pc freezes up

30-12-2004

I have a self built pc
Celeron 2.2
Soltek 85erv
512 ram
Gforce fx5200
Win xp pro

Been fine for last year, now freezes up no set time or anything like that can run for a few days or a few mins just locks up totally have to pull the plug and restart.

I have tried most things including a full format and reinstall still same so i am thinking its a hardware prob the question is what. Temps are ok cleaned the case out inc fans and reseated processor on arctic silver5 "just incase" still same was told it could be a graphics card issue so swapped em round still same.
It doesnt matter what im doing gaming surfing word so i cant pin it down any ideas would be great i am up for trying anything at the moment

**John** · 30-12-2004

It most likely your RAM I would remove the sticks and give the slots a good blow also dust off the contacts with a dry cloth see if that helps.

And if you have 2 or more memory sticks try removing 1 and let it run with just the 1 in, if it still crashes take that one out and put the other one in, see how you go

30-12-2004

I only have 1 stick, so i have taken it out cleaned it gave the slot a blast with canned air and at the mo im still running but like i said it can run for a few days before it happens is there a prog i can buy that checks the ram??? or am i just wishing i know its not too expensive to buy new ram but i dont want to spend money on it if it aint that "not that i dont trust ya"

**John** · 30-12-2004

Just see how you go with the cleaning it might sort your problems.

There are a few programs that will test your ram, this is one, I've not used it just did a Google for it http://www.memtest86.com and also I seem to remember Norton did one too.

Also if you do need to buy anything for your computer try CCL in Bradford probably not far from you as it's Leeds side in Tong have a look at their site www.cclcomputers.co.uk they are cheap