my computer freeze all the time

[ieh4f]

recently my pc freezes when l keep running a program for about 5 to 10 minutes, l mean the system just halts and nothing works anymore and l have to manually reboot it every time, l know it is a hardware problem, but l dont know where actually goes wrong, could somebody give me an answer?

[budz]

upgrade to xp since i see you're still using windows ME.

[t0nee1]

Most likely a driver prob..Have you installed any new progs. lately?
What prog you run when it happens? maybe upgrade your OS..
better yet your sys. 450mhz? no offense!!!!!

[redwudz]

Not enough information. Running what program

But first guess would be CPU overheat. Can you boot into BIOS? Your BIOS may have a temperature measuring page where you can see the system and CPU temps. Another way to test is to remove the left case cover and blow a desk fan in there and try again. If you get much longer times before the freeze, then it's likely a overheat problem. Blow out the dust, add more case fans and get a better CPU cooler.

If not overheat, then bad RAM is one possibility. You can run Memtest86. http://www.memtest86.com/

There are other hardware possibilities. But if not hardware, then software. Run some virus scans, along with adware and trojan scans. I use AVG, Spyware Blaster, SpyBot S&D. Or try a program like Trend Micro to do a free scan. http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

[ieh4f]

when l run program(virtualdub and total video converter) to change video format , like mpg to avi, xvid to divx, etc, it wont last more than 5 mins , but it seems it has no problem in downloading files from the web or bt, also it freezes too when playing rmvb files and videos in youtube, but it has no problem in avi files....., l tried to reinstall the windows, but it freezed so many time in the last stage of the installation that l have to install the windows in another hard disk, this time it only freeze once and l could complete the installation, but it still freezes when l run the above program, so can it be the orginal hard disk? can this hard disk still make my pc freeze even if l run the windows in another hard disk?

[redwudz]

Your description still sounds like the possible causes listed above. CPU overheat, Failing power supply, bad memory or a failing motherboard. Usually a failing hard drive will have problems all the time.

The problems appear to happen when you stress your system. That is common with encoding. It can also happen on playback of highly compressed files, like RMVB or H264.

Or it may be simpler if your system is as listed in your computer details. You may just be running out of memory and hard drive space. If you don't have enough memory, the hard drive is used more. If you are running ME, I don't know if it has a Task Manager like XP, but if so, that may show how much resources you are using.

The freezing while installing the OS can also be caused by bad RAM modules.

About the only advice I can give you is to try to rule out a few causes. Trade out the memory if you have some spare or run memtest. Clean out any dust in the CPU cooler. Make sure all your fans are working. If you have a spare hard drive, try that.

[classfour]

You may want to research the internet regarding if your particular machine has motherboard problems: I've run into some Gateway Select modes that had bad capacitors that behaved much like this - including the problems with ME install.

BTW: On ME and 98SE I've noted problems on install unless the hard drive is completely wiped using the manufacturer's software (i.e. MaxBlast, SeaTools, etc.).

But with one that won't get past a few minutes on the install - I'd suspect the processor is overheating, hard drive is dying, power supply is going, or motherboard is dying

[ieh4f]

l removed the case, blow a fan to the interior of it, it has not freezed any more so far, so it seems it really is a cpu overheat problem, but what is a cpu cooler? what does it look like? is it the fan at the back of my pc? it seems working ok to me, how can l clean out the dust from it or replace a new one? is it expensive compared to a hard disk or motherboard? sorry for so many questions

[zoobie]

it's a little fan that sits directly on top of the cpu's heatsink on the mobo. the rear fan is your powersupply. I think I bought a cpu fan for $7 at radio shack

[bevills1]

See http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category.aspx?Category=11&name=Cooling-Fans-Heatsinks
to see what some look like. Be sure to get 1 that matches your CPU/heat sink since they are different sizes depending on the CPU/heat sink.

[Krispy Kritter]

Without knowing exactly what type of pc you have, we can only give you generic information. The cpu and cpu cooler attach directly to the motherboard. The cpu itself is roughly 2in by 2in square, without more info, no one knows what type of cpu cooler is in your pc. Try google for some sample images for more info.

Your best bet, is to get a can of compressed air and use it to thoroughly clean everything inside your computer case. All of the components, heat sinks, fans, everything.

[buttzilla]

Could it be that your case is full of dust bunnies. It sounds to me like it is over heating. Open the case and use can of compressed air and blow out the cpu fan and everyting else. And like the one guy said upgrade to xp or at least upgrade to 2000 sp4. ME is the all time crash king.

[classfour]

I don't believe XP is going to run on what you have (socket 370 mobo with 192mb RAM) the processor's for that type of motherboard maxed out around 550mhz or so, maybe 700 at the tops. Most of the RAM is going to max out at 512MB at best - which will run XP, but will likely be PC133 or PC100 - and pricey. Windows 2000 might be a better choice on an older machine.

[handyguy]

We get topics like this whenever the weather starts warming up.

There are also bios settings that can control what your computer does when it gets too hot that you can look at.