Win 98 Locks Up

[linyo]

My windows 98 (AMD-K6 w/64 Ram) system locks up after several hours of playing a radio station via RealPlayer. Or, if I get an animated e-card with music, it will lock up at the end of the "song"--usually after a minute or two. I have reloaded sound and video drivers, but didn't help. Any one know what might be causing this and how to fix it?

Thanks.

Linda
linyoest@hotmail.com

 

[mbaranski]

Well, the first thing that I would do is replace the sound card. If everything else works well, this is a likely culprit. Second, make sure that the processor is not overheating. Check to ensure that the heatsink or fan is touching the processor, and all of hte fans (processor, case if it has one, power supply) are spinning.

If this still does not help, re-seat all of the components. With the PC off, of course (I'm not assuming you're stupid, but I feel obligated to put that, in case it's not obvious to everyone). That is, remove all of the PCI and ISA cards, and blow the dust out of teh case, then plug them all back in, and do the same with the power plugs on the drives and motherboard, and the memory. This may help.

Always Wear A Static Strap espically during the winter, b/c static can ruin components!!! Be warned!

It's not all that difficult to do these things, even if you don't have much experience. If you don't know what is what, I"m sure you can find pictures on the web, or post here nad I'll describe what you're looking for and what is what.

Good Luck!
Mike B. As always, I hope that helped!

Disclaimer:
Beware: Studies have shown that research causes cancer in lab rats.

 

[kjonnnnn]

What kinda memory you got?

 

[linyo]

Thanks Mike. Actually, I spent over a year working in hardware tech support for my company . . . so I am at least "hardware literate" in the sense of taking apart and rebuilding! In fact, I help build this confound thing that keeps locking up! Which is my personal PC.

Anyway, I think you gave me a clue as to what's wrong, because I have had to attach the heatsink on the processor a couple times--it's attached with adhesive--and perhaps it's come loose again.

As for the static, you are soooo right. Several of us were doing a mass rebuild of older machines one winter and killed two or three internal modems due to static. The company finally sprayed the carpets--something I do here at home, too. I also have the strap, but for anyone who does not--be sure and discharge the static somewhere before touching your PC.

Thanks again. I will work my way through your suggestions.

Linda