PC Hangs Randomly

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johnbil

johnbil

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Apr 25, 2013
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I’ve been having a number of problems over the last month or so. Some have been fixed, but the most annoying one remains.

My PC freezes up/hangs randomly. No particular program seems to cause it. The screen seems to lock up and the screen image seems translucent. I have to reboot to get things rolling again. The problem seems to be happening much more frequently and I’ve noticed that the PC will shut down after a little while if I don’t reboot.

So far, I’ve reinstalled Windows (going from Windows 7 to Windows 7-SP1), but that didn’t help. I’ve also run CHKDSK, reinstalled my Video drivers and tried MS-Fixit.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks…John
 
Solution
Chiisu
When you turn the computer on make sure the fans are all running (spinning). Fans can be located on the CPU and on the case other fans to consider would be the Graphic Card. Nice thought by the repair store I do not know why I did not suggest it, usually one of the first things I check. If any of the fans are not spinning at all you need to replace them. You will also want to clean you PC watch this video before do so as you can short circuit different components.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QZ8j46GB2w
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Aragorn

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Feb 17, 2005
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Start by testing you PSU (if you don't have a PSU tester see if a local computer repair shop will test it for you, or swap in another one). If that doesn't uncover the problem then check your motherboard (first a visual inspection for any capacitors that look puffed up or out in any way) then by swapping a new board in if possible. I have repaired machines as a side job for 7 years and built many of my own. Those two issues seem to cover virtually all the random crash/freeze problems I have dealt with. If the above steps don't solve the issue then you may need to format and reinstall (possibly the only free option so many people try it first but since XP sp1 I have found it rarely solves the problem).
 
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johnbil

johnbil

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I tested the HD - no problems. I don't have the ability to test the power supply or swap out equipment so I'm probably stuck. I already reinstalled the OS. Not sure what I should do next.
 
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Chiisu

Chiisu

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PSU and bad capacitors as Aragorn pointed out can very much be the reason for this. Google 'bad capacitors' to get an idea of what they look like and check you capacitors on your motherboard. Also if you can not test or do not feel comfortable check things out yourself take your computer to a local shop to get worked on.
 
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johnbil

johnbil

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I checked the MB as suggested – no puffy capacitors.

I spoke to someone in a repair store who begrudgingly said that it might be a fan issue rather than a MB or video card problem. I’m thinking this it may be the case. When it shuts down, I now have to let it sit a while before it will restart. It’s probably cooling down.

Could this be so? If it is, do I replace the CPU fan or the other fan on the board? Or can it be controlled by software?

So to be so all over the place, but this one is driving me nuts.

Thanks for the help,
John
 
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Chiisu

Chiisu

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Apr 30, 2012
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When you turn the computer on make sure the fans are all running (spinning). Fans can be located on the CPU and on the case other fans to consider would be the Graphic Card. Nice thought by the repair store I do not know why I did not suggest it, usually one of the first things I check. If any of the fans are not spinning at all you need to replace them. You will also want to clean you PC watch this video before do so as you can short circuit different components.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QZ8j46GB2w
 
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Solution
johnbil

johnbil

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Well I finally gave up. I tried two video cards (too new to be compatible with my older motherboard). I tested the fans. I didn’t have access to other motherboards or power supplies so I brought it to a local shop.

As you suggested, it was the power supply, which was working erratically.

I want to thank you both for your time and advice. It was very helpful.

John
 
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