Computer freezing while gaming

[gregrocker]

Please post a screenshot of http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...nt-post-screen-capture-image.html#post2261610

Unless the GPU is correctly and firmly seated and secured, it could be the problem.

I'd at least get a SMART reading from your HD by installing CrystalDiskInfo - Software - Crystal Dew World. It would be better to get Seatools to run a Long Scan to know with absolute certainty if it's the problem.

Did you complete all of the http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/220165-troubleshooting-steps-windows-7-a.html.

 

[darrenvan]

Here is the disk management screenshot:


The freezing issue has been occuring isnce before I broke the motherboars GPU latch, so I'm thinking that isn't the issue. The 2 screws seem to be holding it in alright as far as I can tell. But you never know, The thing is I really don't want to buy a new motherboard if that isn't the problem.

I actually downloaded SeaTools for windows from this link:
SeaTools for Windows | Seagate

The link in the tutorial seems to be out of date:
http://www.seagate.com/support/exte...ard-drives/wireless-plus/seatools-win-master/

Okay so anyway I just installed and opened SeaTools and I got this message:


And when I follow the link I get a page not found:


So I'm not sure where to go far here. I guess I will start running a scan.

For the troubleshooting steps I believe I've done everything except the Scanf since I already did the last 7 or so steps before coming on here.

Update: I realized I actually missed step 16 in the troubleshooting guide as well.

I just followed it and I got a message saying new hardware detected. so I clicked refresh now
Here is a screenshot:


I'm gonna go ahead and run the Seagate Basic Hard drive test and post the results. Thanks guys.

 

[darrenvan]

Okay so I ran the SMART test which took liked 2 seconds and my hard drive passed.


Now I'm wondering should I be running a fix all next with Seagate tools? Here is a screen of the description:


Update: So I went back and clicked the Serial Number checker Link and It redirects me to a page where I can update my HDD firmware. I did some research and found this thread:
http://superuser.com/questions/4084...the-firmware-on-the-infamous-seagate-7200-11s

Seems like my harddrive has known issues in general and in particular with firmware updates
People in the thread recommended not upgrading the firmware.
Should I go ahead with this? Also do I have to do anything special or do I just run the .exe?

 

[gregrocker]

Try burning another CD using Windows Image Burner since the bootable test is more reliable without the OS running.

Either way I'd run the Long Test. Back up your files.

 

[darrenvan]

So I ran the Fix All long test with SeaTools and my hard drive passed. I also did a Check disk earlier so it is seeming like my Hard Drive probably isn't the issue. screenshot:


I'll try burning another CD as you suggest Greg, as well I will finish the last few troubleshooting steps (Scanf, etc.) and post results.

Thanks.

 

[darrenvan]

Just a quick update for anyone still interested. I ran the SFC /SCANNOW Command and it came back without errors. I also burned SeaGate hardware diagnostics on another CD, as Greg suggested, but I had the same result. Anyway, both SeaTools and ChckDisk scans came back without error so I'm thinking my harddrive is okay.

I haven't experienced any freezes since creating this thread so I'm hoping this issue has been resolved with all of your help. Although, I've probably only gamed for 5-6 hours max so we will see. If I get another freeze I'm going to post the minidump on here and hopefully you guys will be able to give me a hand deciphering it.

Sorry for the delay - been really busy lately. Thanks again for the help everyone.

 

[gregrocker]

Did you also disinfect first from Troubleshooting Tutorial?

Then run SFC again

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Darren mate have you thought of using a two pack resin adhesive to hold that latch in because screws sound rather primitive and in my mind likely to be possible causes of shorts. You will need to set up some form of pressure to hold it down while the adhesive sets but if you use the five minute stuff it is no big deal. I don't know what it is called where you are but out here it is called "Araldite".
If you want you could Google that and see what I am referring to and then find a simisar product where you are.
The adhesive as you know will be non conductive

 

[darrenvan]

greg - I did run MalwareBytes first to disinfect if that is what you are referring to

ICit2lol - Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. I didn't actually look into that yet, but it seems like a good idea for sure. Also by screws I meant the screws that go into the case - I didn't put screws into the motherboard or anything lol. I actually did a bunch of research online right after I broke the latch, and the general opinion seemed to be that everything should be fine as long as you don't move the Computer around too much. I had my friend who is good with computers come and check it out as well (I'm paranoid, I know) and he seemed to think the screws held it in pretty solidly and that it was fine. He said he would just leave it as is if it was his computer so I felt pretty good about that. Also I had the freezing issues long before I broke the latch so I don't think it is related at all.

I'm going to try to get some gaming in tonight and I'll post the minidump if anything goes wrong. Thanks again.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

No worries then Darren but it (the adhesive) is an option if you want it. I was thinking (rather stupidly) that you meant screws into the board and in hindsight and from what I have had to do with boards it seemed at the time not really a practicable idea but I thought maybe you had managed it!! LOL!
However I am left wondering how the board fixation screws would hold that latch in place and my only thought is that holds the latch by holding the board in the correct plane (alignment / flat) and for me being a bit OCD it would not be enough for me.

 

[darrenvan]

Haha I was wondering if you were thinking I screwed into the board or something. I'm a bit OCD like you and I was debating fixing it at first. But after reading up online and getting my friend to look at it - the consensus seemed to be to just leave it and it would be fine. Apparently, most older motherboards didn't even have a GPU latch and the screws into the case were enough to hold it. I am debating getting a a new motherboard and case soon anyways as mine are getting a bit old (motherboard just over 3 years and case is around 7 years). I was hoping to determine my problem before getting new parts though. I'm starting to think that the freezes I've gotten are just in relation to a bug in the game I'm playing - because I played last night again for around 2 hours without a problem.

Just to make sure we are on the same page I added a picture of what I'm talking about since I'm bad at explaining (this is not my computer):


The area I circled in red is the screws I'm referring to that are holding my GPU in place