Computer Freezing

[darkprince]

I have windows 2000 installed and when my computer started freezing I thought it was a software issue but then it started freezing more and more until it froze in the bios screen when it was starting up, then after that when I pressed the power button nothing at all would come up on the screen for about 2 hours and it started up but continued to freeze to the extent that I'm not able to get into windows at all anymore because it freezes straight away. So I figured it must be a hardware issue.

I've tried replacing the RAM and video card and it continued to freeze so I figured it must be the CPU, motherboard or power supply that is stuffing around with it but I'm not the best with computers and could really use some help.

Thankyou in advance to anyone who can help.

 

[electronicsfreak]

First off when is the last time you cleaned the computer? Like blew dust off it. Thouroughly cleaned the heatsink/processor fan. Cleaned all dust out of power supply. Also If possible turn computer off let it stay off for about 15 minutes or so. Turn it back on immediately go into the bios and find where yours has hardware monitoring and keep an eye on the temperature of the processor. See how hot it is getting. Also if you have not did any of the cleaning as I stated above, do that before you ever turn the system on again. Let me know what you find out.

 

[BadBigBen]

After having looked at what E-Freak suggested, and it still is not functioning the way it should...

then my bet is on a failing PSU... replace with a spare, if you have one or from a friend to test this, then if that is what caused the problem, go and buy a NAMEBRAND one (preferrable)... make sure that it is at least rated at 350w or above...

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[darkprince]

Thanks alot I'll try these tips out, I don't know where I'll be able to get a spare CPU from but if cleaning it doesn't help then I should be able to find a spare power supply to test it on. If it's still happening then by order of illimination it can only be the CPU or motherboard I guess and I'll have to try find out which one it is somehow. If the motherboard was broken could it be doing this? I've had a broken motherboard before and last time it wouldn't even power up so I was thinking the CPU aswell.

Thankyou for the help I'll go home from the library and try out what you's have said.

 

[electronicsfreak]

Motherboards dont always go completely bad. Sometimes just part of them, just how they go. Either way let us know what you find out. Hopefully you find the culprit lol.

 

[paparazi]

I think you can rule out any software related problems simply because you say it has got to the point that it doesn't even respond for 2 hours when pressing the button.

The most obvious component that would cause this fault is the power supply but:

Something others haven't mentioned is bulging or leaking capacitors, that often give exactly these sorts of random issues, see:

http://www.badcaps.com

This site will give you an idea of what to look for.

Martin

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