Computer Problem / Crashing

K

Kyr

Evil Dictator Fluffkins
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Welp, I'm getting rather frustrated with my computer. It's hard to identify the problem, and whether or not it's a hardware or software issue.

General Comp Specs

Windows XP
AMD Athlon XP 3200+
2.19GHz, 1.00 GB of RAM
Radeon 9600

(just a quick jist, can get more details specs if it's relevant/needed)

The Problem

My computer crashes on me suddenly, at first I thought it was overheating issues, it was something I had problems with in the past. I wasn't about to discount anything.

However, it does not crash when my computer just sits idle. I left my computer running, nothing happened. So I think, great, it's not overheating, might as well run a virus scanner.

I run the virus scanner, it crashes maybe 15 seconds into it.

I wonder if it's coincidence, do it again, crashes 20 seconds into it.

I try running NetBeans (just to test another program running), about 15 seconds in the computer crashes.

I happened to have windows task manager up that time, and noticed that my CPU usage spikes up to nearly 100% with almost any program I run. If it doesn't spike up that high, then it reaches 60-70% with ease, and spikes up and down frequently. If it stays at or near 100% for 3-7 seconds or thereabouts, then the computer crashes. I can successfully run firefox and other minor programs like ad-aware succesfully. Thing such as spybot, netbeans, any game, etc. completely crash the system though. If I don't run anything, my computer sits idle at 0-5% without any troubles.

When it crashes, the computer can't merely be turned back on by hitting the power button. I have to actually switch the back breaker, replug in the power cord, and then flip the breaker back on. Then when I hit the power button it goes back on.

This leads me to believe it is a hardware issue, though it's possible I'm mistaken, I can't really be sure. If it were to be a hardware issue, what part would probably be causing this to happen? Any ideas? If not hardware, what kind of software issues would do such a thing?

I tried finding some answers online, usually I can, but nothing is coming up for my specific situation.

I'm happy to provide more information if it is needed. Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
I reciently fixed a GF's PC that had the same problem.

So just to test it out....

Set you're Screen saver to "3D text" Then test it out. If it crashes again, then i can help you.

I'll be waiting.
 
I set the Screensaver to 3D Text.

I previewed it.

It didn't crash. Ran for a while, didn't seem to cause my computer to go kaboom.
 
Kyr said:
When it crashes, the computer can't merely be turned back on by hitting the power button. I have to actually switch the back breaker, replug in the power cord, and then flip the breaker back on. Then when I hit the power button it goes back on.
Click to expand...
Definitely hardware. Have you tried another power supply? It may be giving unstable voltages when current is drawn, though I couldn't tell you what causes that. Faulty regulator?

I would highly highly suggest trying another power supply. If that doesn't work, motherboard. If it's not turning on, the problem exists between your power button and the wall. I'd maybe check cord, PSU, mobo, switch, CPU in that order.
 
Cmdrfly said:
I would highly highly suggest trying another power supply. If that doesn't work, motherboard. If it's not turning on, the problem exists between your power button and the wall. I'd maybe check cord, PSU, mobo, switch, CPU in that order.
Click to expand...

I recently replaced my power supply, I do hope it is not the problem, but I guess it's possible.

I'll try switching things out and see what happens.
 
Ok let's try to do a clean sweep, and see if we can get Norton to do a complete scan. First we will disable everything that starts up except Norton antivirus.

We're gonna stop all software from running in the background.

-At the bottom of you're screen, go to Start > RUN

-type in the word msconfig

(you will see the system Configuration Utility window.)

-Go to the tab at the end labeled "Start up"

-uncheck all the boxes, except Norton (I believe that is the called ccApp)
Again leave Norton with the check mark.

- Be sure to click apply before you close the window.

The PC will say you need to reboot before the changes take effect. Say yes.

When you return run Norton and it should do a complete scan, It cannot remove a virus/software if it is running, but since you cut off everything else, you should have no problem finding it.

I'll be waiting to hear what happens.
 
my wife had this exact same problem.
Hers turned out to be an overheating issue, we just cleaned up everything, added some new heatsink and it was fine for awhile.
Then it began happening again after awhile.
Turned out her stick of memory had been going bad so we had to replace that, and all has been great since.
 
Well there's no guarantee that's what the problem is. I had a motherboard I was uber hyped for, the almighty Abit KT7-RAID MAX2. Paid double for that thing what any normal motherboard cost. It had all the bells and balls, but after a few months I started noticing some weird shit with it. I ended up replacing it with a cheaper mobo and all my problems disappeared.

If your PSU is new, move further down. Not sure how you can really test the mobo, maybe Prime95 it? site | direct DL link

Install, run, at the first prompt say "Just stress testing". Test menu, Torture Test, and pick an appropriate crunch.

edit: full swarm of nerds here tonight, we're like pirahnas on this guy.

Anttaru said:
Do not assume it is hardware just yet.
Click to expand...
You think software could cause the issue I quoted above? I've never seen such an example myself, but if you have I'd like to hear it please.
 
There are sometimes issues with Radeon Rex serise where the driver itself causes the PC to crash. Also if a driver is improperly installed that too can cause random crashes.

If what i asked him to do fails, there is 1 more thing i'd ask him to do, and if that failes, then i'll show him how to run what is called the windows repair console right out of the BIOS.

Before we run out and buy hardware, we need to find out what the problem is 1st. So yes, software issues is a concern, and if he's lucky, Norton will now run and find the problem.
 
Anttaru said:
Ok let's try to do a clean sweep, and see if we can get Norton to do a complete scan. First we will disable everything that starts up except Norton antivirus.

We're gonna stop all software from running in the background.

-At the bottom of you're screen, go to Start > RUN

-type in the word msconfig

(you will see the system Configuration Utility window.)

-Go to the tab at the end labeled "Start up"

-uncheck all the boxes, except Norton (I believe that is the called ccApp)
Again leave Norton with the check mark.

- Be sure to click apply before you close the window.

The PC will say you need to reboot before the changes take effect. Say yes.

When you return run Norton and it should do a complete scan, It cannot remove a virus/software if it is running, but since you cut off everything else, you should have no problem finding it.

I'll be waiting to hear what happens.
Click to expand...

Tried this.

My computer crashed after going at the scan for 10 seconds.
 
May i ask.

When you installed the Graphics driver for the Radeon, did you remove the old driver 1st ?
 
Anttaru said:
May i ask.

When you installed the Graphics driver for the Radeon, did you remove the old driver 1st ?
Click to expand...

To be honest, I can't remember for sure. It's been a long time since I did that. I want to say I didn't, but that's just a guess.
 
Ok because as i said i reciently fixed a PC that had issues same as yours and it turned out the driver had to be replaced.

I replaced the driver with a Radeon Catalyst driver and all was good.

If you wish to do this let me know now
 
Anttaru said:
Ok because as i said i reciently fixed a PC that had issues same as yours and it turned out the driver had to be replaced.

I replaced the driver with a Radeon Catalyst driver and all was good.

If you wish to do this let me know now
Click to expand...

I'm willing to give it a shot.

Though I'm fairly certain I updated my drivers appropriately, it's possible I screwed it up.
 
Ok first i'll get you a link that will allow you to download a new driver for you're Radeon 9600, then after i will show you how to remove the old driver. then install the new one.

If you just install a driver on top of another, it can cause problems, sometimes even failure will occure. brb
 
Anttaru said:
the 1st option give you a kind of controll panel, which isn't that important right now.

to keep things simple go with option 2
Click to expand...

Downloaded it.

Now I need to uninstall my current driver, then install that one I presume?
 
When you get the download. Put it on you're desktop. Just to ease the process a little. Bah, so long as you can find it is fine



What we're about to do will make you're PC's graphics all blown out of proportion at first. Everything will be very large in appearance and the colours might not be too so well.

Now.

-Left click the desktop and go to properties.

-Go to settings.

-click on Advanced.

-Go to the "Adapter" Tab in the top there

-Click on that properties Tab that shows up there.

-Along the top go to the "Driver" Tab

-Uninstall.

Restart the PC.

If you're system dosn't look mashed after this, then you must repeat the process again to remove the other driver. (If there is one)

If it does look mashed, then that's good install the new driver.
 
Anttaru said:
When you get the download. Put it on you're desktop. Just to ease the process a little. Bah, so long as you can find it is fine



What we're about to do will make you're PC's graphics all blown out of proportion at first. Everything will be very large in appearance and the colours might not be too so well.

Now.

-Left click the desktop and go to properties.

-Go to settings.

-click on Advanced.

-Go to the "Adapter" Tab in the top there

-Click on that properties Tab that shows up there.

-Along the top go to the "Driver" Tab

-Uninstall.

Restart the PC.

If you're system dosn't look mashed after this, then you must repeat the process again to remove the other driver. (If there is one)

If it does look mashed, then that's good install the new driver.
Click to expand...

Followed instructions to the letter.

Installed and running.

System still crashes when trying to run things, just as before.

My computer hates me.
 
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