Computer Freezes Help!

diamond78 · #1 September 27th, 2004, 07:57 PM

hi....my computer freezes randomly everyday...i dont know what can be the root cause of it...im running on windows 98 second editon ram is 56.0mb amd-k6(tm) 3d processer whatever that means...im not a computer whiz so bare with me...its really frustrating when it freezes for no reason especially when im emailing someone on just browsing in general

.how can i fix this problem???...all responses appreciated!

Baser-X · #2 September 27th, 2004, 08:53 PM

Welcome to CTH!

Not to be rude, but honestly, 98 is far from a stable Operating System in the best of times. If this is an old install it could be any number of things. My first guess would be a heat issue. When you first boot up do you get any temperature displays? Some BIOS give them and some don't. If you do get temp displays at boot, next time it freezes check them when you reboot it. If the temp is at 125F or more then you've likely found your problem. If you don't see any temp displays then you'll either need to open the case and poke around or find a program that can check temps for you. The only one I can think of off the top of my head is CPUcool but I don't use it as it doesn't play nice with my board and my BIOS display temps on boot anyway. Note that checking temps via BIOS boot display or with a program will only be possible if the board is properly hooked up to send that data.

If you have never opened up the case and cleaned the inside, this would b recommended anyway and may actually resolve the problem if it is heat related (provided it's not a dead fan or something major that is causing a heat issue). Best way to do this is to go buy a can or two of compressed air. You can get it just about anywhere like CompUSA, Best Buy or Wal-Mart. Open the case and just start blowing all the dirt out. If it's never been cleaned, you'll be able to tell where it needs it most. But if nothing else, at least clean all of the fans and ventilation areas.

Some more info would also be helpful. Such as, has this been a problem for awhile that has gotten worse recently, or is this a new problem? What kind of computer do you have (Gateway, Dell, Compaq, Custom, etc.)? If you have a name brand like Dell or Compaq, give us the model number on the front so we can look up the specs. If it is custom, give us as much as you can.