Member Avatar for EdCBaum

My hppavillionze1250 freezes erratically. I have tried reinstalling the OS and that has not cured the problem. Using Windows XP. Thanx

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Good follow-up from and a solid nudge from — intermittent freezes like this are most often caused by hardware problems rather than Windows itself. Below are practical, low-risk steps and checks that add depth to the RAM test/wipe approach already discussed and help pin down the root cause so the problem stays fixed.

Start with memory isolation and testing: create a bootable memory tester (MemTest86 or similar) and run it for several full passes—overnight if possible. Test one DIMM at a time and try each memory slot. If errors show only with a particular stick, replace that stick; if errors follow a slot, the motherboard contact is suspect. Reseat modules, clean contacts with compressed air, and avoid static when handling parts.

Secondary checks to rule out other hardware:

  • Run a full disk check (chkdsk /r) and, if available, the drive maker’s extended diagnostic.
  • Inspect cooling: clean vents, verify the fan spins, and watch temperatures (overheat can cause random freezes).
  • Test on AC power with the battery removed (and vice versa) to rule out adapter/battery faults.
  • Check Event Viewer for repeated Stop codes or disk/controller errors if the system boots.

Before wiping or reinstalling: back up data, delete partitions and perform a full format (not quick) if you suspect lingering disk corruption. If the laptop is under warranty, contact HP before opening it. Finally, if tests are clean but freezes persist, consider BIOS/firmware updates from HP or professional hardware diagnosis — intermittent faults can be tricky to catch without spare parts to swap.

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Member Avatar for John A

My hppavillionze1250 freezes erratically. I have tried reinstalling the OS and that has not cured the problem. Using Windows XP. Thanx

Did you completely wipe the hard drive before you reinstalled Windows XP?

If this isn't the solution, maybe your RAM is faulty. Bad RAM can lead to strange results, from losing a few bytes of memory, to a full system crash. I suggest you try testing the RAM.
http://www.benchmarkhq.ru/english.html?/be_memory.html

Member Avatar for EdCBaum

Did you completely wipe the hard drive before you reinstalled Windows XP?

If this isn't the solution, maybe your RAM is faulty. Bad RAM can lead to strange results, from losing a few bytes of memory, to a full system crash. I suggest you try testing the RAM.
http://www.benchmarkhq.ru/english.html?/be_memory.html

:DYou seem to be right. I wiped it clean and ran the RAM test. It has now been functioning for several days without freezeing. My thanks and appreciation to you. E

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