Screen Saver, then system hangs

dhinton

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Just started a new thread for this post based on another users sugestion...


I am having a similar problem using the "blank" screen saver with a password...

Purchased a new Dell XPS 8000 three days ago and everything appeared to be working fine. I was using the wired keyboard and mouse supplied with the computer.

Connected my old usb Microsoft Wireless Comfort Keyboard/Mouse 1.0A to the system and suddenly the system would never go to screen saver. I checked for windows updates and it recommended an update for the wireless keyboard and mouse. Installed the update and now my system goes to screen saver.

The problem now is that it doesn't return from screen saver consistently. I am still characterizing the problem... When I move the mouse I get the login screen, type the password, hit return, and the screen goes blank (as if it is back in the blank screen saver). I have had the desktop reactivate very quickly (normally) if the screen saver was on only for a few minutes. I have had it take 2 minutes plus to get to the desktop. I have also had the system freeze and ended up power cycling.

I thought this was a power management issue. I tried setting up power settings so nothing would ever go into power save mode but this hasn't made a difference.

I just reconnected my wired keyboard and mouse to see if the issue goes away. I am expecting this to solve it, but I really would like to use the wireless.


Update...

1. Went back to wired mouse/keyboard and the issue persisted.
2. Rolled back updates from last Windows 7 update: Dell Monitor 6/21/2009 1.0.0.0, Microsoft (HID Class) 5/8/2009 7.00.258.0, and Microsoft (USB) 11/03/2009 7.10.344.0. Problem still persisited.
3. Did a "reset to defaults" on the Dell power settings profile and removed the password from the blank screen saver. Seemed to resolve the issue, but only tried it once with the screen saver on for an hour.
4. Added the password back to the screen saver. Worked once and then hung the computer the 2nd time. I move the mouse, get the login screen, type my password, hit return, and the monitors go blank (as if it is in the blank screen saver). At this point it is hung, no mouse, no keyboard, ... must power cycle to get the system back up and running.

Yet another update...

Found a "solution" (let's call it a work around) for this issue in another thread: http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/3373-seven-locks-up-after-hour-so-idle.html. I had my task bar set to auto hide, changed it to be visible all of the time and no more system hangs.

While I am thrilled to not have to power cycle everytime I go to screen saver, I would still like to auto hide the task bar. I wonder if there isn't a better fix that would allow me to still configure the task bar.

XPS 8000, 8 GB Ram, 1 TB Hard Drive, ATI 4630 graphics.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell XPS 8000
OS
Windows 7
CPU
I5 750
Memory
8 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI 4350
Monitor(s) Displays
2 Dell
Hard Drives
1 TB
Hey.

A little advice: With the exception of monitor drivers, you shouldn't ever allow Windows Update to install any drivers for the system. They are best found on the manufacturers' websites.

You should update everything you can think of including chipset/motherboard drivers and video card.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
self built
OS
7600.20510 x86
CPU
P4 550 3.4 GHz HT running at 3.5 GHz
Motherboard
MSI PM8M3-V (MS-7211 v1.x) Micro-ATX mainboard
Memory
OCZ 2 GB(2x1GB) DDR400mHz running @ 414 mHz
Graphics Card(s)
HIS Radeon HD 3850 IceQ 3 Turbo HDMI Dual DL-DVI AGP
Sound Card
MOTU Traveler firewire studio interface 192 kHz 24 bit
Monitor(s) Displays
22" widescreen Acer X223W LCD, 17" Compaq P75 CRT
Screen Resolution
1680x1050 and 1280x1024
Hard Drives
SATA I x2 WD, 400 GB and 120 GB, SATA 2 WD Caviar Black 1 TB
PSU
350W generic
Case
Cybertronpc, it glows blue
Cooling
stock cpu fan, Ice-Q 3 gpu and system, many case fans
Keyboard
Logitch Classical Keyboard 200
Mouse
Logitech Mediaplay cordless
Internet Speed
1792/448 kbits/sec
Other Info
SATA II PCI fake RAID adapter, 1 GB Readyboost, original ATI Remote Wonder (even works with WMC perfectly), Logitech Rumblepad 2 game controller x2
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