Solved Random freezes - Seven Professional x64

[bigfeh]

Backing up everything and I'll probably reinstall Windows later today.

 

[x BlueRobot]

Let us know how it goes, please post if you have any problems.

 

[bigfeh]

Just formatted and installed Windows, it's up and running. Installing drivers, will update

 

[bigfeh]

I'm now on a clean Windows install

No problems so far, will update if something goes wrong and if they don't, I'll tell you guys and mark this as solved

 

[x BlueRobot]

That's good to know, try to keep a note of what drivers and programs you install, and if any BSODs occur after installing these drivers or programs.

 

[bigfeh]

Phew, just froze. Seriously, I'm so pissed off at this. Any ideas? I'll probably run memtest today, I won't be using the computer anyway...

 

[x BlueRobot]

What is the temperature of your computer like? Have you managed to install all the Windows Updates?

 

[essenbe]

What was the last thing you installed before the freeze?

 

[bigfeh]

Could this possibly be the RAM clock? It's faster than the RAM I had before, but the BIOS seemed to have changed it automatically...

Either way, here's the list of things I have installed.
→ Vuze (Azureus)
→ Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Client Profile
→ Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Extended
→ NVIDIA Drivers and controllers
→ Dropbox
→ Flash Player 11
→ Creative Drivers and controllers
→ Alienware Command Center
→ Mozilla Firefox 20.0.1 x86
→ Mozilla Thunderbird 17.0.5 x86
→ Mozilla Firefox 23.0a1
→ Mozilla Thunderbird 22.0a2
→ Open Broadcaster Software
→ Dolby Axon
→ Skype
→ Visual C++ Redistributable 2008 x64
→ Alienware TactX Mouse CI
→ Mozilla Maintenance Service
→ Songbird 2.2.0
→ DW 1525 Driver Installation

I installed all of these in rapid succession soI can't really remember which one was installed last.

EDIT: Not overheating. Computer was cold at the time.

 

[gregrocker]

It's best in a troubleshooting install if you install Windows Updates/drivers first, then any missing drivers, then programs gradually so you can gauge performance after each step.

There isn't really any hurry to install everything at once as you did, so either start over or roll back to a point just after install and this time follow the steps in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to get a perfect baseline install, then monitor performance after each program is installed enough that you know it isn't freezing.

Have you tested all hardware as shown in Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7

 

[bigfeh]

It's best in a troubleshooting install if you install Windows Updates/drivers first, then any missing drivers, then programs gradually so you can gauge performance after each step.

There isn't really any hurry to install everything at once as you did, so either start over or roll back to a point just after install and this time follow the steps in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to get a perfect baseline install, then monitor performance after each program is installed enough that you know it isn't freezing.

Have you tested all hardware as shown in Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7

These are all drivers/software I had installed since the first week I had this computer, the first time I booted it. They never caused any problem and I'm really inclined to think it's the memory clock.

 

[x BlueRobot]

Run the tests in the link Greg provided, this will test your hardware for any problems.

What is your motherboard model?

 

[bigfeh]

My motherboard is custom built for Alienware, but I'll try to look up the exact model for you.

EDIT: It's an Alienware Aurora R3 DF1G9 Motherboard. I'll save you the trouble and link it to you: http://www.redplanettrading.com/Dell-46MHW-DF1G9-Alienware-Aurora-R3-System-Motherboard.html

 

[x BlueRobot]

Thanks for the link, do you know the clockspeed of your memory?

Here's the support clockspeeds for your motherboard:

Supported Memory:

• Up to 16GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1333Mhz - 4 DIMMS
• Up to 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1866Mhz - 4 DIMMS
• Up to 16GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1600Mhz - 4 DIMMS

 

[bigfeh]

I have 2x8GB @ 1600MHz, they're supported.

 

[x BlueRobot]

The clockspeed shouldn't be a problem then since they are supported by your motherboard.

Let's continue with some hardware tests:

Run some hard-drive diagnostics and follow these steps:

• Hard Drive Diagnostic Procedure

Find your hard-drive manufacturer and run their tests.

Additional Tests:

• SeaTools for DOS | Seagate
• CrystalDiskInfo - Software - Crystal Dew World

Post a screenshot of Crystal Disk Info summary:

• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html

If you have an SSD, make sure the following are up to date:

• SSD firmware
• BIOS Version
• Chipset Drivers
• Hard disk controller drivers/SATA drivers
• If you have a Marvell IDE ATA/ATAPI device, make sure the drivers are up to date from the Intel site or Marvell site and not from your motherboard/vendor support site.

Check for any file system errors and bad sectors using Option #2 of:

• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html

Use this command with Disk Check:

chkdsk C: /f /r

 

[bigfeh]

chkdsk came in clean. Also, no freezes since the last, maybe it's ok now?

 

[x BlueRobot]

That's good to know, what did Crystal Disk Info display?

 

[bigfeh]

Sorry for the late response, first of all.

Now, I downloaded Western Digital's diagnostic tool and I'll run it tonight. Crystal Disk Info reports both disks as healthy.

 

[x BlueRobot]

Okay thanks for the update, will look forward for your results.