[Idealerror]

Hey Guys,

So I just built this new machine, here are the specs:

Intel Pentium D 3.0ghz
1GB DDR2 Memory
Gigabyte Motherboard
750GB Western Digital HDD (SATA)

So here's my dilema: I installed Windows XP off of my legally purchased Windows XP Service Pack 1 disk (I have the upgrade disks to SP2 and SP3). I get into windows and install my drivers for all my equipment. All drivers install just fine and everything works great. I reboot my machine and download/install firefox. Firefox installs fine. While browsing firefox (after 2-3 minutes), windows XP just locks up. Can't move my mouse or type on the keyboard. This doesnt always happen at this point, it really differs.

Also you know when after you install XP and you get to the screen where you activate and enter in users etc? I can't get to that screen, it locks up on "Please Wait..." with the windows logo.

I've done the following in troubleshooting:
- Replaced RAM
- Tried RAM in different slots
- Installed OS onto different hard drives with different SATA cables
- Switched SATA cable ports around on motherboard
- Bought a new motherboard, tried it and got the same problem
- Tried different CDs to install Windows XP

All of the above troubleshooting techniques replicated the same problem.

The other thing is the CPU and the Hard Disks are from a previous machine of mine that had the same problem. I figured I could pull the CPU and the Hard Drive out of it and just use it in this system with new hardware.

My main question is, could this really be the CPU? Could this be the hard drive? I've tried different drives and they gave me the same problem.

I don't have a spare CPU to test this with, I am awaiting what you guys think.

 

[belfasteddie]

Have you got any hair left? You need to beg, steal or borrow a CPU . Its the only thing you haven't changed. It wouldn't have to be the same model just one that is the same type.
have you checked the pins on the CPU for bent or missing pins?

 

[dai]

what video

power supply
brand
wattage

model m/b

what does the bios list for temps and voltages

 

[Idealerror]

Video - Onboard
Power Supply - Rosewill RG530-2 530W 80Plus Certified

Mobo Model - GIGABYTE GA-73PVM-S2H LGA 775 NVIDIA GeForce 7100 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

So I have an update... I left the machine on all night and woke up to it not locking up. I was able to move the mouse, open the start menu, etc. etc. when I went to sleep, then when I woke up I was able to do the same things.

Although, when I opened notepad, the machine locked up. Any ideas?

 

[speedster123]

Rosewill is a cheap supply. I wouldnt use that.
Do yourself a favor and use this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

 

[Idealerror]

I have a Rosewill 800W PowerSupply in my other machine.

Is the power supply the issue here?

 

[easyfix]

I've never had issues with bent CPU pins before, so I can't verify that that is the cause, but I would have imagined that a bent pin would mess up the PC a bit more than just freezing when running apps.

My guess is your HDD. I've seen similar issues on PC's in the past, and each time a different fix was required. Considering your HDD and CPU are the only constant in this, I would suggest your HDD is the issue.

Temperature is the other issue. When I've had overheating computers, they'd run all night just fine, but it's when you attempt to use an app that it freezes. I would check the CPU temp in BIOS. If you have reused the CPU, maybe you haven't covered it properly with the silver heatsink gear or your heatsink hasn't been put on properly. If you're case is shut, you may want to check that the fan is rotating also.

 

[Riskyone101]

I agree with speedster123,

replace the power supply unit with a quality one.