Computer locks up randomly

[cp2k]

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.

 

[Antman]

Run MemTest for a day. At least 8 hours.

 

[Adrian]

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

 

[Adrian]

Run MemTest for a day. At least 8 hours.

Good to CU around

 

[cp2k]

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 I have a newer version of the same laptop myself so if it identifies faulty RAM I'm going to remove one of my 2gb sticks and put it in his to see how it runs with that.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.

 

[Antman]

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.

 

[torrentg]

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

 

[Antman]

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.

 

[cp2k]

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.

 

[Antman]

...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?

 

[cp2k]

The sad thing is I'm ordering him RAM online now, the DELL Diagnostic test passed the RAM so they won't replace it. They say MemTest is "Inaccurate".

 

[Antman]

The sad thing is I'm ordering him RAM online now, the DELL Diagnostic test passed the RAM so they won't replace it. They say MemTest is "Inaccurate".

You are not using the 'Dell Method' correctly. Perform a Dell restore to factory process.

Check if the problem persists.

Or, just fry the RAM with repeated ESD attacks. Then fail the Dell diag.

 

[pauliewog]

I have had this problem for the past few days until last night when I installed them leaked updates! My cpu was running real high to the point of over heating and the cooling fan was on non stop but not now its quiet as a mouse!! lol

 

[cp2k]

One more question/comment...I had my buddy try using the laptop without the AC adapter, operating only off of the battery it doesn't seem to freeze at all on battery power even when it goes idle. Any ideas on that one? As soon as I plug the Adapter back in it will work fine for awhile, then it freezes again once the system sits idle awhile?

 

[torrentg]

Try setting the power profile to high performance while using the AC adapter to test if the crashing occurs then.

 

[cp2k]

OK just an update, I restored the old XP image I had of this laptop thinking Windows 7 was the problem. The freezing completely disappeared for about 2 weeks. It started freezing again tonight, has done it three times in the past few hours. So I tried installing the new RAM, even after that it continues to do the same thing. Any new ideas?

 

[Antman]

General rule of thumb - freezes indicate heat issues or CPU/RAM faults.

New RAM may be faulting due to heat.

 

[cp2k]

it did it before the new ram was installed AND after- both cases were tonight. Running a monitor program the temps all look normal for both the CPU/Hard Drive, etc. in the 40 to 50 degree C range for both. It's mysterious, again no rhyme or reason. It goes away totally for two weeks and bam its back tonight.

 

[Antman]

We have a new tool since this problem first presented. His name is H2SO4. I will page him.

 

[SquonkSC]

OK just an update, I restored the old XP image I had of this laptop thinking Windows 7 was the problem. The freezing completely disappeared for about 2 weeks. It started freezing again tonight, has done it three times in the past few hours. So I tried installing the new RAM, even after that it continues to do the same thing. Any new ideas?

Was there a difference in ambient temperature during those two weeks.
I mean was it warmer weather now than during those two weeks?

Greetz