
    7600.20510 x86
       #7

    Since it's a laptop, could be a dust buildup issue causing heat inside. Regardless of temps, it should be checked.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 4,573
       #8

    Freezes do tend to indicate heat (or worse).

    If the RAM test/replace fails to address the problem, Dell does provide a detailed blow-up for disassembling the laptop. Use the service tag to find it.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 17
    Windows XP/Soon to be 7
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Thanks for all of the input, my buddy let the entire MemTest run last night and came up with 3164 errors, so I believe my RAM diagnosis was correct. I also considered the heat issue, I downloaded a monitor program that provides both the CPU, Hard Drive Temperatures, Voltage, etc.. and all those #'s were fantastic. It definitely isn't overheating based on that, the fan runs normally, and the vents are clear. I'm going to try the RAM replacement at this stage, I'm open to any other suggestions too though in case that isn't the winner.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 4,573
       #10

    cp2k said:
    ...let the entire MemTest run last night and came up with 3164 errors...


    ...so I believe my RAM diagnosis was correct...
    Hmm. What would make you think the RAM is the issue?
      My Computer


 
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