My Dell i620 desktop freezes (locks) up from time to time... Why?

[limewire]

So I bought a new desktop computer about 2 weeks ago and ever since I got it, it's been freezing (locking) up on me at random times. I currently use Windows 7 64-bit. I put in a new graphics card and new memory sticks just the other day and I got the same freezing problem. It's very random. I can be surfing the web and the next thing you know, the whole thing freezes up. I can't move the mouse. Can't do CTRL ALT DEL. Can't do anything. Seems as if the whole computer locks up. The only way to restart the computer is by manually holding in the power button for a few seconds. So since I replaced graphics card and installed new memory, I was thinking it may be something else causing this... Any suggestions?

 

[Pyree]

Open task manager and monitor process. Record the process causing the freeze and see if there is an update for it or uninstall it.

 

[limewire]

I also notice that the desktop makes a quick "zap" sound right before it freezes up. Sounds like a mini lightning bolt if that makes any sense...

 

[limewire]

Open task manager and monitor process. Record the process causing the freeze and see if there is an update for it or uninstall it.

Does task manager log in previous errors? I mean, if the computer freezes up, will task manager tell me what happened after rebooting the computer? Task manager won't help when the system freezes unless it gives me an error report right before it happens... right?

 

[Pyree]

Can you check your HDD? I think that zap you hear is a HDD click.

 

[Pyree]

Task manager will not log previous error, the reliability report will log program freeze thou.

 

[limewire]

Can you check your HDD? I think that zap you hear is a HDD click.

What's a good way to check if my hdd is healthy or not?

 

[Pyree]

Try HD tune.

 

[limewire]

I will do that and run the reliability report... and get back to you Thanks for the help so far. Anything I should look for in HD Tune?

 

[Pyree]

The S.M.A.R.T report from HD tune.

 

[limewire]

Ok so no errors from HD tune and ram diagnosis ran smoothly with no hiccups. I ordered a brand new psu. If I replace that and these freezing issues still happens, I'm probably thinking its the motherboard thats causing all the havoc. The reliability report shows me nothing but programs that closed unexpectedly like IE8.

 

[Pyree]

May as well give PSU a try.

I think we can rule out IE8 since not all freeze is when you are using IE8.

 

[fangly]

I had the same issue. I tried everything I could think of and then stumbled onto a weird suggestion: uninstall and reinstall the wireless card drivers. Sure enough it worked.

 

[Yangsta]

I have the same problem, but I am directly connected to my router. Any thoughts?