Hardware Analysis Community Forums http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/topic/70775/ 2008-10-15T19:09:39-05:00 http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/topic/70775/ http://media.hardwareanalysis.com/halogo.gif text/html 2008-02-21T22:40:52-05:00 john albrich http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/topic/70775/?l=1#529733 Get back to the basics. The first thing you want to do is make sure you can at least get the computer running and stable. That's before adding any bells and whistles, right?<br /> <br /> Remove/disconnect all hardware that is not required to run the system in the minimum configuration possible. In general, that leaves you with the PSU, mobo, ONE hard drive, ONE CD/DVD drive (since you're going to be re-installing), ONE memory stick, and if needed, a video adapter. If you have integrated video and a video card, remove the video card and use only the integrated video for now.<br /> <br /> Clean the system vents, heatsinks, fan-blades, etc...all the stuff related to cooling.<br /> <br /> Re-seat the device connectors, including power connectors.<br /> <br /> Boot into BIOS setup and verify/change the settings, including any memory or CPU timing setting that may be under user control. If you have a choice, set timing options to &quot;Auto&quot;. Disable any devices or functionality (like ethernet, or boot from USB) that you don't currently need.<br /> <br /> Obtain and use a system diagnostics diskette or CD and test all the elements of the system BEFORE you try to install an operating system. This will eliminate hardware problems as contributing to your problem if the tests all pass.<br /> <br /> Assuming they pass, then go back to BIOS setup and enable the &quot;extra&quot; devices you previously disabled.<br /> <br /> Repeat the system diagnostics. If the newly enabled items cause the tests to fail, then keep them disabled.<br /> <br /> Assuming these pass again, then load the OS. Boot, and verify functionality of the various devices on your system while running under the OS drivers.<br /> <br /> If that succeeds, then start adding memory, then devices one at a time. Verifying reliability after each change to the configuration.<br /> <br /> It takes time, but unless you're lucky, it's right way to start isolating the actual cause of your problem. text/html 2008-02-21T21:44:31-05:00 melanie w http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/topic/70775/?l=1#529721 I don't work for Creative, hah. I actually had a friend with me who works for some computer company.<br /> <br /> Thanks, though. I'll give it a try once I find the cd again. text/html 2008-02-21T21:02:42-05:00 _MD_ http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/topic/70775/?l=1#529717 melanie w said: <div class="quote">I went into CMD and manually created all the sound drivers and folders myself, thinking it would work.</div><br /> You must work for Creative if you can write drivers just like that <img src="http://media.hardwareanalysis.com/smilies/smile11.gif" width="14" height="14" border="0" alt=":cool:" title=":cool:"><br /> <br /> <br /> melanie w said: <div class="quote">I've tried everything to fix it and the only thing I can come up with is that the air fans are very dusty, and I was wondering if cleaning it will stop it freezing. </div><br /> Sure... why not?! <img src="http://media.hardwareanalysis.com/smilies/smile3.gif" width="14" height="14" border="0" alt=":D" title=":D"><br /> <br /> <br /> Lol, the post made me smile. In any case, try reformatting again. If the problem will persist, check (and if possible, try replacing) every component especially cpu and ram. Try installing win2k on another harddrive. text/html 2008-02-21T01:04:34-05:00 melanie w http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/topic/70775/?l=1#0 I've searched this forum for an answer to my question and I've yet to find one yet, however I am sorry if I overlooked anything. Anyway:<br /> I've had my desktop computer for about 6 years (it's old, but was always taken care of) and it's an Insignia Windows XP 2000 home edition, maybe it was recently upgraded but I forgot, unfortunately.<br /> Six months ago I reformatted it back to factory conditions, loaded it back up, and this is where the problem began; first the sound drives disappeared. They completely disappeared. Now, I'm 16 and have been fairly experienced with computers, working with them for 7 years and always could fix them, but this is frustrating. I went into CMD and manually created all the sound drivers and folders myself, thinking it would work. It didn't, and somehow caused the drivers to replicate themselves over and over and wouldn't delete even if I went into the drivers screen and deleted them. I think this started the problem.<br /> I recently booted the computer back up after not using it for several months. It worked for several days until I started up the computer and it started to freeze. It has 155 GB hard drive and has no programs or files on it except Mozilla Firefox. Everytime I boot it up, it prompts me for a password, works fine, until it loads the desktop. As soon as it loads, it locks up.<br /> I can move the cursor, and get into the task manager, but after clicking a program or using any commands, the program and taskbar freezes and will not unlock, even if I let it sit for ten to twenty minutes. Also there is nothing wrong with my cpu usage or memory. All is fine.<br /> I've tried everything to fix it and the only thing I can come up with is that the air fans are very dusty, and I was wondering if cleaning it will stop it freezing. Also, I have tried a suggestion made on this forum; I unplugged and reset the modem and even moved it and unplugged and untangled ALL wires. Nothing worked.<br /> And I don't know if this will help but, the hard drive is brand new, I just spent around $250 to have it upgraded and replaced, and I frequently replace or upgrade any old hardware. I also used some of the best antivirus programs and cleaning programs and my computer is %100 clean.<br /> Sorry for the rambling post (or if it's already been posted!), and any help would be appreciated.