Computer hangs when idle

[SeanGilbreth]

I have just finished building my new computer with XP on it. If I leave it idle, it will hang; I will not be able to move the mouse, use the keyboard, or anything.

How can I fix this?

Thanks

 

[csargent1]

First thing to check is the power settings.

 

[wasisnt]

I agree. Check to see at what intervals the computer is set to shut off the monitor, power down the hard drive, go into hibernation etc. Try disabling them all and see if it still hangs. Disable the screen saver too.

Free Computer Help and Tips:

http://www.onlinecomputertips.com/

 

[BadBigBen]

I would turn off the INDEXING feature of XP...

Right click on the HDD's/Partitions, under My Computer, there should be a check mark for the indexing...

then I would run MEMTEST86+ or similar memory tester app, as I have had a PC that would hang also after a short period of time which was caused by the RAM that was installed...



Ben

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

 

[SeanGilbreth]

Okay, I've worked out it's not just when it's idle, it happens when I'm in the middle of a program or something aswell. I think it may be an overheating problem, do you think it's that or something else?

 

[G0AOZ]

Have you done as BadBigBen suggested re checking memory?

Check temperature in BIOS if you have that option. If no, then make sure CPU heatsink and fan are all clear of accumulated dust and dirt etc., check front and rear case apertures/fans.

Could be a possible PSU problem. What rating (W)?

ROGER - G0AOZ

 

[SeanGilbreth]

Okay, after lots more testing, I have some more symptoms of the problem:

-It now only freezes when I am in a game, the display will get very mangled up and go a yellow-ish green and freeze.

-After the above has happened, and I have restarted (using the restart button, not holding the power button for five seconds), the computer will no longer get a yellow display and freeze until I have turned it off completely.

-I also had one of the sides of the case off while I tried a game out but the problem occured again.


Hope that helps to clear up my problem a little more.

Thanks!

 

[Freestone]

Run MemTest86 as BigBadBen suggested:

http://www.memtest86.com/

 

[BadBigBen]

If the MEMTEST shows no problem...

I would suggest to look at the GFX Card, does it have a fan? if so, does it spin? is it clear of DUST? (sounds like your GFX card may be heating up too much)...

also set the AGP Apperture size to 128mb, for playing games, as I found that that helps a bit in the playing... (BIOS)


Ben

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