Off topic? need help with computer instability

jasonfinal · #1 09-12-2002, 04:08

Thanks for everyone's help, I bought a Pioneer-A04 (lots cheaper than the A05). But I'm plagued by computer problems and can't burn anything yet since my system is totally unstable.

This is somewhat off topic and I apoligize, but out of desperation I thought I might try this forum for some help. Read on if you're interested...

Pls suggest what you think may be the problem. BTW, I've tried just about all the lastest drivers and bios.

In Win98, internet explorer continually comes across an error and closes the page.
In WinMe, similar problem with internet explorer and usually freezes when downloading from newsgroups, can't run 3dmark test
In WinXP pro, can't run 3d applications. (Infinite loop?) At worse, it reboots even when I'm not running 3d app.

My system:
Abit KG7-raid
Amd Athlon 1600+
Audigy Live platinum
Quantum 40gb 5400rpm HDD & WD 20g 5400rpm
Hynix DDR ram pc2100
Prolink GF2ti & Asus 8170Magic (GF4 MX440-se)

I've mixed and matched with the HDD and vidoe cards, and problems are still there.

Any help appreciated
Jason

rms2001 · #2 09-12-2002, 04:14

Sounds like a Windows problem to me. When you installed the other OS did you do a clean install or an upgrade?

I’v had some problems with systems being unstable after an upgrade. FDISKed and formatted the hard drives, and installed Windows. That fixed most of the probs I’v had to deal with.

bighap · #3 09-12-2002, 04:20

Have you tried using internet explorer in safe mode? If that doesn't work personally I would backup my important files and format my hard drive.

Jay_83 · #4 09-12-2002, 04:23

had a similar problem not so long ago myself.
tried everything in the world imaginable and it ended up being something as simple as overheating.

try leaving the side of your case off and see if that makes any difference.

other than that, turn off auto-restart in windows xp. this will let you get the "blue screen of death" Let me know what error code you get on this screen,

Hope this helps

jasonfinal · #5 09-12-2002, 11:45

1.) I've formatted the hard drive close to a hundred times.
2.) Each OS installation is a full installation (not an upgrade).
3.) CPu temperature is usually kept to under 50 degrees celcius, depending on which HSF I use, so system temperature is never over 50.

4.)As for the error screen in windows XP.... I'm not running it right now, but I'll let you know soon.

breezy · #6 09-12-2002, 18:28

Jay is right, it sounds like an overheating problem with the cpu or memory. It could just be bad memory. Memory can go bad without warning. It also could be the video card. Try looking into one of these three im sure its one of these.

jasonfinal · #7 09-12-2002, 21:34

O.K. I changed the Video card recently and the problem is still there. So, I'll change the memory next. But if it doesn't work, I'm throwing it down the stairs.

Jay_83 · #8 10-12-2002, 02:45

when i had the problem with mine, i was adament it wasn't to do with overheating as the bios showed my cpu around 48 and system as being cool enough.

I could never pinpoint what it is (Changed vcard, memory etc) but after investing in 3 extra case fans its stable as a rock now.

Sounds really strange but please try taking the side of your case off. Then see how stability is then.

twcazhd · #9 14-12-2002, 08:37

I also had a problem with a pc of mine being unstable, but only with using USB devices, eg.. mouse and/ or keyboard, after going back to PS2 mouse and keyboard it became alot more stable! another thing to look at is the powersupply, for that system you should be running nothing less than a 400watt, all that stuff sucks up alot of power. I hope this helps!! good luck!