My system just freezes - what could be the cause?

[Goenitz196]

Ok I have just installed a new ASUS P4P800 Deluxe motherboard, and have put Windows 2000 Pro onto it. I have 2 HDs, one 40GB used entirely for Windows and Programs, and an 80GB used entirely for my personal data. I have used FixBlast and Norton Antivirus and I do NOT have that msblast/worm virus.

I have installed Direct x9 plus Service Pack 4 plus all the other security updates plus one extra.

Here are my specs for starters: -

Windows 2000 Pro
Pentium 4 2.8Ghz 800Mhz
512MB DDR 2700 (333FSB) RAM
ATI 128MB Radeon 9700 PRO

Ok yesterday I was running Norton AntiVirus to scan through the disks, and all of a sudden it FROZE. I can move the mouse, but I cannot do anything else like get into Task Manager for example. Then a few seconds later even the mouse froze, meaning I cannot move it around. The whole thing is totally unresponsive. I now reset.

Everything seemed fine when I rebooted, installed some programs, and rebooted again (i needed to). Again after reboot everything was fine for a long time. So eventually I went into GetRight (a download manager) to check for any remaining downloads, and when done I tried to close it by clicking on the X on the top corner. But after I click on it it doesn't close - it FROZE again, and I couldn't get into anywhere, not even task manager. I can move the mouse around though...but seconds later the mouse froze and I can't even move that around. Like earlier the system is totally unresponsive so I reset. So far up to now (few hours later) no freezes have happened, but I'm still VERY unhappy about it...I mean what caused it?

I know its a silly question because there like a 100 ways why it froze, but I would like some help on this one please guys. Perhaps a list of the most obvious reasons of a freeze? Theres nothing wrong with my HD at all BTW.
I'm a perfectionist you see. Any help will be appreciated.

 

[etarhan]

For a perfectionist, you look like you're using too many programs which can cause this behaviour. After removing all the extras (better yet, after reinstalling W2K - clean install) I'd operate this system for a reasonable amount of time to see if there is any problem. I'd then install programs one by one, after gaining confidence in each.

Hardwarewise, I'm not sure if your CPU overheats. You should check it somehow, as this can cause freezes.

 

[Grunt2002]

Hi,

you're running a nice system

I would not get stressed because of this. It sometimes happens to me too. I'm a perfectionist too.
Are you running intensive network connections ?
It happens to my machine(s) when :
- I get connected through my DSL line
- my domain controller boots while the workstation(s) are already running
- I savagely unplug the LAN cable or the DSL cable
- I boot without the domain controller
- ... sometimes I don't know why, but it frequently seems to be related to nis or nav activity...

So, be sure you've got a real problem before performing a 'clean' re-install. I suppose you scanned it for spywares too (if not, try spybot search & destroy for sample).

Hope this helps,

Grunt