Freezing problems

[Deuce Deuce]

I haven't really had the time to look into the problems I'm having with my PC, but it's getting more and more annoying as I use it and so am looking for advice and help on what could be the problem.

 

Basically, every time I turn on my PC it won't start as normal. Instead, it takes about two pushes of the reset button in order for my PC to "detect" my monitor. After that, it takes quite a few tries to actually get Windows (XP) to load - if it's taking longer than usual, it'll beep constantly until I reset it. It can be anything from hanging on the Windows XP loading screen to the actual login screen. It seems that everytime the PC freezes, a "click" sort of sound comes from the computer.

 

It seems it freezes everytime the computer has to "think" (like inserting a CD and detecting it; most of the time it freezes thus I'm unable to install a game/play any CDs, etc.). This happens often while playing games too (SA, for example).

 

So, can anyone think of the cause and solution to this? I don't want to have to replace any of my hardware, but if I have to then I will. I tried reseating everything and got clear of any dust inside the computer, but to no avail.

 

Could it be an overheating problem? Both fans inside the computer are working normally. Any suggestions?

 

Help is geatly appreciated.

 

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AMD Athlon 2600+

2.12 GHz

1gB RAM

GeForce 6600GT

[Deuce Deuce]

Bump, can anyone help me here?

[Saget]

Clicking sound? Can you tell where does this comes from?

[derty]

Sounds like that can come from bad hard drives... but yea, it could be a lot of stuff. It is hardware,

this is immaterial but important anyhow: Crack that f*cker open and blow some air through it to

clean as much dust away as possible, then answer Saget's question.

 

This one's gonna be fun guys.

[Saget]

Another thing: if you can enter BIOS, check the temperatures, just in case. The freezing thing often happens when something's overheating, and even though you said all fans are working ok, still see if they are being effective by checking the temperatures.

[Saggy]

"it'll beep constantly until I reset it"

 

Typically when a computer beeps it is trying to send a signal to the user. The most common types of these beeps take place during the time before you turn your computer on and the Windows loading screen comes up. This is called the POST or Power On Self Test stage, and if there is a problem with your computer--such as missing RAM or a missing graphics card just to name two--it will send out a signal for you to diagnose what the problem is.

 

During these times when your monitor is not detected, do you here any abnormal beeps or a lack of beeps you would normally hear? For example, on my old PC, if everything checked out fine, it would play just one beep, however once when my CPU fried, I turned it on and the monitor would not stir to life, and I would hear no beep whatsoever.

 

There's not a lot you might be able to do about these beeps if you don't have the manual to your computer, but if you do have it, look up "POST" or "Power On Self Testing" in it for a diagnosis guide if you are hearing some abnormal beeps.

 

It also sounds to me like it could just be over-heating. Like Saget said, check your temperatures.

[Deuce Deuce]

 

During these times when your monitor is not detected, do you here any abnormal beeps or a lack of beeps you would normally hear?

Well, it depends. It can contstantly beep with or without the monitor engaged. But the actual BIOS beep, I hear that, but usually hear a click straight after/straight before and it freezes up on the very start screen. After a few goes it works, but "clicks" in different parts of the startup as said before such as the Windows XP loading screen and the actual startup with the username. After I log on, it's usually fine and will stay on for the whole day.

 

I've found out that it could be a dodgy power supply and so am replacing it a bit later on. I'll let you know if it helps, if not I'll reseat everything and give it a good clean. If to no avail again, I'll check the temperatures.

 

Cheers.

[matthew1g]

I'm 70% sure it's the PSU, one of my hard drives would stop spinning or spin down when I used to do something intensive with the PC, which would result with clicks and lock ups. you could also hear the hard disks spinning down to a near stop. Try listening out for that too, and try out another PSU with the PC.

[Deuce Deuce]

 

I'm 70% sure it's the PSU, one of my hard drives would stop spinning or spin down when I used to do something intensive with the PC, which would result with clicks and lock ups. you could also hear the hard disks spinning down to a near stop. Try listening out for that too, and try out another PSU with the PC.

You mean all of a sudden the PC noise "quietens" down before it locks up?

 

If so, then yeah that's what I'm getting.

 

I have a spare PC with some bits I could use. I'll have to wait 'til later though, for proper assistance haha.

 

Edit: Replaced the PSU and it seems that was the problem. My PC doesn't sound like a cat with its tail on fire anymore, thanks.

Edited December 24, 2007 by Deuce Deuce