Windows 7 crashing under certain circumstances

[ProudAtheist]

My computer specs:

• asus rampage II extreme motherboard
• intel i7 920 processor
• Nvidia GeForce 9600 GSO graphics card
• Windows 7 Ultimate x64

The problem first occurred when I came to my room and turned on my tv to find my desktop screen all frazzled (my computer had been on). I first assumed it was my tv so I connected it to a CRT monitor and the display was the same. I could not see my mouse moving and I could not get into the task manager so I had to turn off my computer by holding down the power button. I turned my computer on and entered into safe mode and the problem did not occur. In safe mode I saved all my files in the library (videos, documents) and cleanly installed Windows 7 (I made sure to format my drive). After windows had installed the windows aero theme was not on so when I turned it on the problem started happening. First the screen frazzled slightly and I had limited mouse control but after a couple of second I could not move the cursor or any thing else. On the Windows SevenForums I was lucky enough to find someone else with a machine with similar symptoms. http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-...stopped-working-after-crash-system-resto.html

This person's solution was to to perform a repair and there was a guide for the repair on the post and I followed the guide, but the problem continues to persist. After completing the repair I also ran sfc /scannow and had I a clean report. Currently I have windows 7 running the classic theme. The freeze occurs when I change my theme back to aero, and every time during the windows experiance index where windows rates the machine. To be exact it happen when it is performing the direct3d 9 Texture Load Assessment. The freeze has also occurred when I ran certain browser videos. A youtube video, a live stream video from own3d.tv, and an hd stream from netfliks.ca. An sd stream from netfliks gave no problem and I also watched a 720p .mkv file without trouble.

I have no idea what is wrong and I would appreciate it if some could tell me whether the problem is hardware based or software based.

I am attaching some picture that i took with my phone of the freeze up.

 

[scrooge]

i'd first try resetting my bios back to defult and see if it still happens. is there onboard video on your motherboard? if there is try removing your video card and use the onboard and see if it still happens.also
you may want to open your case and see if theres dust buildup in it. did you check your temps to see if its
overheating ?

 

[CarlTR6]

You might try different video drivers. Start with the latest driver and work your way down the list. I ended up using the fourth driver down the list with my nVidia card.

 

[ProudAtheist]

I opened up my computer to clean the dust and I discovered the two of my case fans are stiff and not as easy to physically spin as others. My case has the following cooling specs

• Cooling System
  • Front: 2 X 120 mm Blue LED (included)
  • Rear: 1 X 120 mm (included)
  • Side Panel: 1 X 120mm Blue LED (included)
  • Top: 2 X 140mm Fan (included)

When I turn my system on the same two fans are not functioning and the two fans in question are the one in the back of the tower and one on the top. I plan to take those fans and then open them to perform a thorough cleaning. Could this be the reason for my problem? I will post again once I am done cleaning the fans or replaced them.

 

[CarlTR6]

If you are overheating, it could certainly be the cause of the problem.

 

[ProudAtheist]

Hello, While I was cleaning my fans I pulled out my graphics card, and upon closer examination the capacitor like pieces on my graphics card have popped; most likely due to over heating. Here are some pictures below. Serves me right for my carelessness. Thank you for all of your suggestions and advice. Lesson Learned.

 

[ProudAtheist]

got a new graphics card and the problem is resolved.