OS or Hardware issue?

[DrDetroit101]

Ok. Im at my wits end with this computer.

My system will hang for 1-3 minutes randomly but with increased frequency right after a boot up. It will have moments of response within hang. Any click or action performed during the hang will be performed upon the hang finishing. The cursor is 99% of the time still responsive. If you click on an internet window to close, it will say not responding until the hang is over. Cntrl-alt-del will pop up after the hang. It will never permanently hang. And it seems to happen with less frequency after being powered on for a while. But will still occur. It can happen no matter what i may be doing on the computer.


I have observed the task manager during hangs and nothing seems to stand out
I have done a complete OS reinstall and the problem persists.
I have replaced the video card (gts 250 512mb)
I have run malbytes with no issues.
I have performed memtest and memory passed.
I have used passmark software for benchmarking hardware and nothing failed or under performed.
I have checked all connections within the tower.
I have lost sleep.


I’m at work when posting this so I don’t have my exact pc component list
AMD x2 phenon dual 2.7
evga gts 250 512mb
gigabyte motherboard
oz ram x2 - 2gig sticks
windows 7 home

i can follow up post more accurate system information.

Thank you in advance for any help and insight anyone may provide.

~Steven

 

[Lomai]

Hi

Welcome to Seven Forums
Have you tried booting with all other external peripherals disconnected apart from the mouse and keyboard?
Also have a look at updating the drivers for your hardware - in case you need to verify the installed hardware, the device manager will list these.

Regards

 

[steve-pressman]

You might what to check the integrity of the system files to do this go to start and type in cmd right click on the cmd icon and run as administrator. In the window type in the following:

sfc/scannow and let it run it will then attempt to fix any problems it may find. Please post back with your findings, if that does not help one of our other experts will try to help you further.


Steve

 

[DrDetroit101]

Hello. Thanks for the quick response. I'll try both of your suggestions this evening. Unless my overdue wife go into labor first

 

[DeaconFrost]

It sounds like a hardware issue, considering you did a fresh install. However, have you tried installing the chipset drivers? Have you tried running diags on the HDD? How about booting up and running without any network connections being active?

 

[Dwarf]

You're welcome. Please let us know how you get on. I understand that you may have more imminent pressing things on your mind that are far more important than this, and I wish both you and your wife all the best for the baby (when s/he comes).

 

[DrDetroit101]

Sorry for the long response time. Hectic weekend.

I ran the system scan. No problems found

I booted up with only mouse and keyboard. Problem still occured.

I will look into diagnostic program for my HDD next.


I read somewhere that ram timings in bios could be off???
i have ocz gold series - pc3 12800 - ocz3g1600lv4gk - 2 gig stick x2
8-8-8 @ 1.65

 

[DrDetroit101]

I ran the diagnostics from western digital. It passed the quick test. I'll run the extended test this evening and post results.

Also, what do you mean by chipset drivers? The motherboard CD ?

 

[DeaconFrost]

I wouldn't bother with the motherboard's CD, as those drivers are usually outdated. if you don't know what chipset drivers are, this would be a good time to have a friend supervise, or get the list of steps out in the open here for a clean install. Your motherboard has a chipset, typically either Intel, Nvidia, or AMD. It identifies what type of motherboard you have, what it supports, what features it has, etc...possibly the most important component to consider. That chipset has drivers, such as Intel's all-in-one installer. You should/need to have this installed before you move along to any other drivers. Without them, you can experience some odd issues, such as this.

 

[DrDetroit101]

I wouldn't bother with the motherboard's CD, as those drivers are usually outdated. if you don't know what chipset drivers are, this would be a good time to have a friend supervise, or get the list of steps out in the open here for a clean install. Your motherboard has a chipset, typically either Intel, Nvidia, or AMD. It identifies what type of motherboard you have, what it supports, what features it has, etc...possibly the most important component to consider. That chipset has drivers, such as Intel's all-in-one installer. You should/need to have this installed before you move along to any other drivers. Without them, you can experience some odd issues, such as this.

I have a gigabyte MA770T-UD3P mobo
AMD Athlon II x4 2.6ghz processor

Are you saying i need to reinstall OS again.. i'll cry

 

[alphanumeric]

You might want to open the Action Center and have a look at the Reliability Monitor. Look for a Red X or yellow !. Also in there is a troubleshooting section with Check for Performance Issues. Couldn't hurt to run that.

 

[DeaconFrost]

I have a gigabyte MA770T-UD3P mobo
AMD Athlon II x4 2.6ghz processor

Are you saying i need to reinstall OS again.. i'll cry

No, but you need to make sure the chipset drivers are installed. You should know off the top of your head, but I'll venture a guess that your board has an AMD chipset. Find those drivers and load them. Normally, they should be done first, after the OS is finished installing, but better late than never.

This is the part that confuses me, I guess. There seems to be so much uncertainty and confusion surrounding chipset drivers, but for this example, if you go to your board's website, you'll see, listed under drivers, the chipset drivers I was talking about.

 

[alphanumeric]

Have a look in device manager for anything flagged with a yellow ! or red X. If you see something post back and we'll go from there. You can get the "latest' motherboard drivers at the manufacturers web site, usually in the support section. You need to know the exact model number of your motherboard. You will likely see drivers for onboard sound, network adapter, and video if it has it. I save them to a thumbdrive so I have them on hand when I do a clean install. As mentioned the ones on the CD are usually outdated. I would also look for the latest driver for your video card. It's been my experience that the manufacturers drivers are usually out of date or they just link you to ATI or Nvidia anyway, so I go just go to ATI or Nvidia's site depending on the card. May as well get the latest and greatest. Once you update your drivers you'll want to run your WEI again.

 

[DrDetroit101]

Mobo chipset drivers installed. Nothing flagged in device manager. Video card driver up to date.

Problem still occured.

What do you think about the memory settings in the bios as the culprit?

http://img836.imageshack.us/i/20100906111806clintonto.jpg/ (pic of my memory stick)
Imageshack - 20100906111057clintonto.jpg (pic of my bios screen)

The settings on the bios screen seem to be set to 7-7-7 and my ram says 8-8-8
also, it seems to be operating at 1033 instead of 1600 mherz?

This is way over my head. seems to be alot of settings in the ram page of bios

Thoughts?

 

[alphanumeric]

Did you set the timings manually or is the BIOS doing it. I usually set mine to "auto" or "ram timings by spd", depending on the BIOS.

 

[DrDetroit101]

It was set to auto. I read a few spots ppl had hangin issues becuase it wasnt set autoing correctly

 

[alphanumeric]

OK, on auto it should get the timings from the SPD stored on the RAM module. The manufacturer enters that data so the timings "should" be correct. If there is a separate overclocking setting for your RAM in the BIOS you might want to disable it. Mine has it and my RAM is actually running at a higher speed than it's rated for. 800 instead of 667. I haven't noticed any problems so I left it enabled.

 

[kituhi1234]

update your bios and then

go to bios screen n choose the option
"Load Optimal Defaults".... hit "shift+f10" , select ok and exit...

evn then if the prob persists, i would suggest it may be due to even overheating and improper ventilation...

if yur's is a PC, then try reassembling the components, add additional fans inside the cpu.. check if yu get prob voltage from the power supply "CONSTANTLY" without any fluctuations...

try removing the RAM from its slot n put in another slot, remove the processor from its slot n try putttin it again, may be processor fan is dusty and its speed may get decreased.. do using a vaccuum cleaner undust the cpu fully, then hav a try... if not reassemble the components..

nuthng a big issue dude.... dont wory...

 

[gregrocker]

You can check temps by installing SpeedFan. Then google CPU Heat Limit to makes sure you're under it.

Blow dust out of case with compressed air can. Add a case fan if temps are too high.

Google repeat errors in Event Viewer>Admin View to see how others resolved them. Study also Performance log on ADvanced Tools page accessed by clicking through WEI score link at Computer>Properties. Look for cued issues at top of Tools page, Generate A System Health Report.

Stress test your RAM with memtest86 CD overnight.

Try a Clean Boot Procedure to rule out any 3rd party apps: How to Troubleshoot a Problem by Performing a Clean Startup in Windows 7 or Vista

Uncheck everything in msconfig>Startup except AV and gadgets/stikynotes if u use em. Others are freeloaders on your RAM/CPU at all times and can spy on you.

Use a lightweight free AV like MS Security Essentials. This has solved similar issues for many users. Uninstall any bloated AV using Revo Uninstaller in Advanced Mode, skipping restart prompt to click NExt for list of bolded Registry keys and leftover files to Delete.

 

[DrDetroit101]

I'll try your additional suggestions as soon as i can.

I dont think its a heat issue. My case has 4 fans and I clean inside with canned air regularly.

Thank you for your patience with my responses.

also, my ram is in slot 1-2 ... should i try it in 3-4 ?