Sisters PC has a retarded problem...freezes...

2008-10-09 03:15:18

#1

CrazeD: Member; +368|6939|Maine

So my sister's PC has a really retarded/weird problem.

It will "freeze" in such that the mouse clicking doesn't work.

For example, browse to a website, and you won't be able to click anything on the page. Can't highlight text, click links, minimize/close the browser, etc. You can still navigate with the keyboard. Now, here's the strange part: if you open task manager and then simply close task manager (note that, don't close the application - just open then close task manager) everything works fine for like a minute, then messes up again.

It does this while trying to do anything on the PC, not just browse the net.

Naturally I assumed this was a mouse problem. So, I tried a different mouse, no workie. I tried my definitely known-working G9, no workie. Tried a different keyboard, no workie.

Tried reformatting/reinstalling XP...twice...no workie. Tried Ubuntu Live CD, does the same thing (only can't ctrl+alt+del in Linux, makes it interesting).

Note that my dad was using this PC like 9 months ago with absolutely no problems. The only hardware change from then and now is a new Powersupply (Antec 450W something-a-rather, specs are fine), a hard drive (Western Digital Caviar 80GB SATA) and a sound card (something by Creative). I removed the sound card, and it didn't help.

Also, while trying to install Vista I get a BSOD. 0x0000009c. I dunno if that's related.

I ran Prime95 for 4-5 hours with no errors, and I ran Memtest for a bit too with no errors. Tried swapping sticks of RAM. no help. Temps are kinda hot but should be fine (CPU is around 45*C idle, hot but still shouldn't be doing this).

Full specs:

Abit UL8
2x1GB Corsair XMS DDR400
AMD Athlon 4200+ X2 Toledo
ATi X850XT 256MB AGP
Antec 450W something (too lazy to find it)
80GB WD Caviar SATA

So, wtf ....

2008-10-09 03:38:19

#2

Freezer7Pro: I don't come here a lot anymore.; +1,447|6464|Winland

Tried with a PS/2 adapter? Checked caps? How many passes in memtest?

The idea of any hi-fi system is to reproduce the source material as faithfully as possible, and to deliberately add distortion to everything you hear (due to amplifier deficiencies) because it sounds 'nice' is simply not high fidelity. If that is what you want to hear then there is no problem with that, but by adding so much additional material (by way of harmonics and intermodulation) you have a tailored sound system, not a hi-fi. - Rod Elliot, ESP

2008-10-09 04:30:31

#3

steelie34: pub hero!; +603|6648|the land of bourbon

if you reformatted twice, then it is definitely not a software problem. i like freezer's idea of a USB problem

Last edited by steelie34 (2008-10-09 04:30:46)

https://bf3s.com/sigs/36e1d9e36ae924048a933db90fb05bb247fe315e.png

2008-10-09 04:30:51

#4

~Smokey~: Steve Irwin Reincarnate; +396|6804|Internetfitlerland

First pics, then we talk.

2008-10-09 05:05:26

#5

Ecilop Murof: I HOP OUT DA BEEEED..; +167|6046|loves Stimey <3 |

~Smokey~ wrote:
First pics, then we talk.

2008-10-09 05:15:35

#6

Locoloki: I got Mug 222 at Gritty's!!!!; +216|6907|Your moms bedroom

what is your physical memory% at when you open task manager?

2008-10-09 13:15:19

#7

CrazeD: Member; +368|6939|Maine

I tried a PS/2 mouse.

By caps, I assume you mean motherboard capacitors? I didn't check those.

I didn't notice how many loops, however Memtest ran for 2 hours or so, and then Prime95 on the one that tests the most RAM, for 3-4 hours.

I don't remember exact memory %, however it was low and not out of the ordinary.

EDIT: Also, a friend of mine told me it may be BUS Mastering causing the issue, so I have disabled it in BIOS. No help.

What I don't understand is that my dad was using this PC before he upgraded, then he gave it to my sister. It was sitting idle for a few months and worked 100% perfectly before that. Then once she gets it, it fucks up.

Could it be the powersupply or hard drive? I checked the S.M.A.R.T. tables, all values are OK.

Last edited by CrazeD (2008-10-09 13:17:38)

2008-10-09 13:24:38

#8

Freezer7Pro: I don't come here a lot anymore.; +1,447|6464|Winland

Caps (capacitors, yes), especially those from 2002-2004 can dry out whilst just standing around, doing nothing. Bad caps, static electricity and bad RAM are the biggest causes for strange computer behaviour.

The idea of any hi-fi system is to reproduce the source material as faithfully as possible, and to deliberately add distortion to everything you hear (due to amplifier deficiencies) because it sounds 'nice' is simply not high fidelity. If that is what you want to hear then there is no problem with that, but by adding so much additional material (by way of harmonics and intermodulation) you have a tailored sound system, not a hi-fi. - Rod Elliot, ESP

2008-10-09 13:29:56

#9

CrazeD: Member; +368|6939|Maine

So seeings I've never had problems with capacitors before, how do I check them? I just look for bulging or leaking ones, yes?

2008-10-09 14:27:42

#10

Freezer7Pro: I don't come here a lot anymore.; +1,447|6464|Winland

CrazeD wrote:
So seeings I've never had problems with capacitors before, how do I check them? I just look for bulging or leaking ones, yes?

The best way would be to measure them, but I doubt you have either the knowledge or the tools to do so.

I think the risk of dried up caps is bigger than that of leaking caps, as the machine died from storage. Look for caps with bulging tops and stuff coming out.

The idea of any hi-fi system is to reproduce the source material as faithfully as possible, and to deliberately add distortion to everything you hear (due to amplifier deficiencies) because it sounds 'nice' is simply not high fidelity. If that is what you want to hear then there is no problem with that, but by adding so much additional material (by way of harmonics and intermodulation) you have a tailored sound system, not a hi-fi. - Rod Elliot, ESP

BF2S Forums Sisters PC has a retarded problem...freezes...

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CrazeD wrote:

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