Quote:
Originally Posted by learnerdriver
My problem is, my computer will just shut down while browsing the net, or even if I just attempt to open a programme. It will re-start, but sometimes windows will not load, it justs hangs, with a black screen and the mouse pointer on the screen,sometimes it just freezes, and nothing will move.
I have 1.5gb of ram, which is only reading as 1.12gb in system properties,and
Finally, I logged onto Windows update, and although there where no critical updates for download, whilst on the site I went into review update history, I was greeted with the message, " you have not downloaded updates from this site" I have downloaded over 30 updates in the last 6 weeks, and have my updates set for 1am every morning. Yet nothing on view.
Sorry for a very long first post, but I was trying to cover everything that I have noticed going wrong on my computer.
I do hope you can help me please?
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A couple of things:
- 1.5gigs of memory is an odd number - sometimes mixing sizes and brands of memory will cause problems like this. If you have two sticks of memory I would take out the smaller one, reboot, and see if that makes a difference.
Buying matched sets of memory has solved that for me.
-Have you tried booting into Safe Mode and seeing if you have the same problems? (Holding down the F8 when BIOS starts up, or tapping the F8 key while booting works - choose Windows Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking)
- Were you checking the Windows updates that are on your computer or were you checking the Windows Update web site? The ones on your computer would be listed. I think they show up in Windows Explorer and they are listed in blue. Maybe under the Windows listing? Sorry its been a while since I've had to work much on XP.
- Have you tried a System Restore to a point before all this started? (providing you have System Restore turned on)
To get there click Start/Accessories/System Tools/System Restore
It sounds like it could be a hardware problem though I would rule out software first.
Hardware is tricky to track down - like Kendall mentioned, the first thing I would check is to see if you're computer is overheating. Sometimes opening up the case and letting the computer run with no cover will give a clue to overheating.
I would also pop the case open and make sure all cables and connectors are tight - nothing loose.
While you're there, make sure all your case fans are working, especially the heat sink fan. Make sure everything is clean and dust free- fan blades, memory, HDD, Power Supply, all that stuff.
If it's still not working I would check the Hard Disk Drive and then the Power Supply. Power Supply issues are particularly tricky to diagnose - if you have a working Power Supply hanging around I would swap it out to test it. Ditto for the hard drive.
That's all I have to add to the conversation.
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Rhiannon