Random Freezes

[ZeratuelX]

I am beginning to get really frustrated with my computer. It never used to freeze but recently it has begun to randomly lock up once or twice every day for the last few weeks. I can't find any similarities in the freezes as it will freeze with any combination of applications open. All applications don't move and the mouse doesn't move either, it literally looks like a frozen screenshot when it happens. It also happens with no warning, just randomly I will notice the mouse isn't moving anymore and notice its frozen. The only way to unfreeze the computer is to manually turn off the power and reboot only to have it freeze again within the next day.

Any suggestions on what I should do or how to find the problem?

 

[richc46]

Welcome

The most ususal reason is RAM, type memory diagnostics in search and take the test over night. It is equally common that malware is causing the problem. Make an antivirus scan as well as dowloading malwarebytes and ruan a scan

In addition, you will find many of the common causes listed here
http://www.winvistaclub.com/t9.html

Download malwarebytes from here:
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

 

[ZeratuelX]

I've run scans with both MalwareBytes and ESET Smart Security, both came up clean.

I'm planning to run Memory Diagnostics tonight, I'll see what that comes up with.

In the link you gave me:

1. Run Virus Scans + CCleaner weekly. Will try disabling Indexing service but I doubt that is the problem.
2. Event log displays this for the most recent crash:

The previous system shutdown at 2:04:07 PM on ‎6/‎2/‎2010 was unexpected.

and

The system has rebooted without cleanly shutting down first. This error could be caused if the system stopped responding, crashed, or lost power unexpectedly.

But that is all.

 

[richc46]

The links that I sent are quite generic. If you are fairly sure that a particular test is not appropriate for your situation, why not put it on hold for the time being. The memory test is important.

 

[ZeratuelX]

I tested my computer overnight. I watched the test start and then went to sleep. When I came back my computer had successfully restarted but there were no windows open indicating the results of the test; I assume this means there were no errors?

What else can I try now?

 

[richc46]

Surprised, there should have been a report.
Test Your Computer’s Memory Using Windows Vista Memory Diagnostic Tool - How-To Geek
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/How-do-I-know-if-my-computer-has-a-memory-problem

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/715-memory-diagnostics-tool.html

For Vista and Windows 7


You may want to try this is problems with Diagnostics
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/toolsofthetrade/gr/memtest86.htm

 

[ZeratuelX]

Should I try running the Memory Diagnostics again tonight?

 

[richc46]

Yes, I will give you additional help by looking for the tut on how it should be done. Check here, soon. I will post as soon as I find it.

OK, here is our excellent Tutorial on how to run Memory Diagnosis. If it still does not give the proper results use memtest86, as shown in my other post.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/715-memory-diagnostics-tool.html

 

[richc46]

Now that I think about it, use this test instead it is more thorough
Memtest86 v3.5 Review - Memory Testing Software Review - Memtest86 Download ISO

 

[ZeratuelX]

I did the memory diagnostics test to the letter last night and let it run, even on extended this time. I watched it start and the watched the test go to 10% before going to bed. I woke up this morning to find no report again, just a standard desktop after booting up with no windows open.

I'll try this Memtest now I guess. I noticed it says Memtest86, will this be a problem on my x64 machine?

Edit: After some searching I noticed that Memtest86 hasn't been updated in over a year, but a group made something called Memtest86+ that was updated last month, is this a better option?

http://www.memtest.org/

Also it appears burning to a CD is unavoidable so I'll have to dig a blank one up which may take me a bit to find. (Haven't used a CD in several months )

 

[richc46]

Good morning my friend. You are up early too (we are both in same time zone). In any event. Good catch, you need memtest86+. Here is some more information

Guide to using Memtest86+

Using a CD makes memtest86+ better than memory diagnostics. Diagnostictis is run from insdied windows 7 and is therefore not as complete. This information was supplied to me from Zigzag one of our most taleted members here at the Forum.

 

[ZeratuelX]

Sorry I didn't get a chance to run it last night, I ended up being busy. I'll do it tonight.

 

[richc46]

Take your time, no problem.

 

[ZeratuelX]

Once again I'm sorry it took so long to reply, it was completely my fault.

Now onto topic: Memtest86+ said that no errors were found.

 

[richc46]

Morning

Follow these instructiions. Where it says registry cleaner only use ccleaner and back up registry.
http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner

 

[ZeratuelX]

You say follow these instructions, yet I don't see any instructions; only a download link there.

Regardless, I use CCleaner weekly so I know how to use its Registry function. I have fixed all found issues in the registry.

Edit: I should mention I will be gone for another day, after that I won't be leaving for awhile so you can expect faster replies

 

[richc46]

Did you check for over heating?

 

[ZeratuelX]

Is there a log in which I can see when it overheats?

 

[zigzag3143]

Is there a log in which I can see when it overheats?

Not really

Best way is to download cpu-z, and gpu-z, (both free) to keep an eye on the temps. It is always better to see them rising than to go look on a report and see they hit melting temp after the fact.


Good luck


Ken

 

[ZeratuelX]

Will Speedfan work fine? I've used it before so I feel comfortable using that already; as well as preferring a visual graph which CPU-Z seems to lack from the screenshots.