Could a faulty optical drive cause system freezing?

[ToxicInstinct]

Hey there, my full blown error thread can be found here (if you scroll down you will se my more recent updates), but at the moment, I am stuck trying to figure out whether or not an optical drive messing up could have some serious performance repercussions.

This is because my computer is freezing pedantically and I took Windows' advice and assumed it was my HDD which was corrupt.

I bought a new one, installed it and everything seems all right at the moment, the only problem is is that I am on a fresh install of windows and my optical drive is being temperamental - sometimes working, other times not even realising it has a disc in it. When it does realise it has a disc in it, the applications (such as driver installers) crash mid-way through their process - my computer locks up and begins to freeze again, but this time, I can just eject the disk and everything sorts itself out almost straight away.

I am super frustrated because it also doesn't recognise any USBs so I cant get any drivers on there since my internet connection is a wireless adapter and my optical drive is, as mentioned, screwed.

What do you guys think?

 

[DeaconFrost]

It's starting to sound more like a motherboard on the fritz than anything else, given the various problems you are having.

 

[ToxicInstinct]

It's starting to sound more like a motherboard on the fritz than anything else, given the various problems you are having.

Yeah, thats what I have been told.

What are my options here? New motherboard? Is there some way I can flash the BIOS into working again? Ive jumped the board recently with new hardware installs to defaults and no real solutions have come of it.

 

[DeaconFrost]

If the motherboard is dying, there's no software/BIOS fix to resolve that. You'd be replacing it or having it replaced if it happens to be under warranty.

 

[ToxicInstinct]

Alright, if its the motherboard I guess its time to get a new one!

Thanks dude; + rep

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Sorry to butt in but I didn't see if you had tried another opto drive first?

If you have a spare either stick that in and try or rig it with a USB adaptor as an external - just a suggestion as if it is just the drive then a simple fix.

Oh it might be an idea to disconnect the internal if trying the external approach.

 

[gregrocker]

I'd also reset the BIOS to defaults: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

If that doesn't help then unplug the optical drive to see if the freezing stops. Try another OD to get your drivers on.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

I'd also reset the BIOS to defaults: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

If that doesn't help then unplug the optical drive to see if the freezing stops. Try another OD to get your drivers on.

Yeah greg I'd personally just try another drive and I thought your idea of just disconnecting the original drive to see what happened worth a go.

I like to go for the simple stuff first - just lately I have had just problems with the absolute basic mechanical stuff rather than something like software issues.

 

[gregrocker]

Hi John. Yeah by unplugging he can test if OD is causing freezing. Trying another drive will tell if it's the cables, too. OD's can go bad.

I suggested the BIOS reset in place of his proposed reflashing, which should be a last resort.

He seems to think the USB failure is a lack of drivers so he needs to get those in next to see if it points any further to the mobo.

If not then work through these Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hi John. Yeah by unplugging he can test if OD is causing freezing. Trying another drive will tell if it's the cables, too. OD's can go bad.

I suggested the BIOS reset in place of his proposed reflashing, which should be a last resort.

He seems to think the USB failure is a lack of drivers so he needs to get those in next to see if it points any further to the mobo.

If not then work through these Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7

Ok Greg sorry late reply mate you are on the money as usual

 

[rishu5700]

Remove the optical drive

recently I had made some changes in the bios and after that my laptop didn't boot
But when I removed the Optical Drive, which was faulty,it started working
So that might help rather than replacing the motherboard
Can anyone come up with any sort of explaination?
Any answer is appreciated

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hello and welcome Rishus mate this is a very old thread you might be better off starting your own thread it will get answered a lot quicker.

But in any case first try booting into safe mode if nothing happens then try pulling up the BIOS and see what devices are displayed but you really would be better of making a new thread. Not that I want to sound pessimistic but messing with the BIOS can be fraught with disappointment.