Member Avatar for AALLGOD

hello. I have a very annoying problem with my OS. My computer freezes within minutes of turning on the computer. It usually happens whenever I attempt to web browse or install something. Within seconds after attempting to do anything, the computer locks up and I am forced to manually turn off the computer. I reset my CMOS, switched PSU (currently i have a 420 watt), ran memtest86 on my ram (no problems found), and reformatted my computer. I can not think of any possible solutions to this problem. Also, it cannot be an overheating issue... the comp freezes while the case is open or closed.
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

Computer Specs:
p4 2.53GHz (@FSB 533MHz)
512MB Corsair DDR-400 pc3200 RAM (model CX512-3200C2)
TurboMax 420 watt PSU (+3.3 +5 +12 @ 28A 40A 18A)
Viewsonic 19" CRT monitor
Sony 16X DVD-Rom
Plextor 40X CD-RW drive
Western Digital Hard Drives (80GB and 60GB)
Soundblaster Audigy Gamer
Radeon 9700 Pro
Mobo: MSI 648-Max (model: ms-6585 Ver. 1.0)

  • 5 Contributors
  • 6 Replies
  • 198 Views
  • 4 Years Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by goomnaga

Dani AI

Generated

Short, focused troubleshooting notes based on the thread: because the machine is freezing even during a Windows reinstall, software causes (installers, boot-sector quirks or worms suggested earlier by and ) become less likely and hardware should be the first focus — that is exactly what Microsoft/XP-era guidance and community experience recommend when setup hangs repeatedly. (learn.microsoft.com)

Start with a strict, ordered isolation workflow (do these before buying parts):

  • Bench the system: power off, move the board out of the case onto a nonconductive surface, leave only CPU+cooler, one known-good RAM stick in the primary slot, PSU, and video (or onboard video).
  • Remove all extra cards, drives and USB devices. Try one RAM stick in each slot to rule out bad sockets.
  • Swap in a known-good PSU or use a PSU tester/multimeter to check rails under power.
  • If you can get to an OS, run logs (Event Viewer) and stress tests; if it freezes before OS, test from a Live USB to see whether the problem is OS-specific.

Bench/minimal-boot is the fastest eliminator; PSU checks are cheap and decisive. (daniweb.com)

Quick hardware-only checks and cautions: visually inspect the motherboard around the VRM and capacitor banks for bulging/leaking caps or scorch marks — bad caps and failing VRMs often produce exactly these symptoms. If caps look bad, the board is a prime suspect; replacing electrolytics can work but is a repair shop job unless you solder. Avoid heavy stress testing until cooling and power delivery are confirmed. (tomshardware.com)

If minimal-boot + PSU swap still freezes, the motherboard (or that board’s power-delivery) is the most likely cause — replacing the mainboard fixed the same problem for another member (). Keep a copy of any logs or mini-dumps when available (Event Viewer / crash dumps) to rule out drivers if the system ever reaches Windows. If you cannot isolate the fault safely, get a local shop to bench-test/swaps; that saves time and expense.

References: How to test a PSU (How-To Geek) · Recognize failed capacitors (Tom's Hardware) · (see also community minimal-boot advice).

Recommended Answers

All 6 Replies

Member Avatar for gdancel

Try repartitioning your HD before reloading the OS. Your system might be having a boot sector virus.

Member Avatar for caperjack

Are you using ,Winxp home or pro ,with SP1 ,Are you getting any error message !You may
have the Blaster 32 worm !

Member Avatar for Roberdin

Doesn't that just crash the Remote Procedure Call Service, which triggers an automated shutdown because no other systerm service can run without it? Not a freeze.

Member Avatar for caperjack

Yeah ,I guess so ,1 track mind lately .and its early .

Member Avatar for AALLGOD

strangely, I just did repartition my comp. I thought this would solve the problem. But my computer actually froze up while reinstalling Windows XP Home! It took me multiple times to reformat without freezing. man, this problem is out of whack! Any other suggestions?

BTW, if i did have a boot sector virus, how do you remedy that? Also, is there a prog out there that can test for motherboard errors?

Member Avatar for goomnaga

I had the same problem recently and it turned out to be the mobo. I had an MSI also.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.