Bad RAM or hardware other issue?

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Rob Sutton

Honorable
Aug 30, 2013
2
0
10,510
My computer suddenly started hanging up when loading the browser and I finally determined that it is somehow using way too much memory through Task Manager. But it's not just the browser, it's any app that's memory intensive. Normally with just the OS running it uses about 33% of available memory but it's jumped up to around 55% now. And if I try to start any program it hangs up and eventually says "not responding."

I can't close the program by clicking on the X and most times I can't even shut it down using Task Manager. Funny thing is though most other operations seem to be working fast - like when I click on Start it pops right up and shows the display quickly. If I click on Control Panel this loads right up. But if I attempt to open anything from there like Device Manager or Programs and Features it's slow and anything afterwards just doesn't work at all.

But, if I boot in Safe Mode everything works fine and the memory demand is back to normal.

At first I thought I had a virus or Trojan but I've definitely ruled that out. It has to be a hardware issue. So how do I determine if the problem is bad memory, bad cables, bad mobo, or what?

SYSTEM
Windows 7 Ultimate
AMD Athlon X2 processor @ 3.0 Ghz
2.0 Ghz RAM
 
Solution
Tradesman1
Think you'll like it, it a handy little program, especially if you occasionally run Benchmarks or the like, can disable most all startup and come close to running with a clean install, then just re-enable the startups you like/use......can prob go ahead and close the thread out ;)
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

Legenda in Aeternum
Jun 5, 2013
67,883
40
126,960
May be a driver or something that loads at startup - can get a program called WinPatrol (free) that allows you to easily manage startup programs (allows you to disable or re-enable them) which is easier than using MSCONFIG - could check what programs are in start-up and disable unneeded ones, if any doubt drop a note with what you aren't sure about
 
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R

Rob Sutton

Honorable
Aug 30, 2013
2
0
10,510


Thanks. Well I installed the HDD in a different PC and it had the exact same problem so it was definitely software related. I was unable to conclusively determine the problem but I suspect it was my Netgear wireless manager as that has a way of crapping out for no apparent reason. Also, I had like 15 different network profiles from changing back and forth between wireless and hard wire connections. I'm wondering if that created some sort of conflict?

I ended up just buying a new wireless card and HDD (time for a larger one anyway) and reinstalled the OS. I don't like that method of solving problems but as dated as this system is new hardware doesn't hurt.

I will definitely try WinPatrol. With only 2 Ghz of RAM I do use MSCONFIG frequently to monitor what is in Startup.

Thanks again.
 
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

Legenda in Aeternum
Jun 5, 2013
67,883
40
126,960
Think you'll like it, it a handy little program, especially if you occasionally run Benchmarks or the like, can disable most all startup and come close to running with a clean install, then just re-enable the startups you like/use......can prob go ahead and close the thread out ;)
 
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Solution
Z

zeety

Honorable
Nov 14, 2012
6
0
10,510
Thanks all, I solved this problem myself months ago. It turned out my CPU was over-heating due to pet hair clogging the fan and cooling tower. It wasn't obvious when I did a cursory inspection, but then it started blue screening and doing an auto shutdown and I removed the CPU to find the problem.

The CPU operating temp had gone up to 70 C a few minutes after startup. After cleaning it went down to 31 C.
 
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