Problems with Computer.....
Discussion
I don't know whats going on but something isn't working right, and I'm not sure what it is.
My computer keeps crashing on me constantly, every 5 minutes or so, it boots up fine straight after, but then crashes again.
Even now, all I am looking at are two smileys in small white squares above this white box that I am typing into. It doesn't make sense and I can't work out whats wrong. I thought my Win ME partition might be full so I've spent the last hour clearing all the sh*te off of it, removed nearly 50 programs that I don't use, over 2 GB of stuff all in all and it still isn't any better.
I plan to reformat the disk later on today or tomorrow, but I fear that doing that will leave without a computer as I don't think this is OS related.
The problem affects both Win ME and 2K which is on a seperate partition which makes me think it is hardware related but I'm not sure how or why?
Anyone got any ideas?
TIA
Stuart.
My computer keeps crashing on me constantly, every 5 minutes or so, it boots up fine straight after, but then crashes again.
Even now, all I am looking at are two smileys in small white squares above this white box that I am typing into. It doesn't make sense and I can't work out whats wrong. I thought my Win ME partition might be full so I've spent the last hour clearing all the sh*te off of it, removed nearly 50 programs that I don't use, over 2 GB of stuff all in all and it still isn't any better.
I plan to reformat the disk later on today or tomorrow, but I fear that doing that will leave without a computer as I don't think this is OS related.
The problem affects both Win ME and 2K which is on a seperate partition which makes me think it is hardware related but I'm not sure how or why?
Anyone got any ideas?
TIA
Stuart.
Whoa! Don't do anything drastic like reformatting the hard disk. It sounds like a virus. How good is your anti-virus software and is it upto date? Do you have a decent firewall in place? Don't go ripping your hardware apart either, checking the cooling first is good advice.
Edited to say it looks like a variant of the blaster virus.
>> Edited by Godfrey H on Sunday 12th October 09:18
Edited to say it looks like a variant of the blaster virus.
>> Edited by Godfrey H on Sunday 12th October 09:18
Well now that I have got it working with some reliability...
The Smilies bit. While I was typing the message, the screen went black, and all I could see was the white box you write, and the only two smilies that move above it.
Anti - Virus Software, none just now, got an up-to-date version of ZoneAlarm which is closed down at the mo, to give the PC some reliability.
It appears to be somehting to do with the Cooling. I've whipped the sides off the case, and at that point, when I re-booted the CPU's Core Temp (as brought to you by the Motherboard) was 45deg C
Let it cool down overnight, and here I am, it's still quite volatile, but I think a new case should sort that, maybe a bigger heatsink and fan too. I built it myself and It's run without major fault for over 2 years, but the case was from my old Time and wasn't designed for 850Athlons.
So fingers crossed I'm back up and running again.
The Smilies bit. While I was typing the message, the screen went black, and all I could see was the white box you write, and the only two smilies that move above it.
Anti - Virus Software, none just now, got an up-to-date version of ZoneAlarm which is closed down at the mo, to give the PC some reliability.
It appears to be somehting to do with the Cooling. I've whipped the sides off the case, and at that point, when I re-booted the CPU's Core Temp (as brought to you by the Motherboard) was 45deg C
Let it cool down overnight, and here I am, it's still quite volatile, but I think a new case should sort that, maybe a bigger heatsink and fan too. I built it myself and It's run without major fault for over 2 years, but the case was from my old Time and wasn't designed for 850Athlons.
So fingers crossed I'm back up and running again.
Seems I spoke too soon.
It was a 'Submit Reply - Back to Topic - and crash' job.
I've removed the PSU from the case and it is now sitting on the top, and a secondary fan it blowing (rather large amounts) of cool air at the heatsink.
The PSU and the CPU were sitting practically on top of each other in the rather cramped case, so hopefully this will make a difference. Only time will tell however.
New Heatsink/Fan and case on Tuesday I think.
It was a 'Submit Reply - Back to Topic - and crash' job.
I've removed the PSU from the case and it is now sitting on the top, and a secondary fan it blowing (rather large amounts) of cool air at the heatsink.
The PSU and the CPU were sitting practically on top of each other in the rather cramped case, so hopefully this will make a difference. Only time will tell however.
New Heatsink/Fan and case on Tuesday I think.
45C is not too bad. Can normaly run up to 60 without too many problems.
Would definatley recommend Anti virus software. Also unplug as many peripherals as possible including any floppy/hard drives/cd/dvd you aren't using. Try to stabilise the system then add things back one at a time
Would definatley recommend Anti virus software. Also unplug as many peripherals as possible including any floppy/hard drives/cd/dvd you aren't using. Try to stabilise the system then add things back one at a time
I think the main problem is the Heatsink and fan could do with being MUCH bigger. Fan I've got just now isn't very good, and the heatsink seems a bit on the weeny side.
The system seems to be quite stable just now. Haven't had too much of a problem with it for the last couple of days, though I haven't done much.
It's good enough at the moment to run my LGV Theory Test CDRom, though it crashes every time I close it.
AS for antivirus. It probably is asking for trouble, but, hey, it's one of those things! I'm protected from On-line attack by Zone Alarm which suits me. Have't had AV for 5 years and never had a virus.
The system seems to be quite stable just now. Haven't had too much of a problem with it for the last couple of days, though I haven't done much.
It's good enough at the moment to run my LGV Theory Test CDRom, though it crashes every time I close it.
AS for antivirus. It probably is asking for trouble, but, hey, it's one of those things! I'm protected from On-line attack by Zone Alarm which suits me. Have't had AV for 5 years and never had a virus.
Hi !
There has been a large amount of problems over the last couple of months caused by security issues with operating systems.
Basically there are programs which infect you computer while even browsing the web !
My main PC got infected , I had zonealarm , an Anti-virus program and only a few programs installed.
Never open attachments.
These programs, commonly referred to as Spyware can do many things. They serve you ads based on websites youve been to. Track useage patterns.
There is software available which scans and removes Spyware. Some programs will only function within certain spyware installed.
Quite a few of my friends use this:
www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
which is free for personal use I think.
Alternatives can be found via google
search for spyware remover software .
*Do back up your system of all programs data before running this software as it can sometimes cause problems. Proceed at your own risk -you have been warned.*
Finally , make sure your Operating system is upto date....I am running XP and have downloaded all major (Critical) updates.
The *great* thing about XP is that you can set restore points...if you create one then insall somehting and your computer has problems you can go back to the restore point. This is a huge time saver.
Remember to back up imortant data before running programs mentioned.
There has been a large amount of problems over the last couple of months caused by security issues with operating systems.
Basically there are programs which infect you computer while even browsing the web !
My main PC got infected , I had zonealarm , an Anti-virus program and only a few programs installed.
Never open attachments.
These programs, commonly referred to as Spyware can do many things. They serve you ads based on websites youve been to. Track useage patterns.
There is software available which scans and removes Spyware. Some programs will only function within certain spyware installed.
Quite a few of my friends use this:
www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
which is free for personal use I think.
Alternatives can be found via google
search for spyware remover software .
*Do back up your system of all programs data before running this software as it can sometimes cause problems. Proceed at your own risk -you have been warned.*
Finally , make sure your Operating system is upto date....I am running XP and have downloaded all major (Critical) updates.
The *great* thing about XP is that you can set restore points...if you create one then insall somehting and your computer has problems you can go back to the restore point. This is a huge time saver.
Remember to back up imortant data before running programs mentioned.
If you are convinced that it's a heat problem, you may be able to (depending on your mobo) set a CPU temperature warning, say at 55C so it will let you know with a beep or 2 if it's getting too hot. You can also set a cpu shut down to trigger at a certain temperature.
My hunch is that it's software related though.
My hunch is that it's software related though.
CPU core temp of 45C is NOT a problem, unless the measured value is being reported wrongly 
Even if AMD designed their chips to a junction temp of 85C (the lowest setting designer ever use), then this would equate to something like 60C in still-air at the PCB level.
Most processor designs are done with 125C junction temp in mind, which even with a safety margin means you could run to 75C on the PCB in still-air.
If you tell me which chip it is, I'll see what AMD says.
IMHO, the best way to reduce the temp on a processor is to fit a heatsink with an inbuilt fan (if you don't already have this. RS do a pretty good range : http://rswww.com
Unfortunately the direct link didn't work, so you'll have to click on "Products -> Information Technology" Then select "Computers" from the available categories. This will then give a new list of available categoris, of which "Processor Cooling Fans" is one.
My money's on the blaster worm virus shutting your machine down though!!
>> Edited by sheepy on Thursday 16th October 13:23
Even if AMD designed their chips to a junction temp of 85C (the lowest setting designer ever use), then this would equate to something like 60C in still-air at the PCB level.
Most processor designs are done with 125C junction temp in mind, which even with a safety margin means you could run to 75C on the PCB in still-air.
If you tell me which chip it is, I'll see what AMD says.
IMHO, the best way to reduce the temp on a processor is to fit a heatsink with an inbuilt fan (if you don't already have this. RS do a pretty good range : http://rswww.com
Unfortunately the direct link didn't work, so you'll have to click on "Products -> Information Technology" Then select "Computers" from the available categories. This will then give a new list of available categoris, of which "Processor Cooling Fans" is one.
My money's on the blaster worm virus shutting your machine down though!!
>> Edited by sheepy on Thursday 16th October 13:23
Only recommendation to that i would say is get shut of windows ME, notoriously the most buggy release of windows.
If you have windows98 ver.2 then install that if not try and get a copy of windows 2000 if you just run apps and simple games, if you play games, quake, unreal tournament etc get xp, preferably pro if you can afford it.
If you have windows98 ver.2 then install that if not try and get a copy of windows 2000 if you just run apps and simple games, if you play games, quake, unreal tournament etc get xp, preferably pro if you can afford it.
Sheepy
I'm running an AMD Athlon 850.
The computer seems to run fine, but it doesn't shut down, it just stops, but only ever after I've closed something.
I was working with the DSA Theory Test for Large Vehicles CD Last week, and every time I closed it the computer just froze. but it was OK when the program was running, and the same happened with the Hazard Perception training prgram. Only when it was closed down did the computer froze.
I'm at a complete loss.
I'm running an AMD Athlon 850.
The computer seems to run fine, but it doesn't shut down, it just stops, but only ever after I've closed something.
I was working with the DSA Theory Test for Large Vehicles CD Last week, and every time I closed it the computer just froze. but it was OK when the program was running, and the same happened with the Hazard Perception training prgram. Only when it was closed down did the computer froze.
I'm at a complete loss.
annodomini2 said:
Only recommendation to that i would say is get shut of windows ME, notoriously the most buggy release of windows.
If you have windows98 ver.2 then install that if not try and get a copy of windows 2000 if you just run apps and simple games, if you play games, quake, unreal tournament etc get xp, preferably pro if you can afford it.
Well. I have Win 3.11, Win 95, Win 98, Win 98Version 2, Windows ME, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server, Windows XP Home, Windows XP Pro and Suse Linux Version 6or7(?).
But the problem isn't just in ME, it happens in 2000 Pro as much as in ME.
My Hard Drive is broken up into 3 Partitions, one partition of 15Gig is for Linux, 2000 runs on a 10 gig partition and ME on a 5gig. I'm trying to get rid of Linix cos I don't use it anymore and could do with the space.
On ME I do most of my surfing, music downloading and gaming.
2000 was used primarily for college work but since I left college 18 months ago I have barely used it at all.
After all the problems starting 3 weeks ago, I started using 2000 again, but the problems started happening immediatly which makes me think hardware. But I've tried everything i ca think of bar replacing everything and there is very little difference.
I have removed everything that I believed to be Spyware. after I downloaded the latest Kazaa update, a lot of rubbish followed it, and I got shot of most of that, my next step is Kazaa itself, and Win MX!
I can see me taking this thing back to basics and still getting nowhere!
[quote=tvradict]
Well. I have Win 3.11, Win 95, Win 98, Win 98Version 2, Windows ME, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server, Windows XP Home, Windows XP Pro and Suse Linux Version 6or7(?).
But the problem isn't just in ME, it happens in 2000 Pro as much as in ME.
My Hard Drive is broken up into 3 Partitions, one partition of 15Gig is for Linux, 2000 runs on a 10 gig partition and ME on a 5gig. I'm trying to get rid of Linix cos I don't use it anymore and could do with the space.
/quote]
You're doing it the wrong way round. Get rid of all those Windoze installations and use Linux for everything.
In particular, use it now. If you still get the crashes, it's a hardware problem. If Linux doesn't crash, it's probably a Windoze virus, which has infected at least two of your Windoze installations.
Well. I have Win 3.11, Win 95, Win 98, Win 98Version 2, Windows ME, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server, Windows XP Home, Windows XP Pro and Suse Linux Version 6or7(?).
But the problem isn't just in ME, it happens in 2000 Pro as much as in ME.
My Hard Drive is broken up into 3 Partitions, one partition of 15Gig is for Linux, 2000 runs on a 10 gig partition and ME on a 5gig. I'm trying to get rid of Linix cos I don't use it anymore and could do with the space.
/quote]
You're doing it the wrong way round. Get rid of all those Windoze installations and use Linux for everything.
In particular, use it now. If you still get the crashes, it's a hardware problem. If Linux doesn't crash, it's probably a Windoze virus, which has infected at least two of your Windoze installations.
For that prcoessor, AMD recommend a maximum junction temperature of 90C. For the PC design, they recommend a maximum ambient temperature inside the box of 42C if a passive heatsink is used.
Question is : You mentioned seeing 45C, where is that being measured? If it's from the CPU itself, then no issue. If it's based on a sensor under the heatsink, again no issue, but if it's measuring the ambient temp of the enclosed box, then there may be an issue.
AMD recommend two fans: One to pull air over the PSU, the other to pull air through the PC main case. They also recommend an active heatsink (ie with an inbuilt fan).
If your CPU was halting due to temperature, I'd expect to see that the box rebooted due to watchdog timeouts. The fact that you seem to be describing the system hanging implies a H/W clash or possible memory fault.
I'd be inclined to pull the dram, clean the contacts and re-seat the simms. Also, check any other chips which are plugged in (rather than soldered). Make sure none have been shaken a bit loose.
Would be interested to hear how stable your PC is with Linux.
Sheepy
Question is : You mentioned seeing 45C, where is that being measured? If it's from the CPU itself, then no issue. If it's based on a sensor under the heatsink, again no issue, but if it's measuring the ambient temp of the enclosed box, then there may be an issue.
AMD recommend two fans: One to pull air over the PSU, the other to pull air through the PC main case. They also recommend an active heatsink (ie with an inbuilt fan).
If your CPU was halting due to temperature, I'd expect to see that the box rebooted due to watchdog timeouts. The fact that you seem to be describing the system hanging implies a H/W clash or possible memory fault.
I'd be inclined to pull the dram, clean the contacts and re-seat the simms. Also, check any other chips which are plugged in (rather than soldered). Make sure none have been shaken a bit loose.
Would be interested to hear how stable your PC is with Linux.
Sheepy
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