Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Motherland on April 04, 2009, 07:31:40 PM
-
My computer (XP) has been freezing while browsing with FireFox and IE and while playing Empire: Total War... sometimes. I played Empire for several hours straight last night without any hiccups, however today I couldn't go more than a half an hour without it freezing up. I haven't played AH since I started freezing, except for Wednesday and I played for over an hour without issues. The freezes only happen when A) I click on a link in FF or IE (it's random though, I'll be browsing fine fore 10-20 minutes and then it stops) or B) at the beginning of a turn in Empire.
It's not a complete freeze, I can still use my mouse and I have temporary use of whatever window I'm in (usually like 30 seconds or so). Then the window stops working, but I can bring up minimized windows from the taskbar, but I can't use the windows... I can't bring up the start menu or the task manager. Sometimes (about half of the time) I get a... I would say medium toned pitch beep that lasts until I turn off my computer. My performance has been normal in task manager. I defragged without really helping anything (didn't think it would, but I needed to defrag anyway). I also ran virus scans (which usually gum up my computer, but they were still able to run without issue, so I don't think that the problem is resource related).
Does anyone recognize these problems? Or have ideas to help me diagnose them?
-
Could be hardware related, or something that is getting by your virus/malware scans (which ones are you using?). Also, post your computer specs.
-
I've got MalwareBytes AntiMalware and AVG 8. I ran both scans individually and at the same time (just to see if I would freeze up, honestly...)
DXDIAG: (I've had this setup for about a year now)
------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 4/4/2009, 20:48:15
Machine name: YOUR-CF92BC9618
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: GATEWA
System Model: GT5014
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) D CPU 2.80GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 2046MB RAM
Page File: 338MB used, 3599MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode
------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 2: The file GPWADrv.sys is not digitally signed, which means that it has not been tested by Microsoft's Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL). You may be able to get a WHQL logo'd driver from the hardware manufacturer.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.
--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)
---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 8600 GTS
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0400&SUBSYS_08911462&REV_A1
Display Memory: 512.0 MB
Current Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0011.7516 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 5/2/2008 21:46:00, 6108160 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
Mini VDD Date: 5/2/2008 21:46:00, 6554496 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-4740-11CF-8E6A-9A2800C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x10DE
Device ID: 0x0400
SubSys ID: 0x08911462
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D ModeWMV9_B ModeWMV9_A
Deinterlace Caps: {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run
-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: SigmaTel Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_8384&DEV_7680&SUBSYS_107B5049&REV_1032
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: sthda.sys
Driver Version: 5.10.4618.0000 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
Date and Size: 7/18/2005 20:40:40, 1019064 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: SigmaTel
HW Accel Level: Full
Cap Flags: 0xB5B
Min/Max Sample Rate: 44100, 192000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 1, 0
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run
Description: GuitarPort
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: USB\Vid_0e41&Pid_4750&Rev_0001
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: GPWADrv.sys
Driver Version: 3.00.0000.0004 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: No
Date and Size: 7/26/2006 20:06:19, 417920 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: Line 6
HW Accel Level: Full
Cap Flags: 0xF5F
Min/Max Sample Rate: 100, 200000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run
-
Suspecting it may be a temp problem I looked for a program that will tell me temperatures... the one I downloaded was called SpeedFan.
Hasn't been running for that long, and the side of the case is off.
According to it...
GPU 64C
CPU 60C
Int. Temp. 30C
Remote Temp. 52C
Temp. 65C
HD0 55C
Core 65C
Ambient 0C (It's a bit warmer than that in here so I'm not sure how it's calculating that temperature).
I don't know if these are good or bad, they seem a bit warm...
EDIT: put the side of the case back on and all the temps dropped to around 55C.
-
I believe it may be heat related. I imagine those temps are at idle or near idle processing. What you should do is Google a program called Prime95 (or Orthos) and run Speedfan as well. Run the Blend Stress Test on Prime95 as it will do 100% load on your CPU and monitor your CPU temps. 60C for an idle temp is very hot, that's 140F. I imagine your load temps are much higher, above 70C.
Also, your case seems to be pretty hot too. Your hard drive is at 55C, which is quite warm. HD's for the most part, should only be a few degrees above the ambient temp.
Get an air can and blow out all the dust. Check the air intake and exhaust fans so that they are working and they are not clogged. Your system is a few years old and if you've never cleaned it out, it's overdue. Blow out the heatsink on the CPU and make sure its fan is getting a good amount of airflow. Worse case scenario, pick up a tube of Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste and reapply it to the processor (if you've never done this before, it's fairly easy as there are plenty of how too guides on Arctic Silver's site and Youtube).
Then, after a cleaning monitor the temps again.
-
Blew it out, temps were about the same. Still crashing. I think it's a virus or something, found this thread through google:
http://www.overclock.net/intel-cpus/486062-windows-xp-freezes-1-continuous-beep-4.html
-
IMO, AVG doesn't hold a candle to 'paid' virus protection programs, especially NOD32. It will offer basic protection, but once you get into something serious, you might as well format if you've got AVG.
-
This might seem too obvious but have you made sure that your mouse and keyboard are plugged in tightly? A guy I work with sometimes has similar problems (the freezes, not the temps) and it's always the same thing... loose mouse or keyboard connection.
-
Dont fret and format if you are infected. Go here first:
www.malwareremoval.com
Go to their forums, Read the rules, and post your issue(s). They have people who will help you clean your pc for no charge, and they are VERY good at it. I had a nasty virus a few weeks ago and they got me back up and running fine in a week. Leave a donation for them if you wish, I feel it is the right thing to do since they do this on their free time.
Formatting should be your LAST DITCH option.
-
64c idle speed is way too high and will mean instability under load. You should see around 30-40c idle temperatures with stock coolers (except GPU which may run hot on silent fan profile).
Try adjusting GPU fan speed manually to 30% or higher and see if that fixes your crashing. I had a similar problem with my 4870 it was just running too hot on stock speed while automatic fan profile was on.
-
i concer i think its a heat problem. classic sign of overheating somewhere
-
The thing is that I can run Ubuntu perfectly fine (I have a partitioned hard drive) so I'm kind of doubting it's a hardware problem.
But maybe ubuntu just runs better.... is there a program I can use for checking temps in Ubuntu?
I want to buy a new computer later this year so I don't want to spend money that I don't need to o this one.
-
What are you using ubuntu for? I'm fairly green on linux, but you just may not be doing some CPU intensive stuff where your temps rise and cause problems.
-
Pretty much just internet and email... my games are on XP. However internet is one of the things that is causing freezes in XP.
Also, last time I froze I took notes of temps & CPU use
GPU 50C
CPU 61C
Int. Temp. 30C
Remote Temp. 54C
Temp. 50C
HD0 57C
Core 50C
Ambient 0C
Also 44% CPU use and 632 meg of RAM (out of 2 gigs)
Was running FF and Antivirus IIRC
-
the 61C on the cpu i would be a little concerned about .. i run about 39C on my cpu. you using a stock cooler? maybe a small investiment in a aftermarket one will knock about 15c-20c off your temps. provided the heat hasnt cause and lasting affects.
-
Pretty much just internet and email... my games are on XP. However internet is one of the things that is causing freezes in XP.
Also, last time I froze I took notes of temps & CPU use
GPU 50C
CPU 61C
Int. Temp. 30C
Remote Temp. 54C
Temp. 50C
HD0 57C
Core 50C
Ambient 0C
Also 44% CPU use and 632 meg of RAM (out of 2 gigs)
Was running FF and Antivirus IIRC
44%? Sounds like a virus.
-
not really with 632 megs of ram i bet hes doing alot of swapping and stuff
-
But I'm talking about the CPU. Either the virus or he has a ton of processes running in the background.
-
How many's a lot? I usually run about 50 in the background. Again I think I had an antivirus scan going at the point where I froze as well.
-
the 61C on the cpu i would be a little concerned about .. i run about 39C on my cpu. you using a stock cooler? maybe a small investiment in a aftermarket one will knock about 15c-20c off your temps. provided the heat hasnt cause and lasting affects.
He's running a Pentium D processor. When you're trying to compare temps to your AMD dual core system (or whatever you have, we're talking apples to oranges. The stock cooler if working properly (good fan RPM and proper thermal grease/paste application) should cool adequately at stock speeds.
I think there's several issues with this computer that could be causing these symptoms.
50 processes is fairly high, especially for a Pentium D. I'd try and trim it down to 40-45 or so. Some people will comment on how they run there systems at 25-30 processes, but in my opinion for every day needs PC I couldn't do that. I run about 43 processes and the stuff in my startup is stuff I use frequently. There are several freeware programs out there that can help you trim your startup processes down, but I much prefer to do it manually.
Go into Start -> Run -> type in msconfig -> click on startup tab -> uncheck mark obvious programs you do not want in the start up. If you do not recognize the the processes name, Google it. Stuff to look for to uncheck that I find common place on PC's: Reader_sl and Adobe_sl (Adobe Reader), anything Ipod or Quicktime related, Nero/Roxio, jusched (for Java),
-
44%? Sounds like a virus.
Once an older machine like that locks up the processor and thus the fan often run hard, I would guess trying to fix whatever error occured, so I'm not surprised he's seeing that type of CPU usage when locked up. The question is what's the CPU usage at idle? it should remain under 2% max.
-
Some people will comment on how they run there systems at 25-30 processes, but in my opinion for every day needs PC I couldn't do that. I run about 43 processes and the stuff in my startup is stuff I use frequently.
I don't know any application that should run on startup in normal home use. I trimmed my fathers jurassic celeron box down to 17 processes and I can still browse internet and play games on it as fine as the celery lets me. Add in an antivirus + punkbuster that's 3 processes more if playing online.
-
43 processes? Whoa, that is a ton.
On my home computer I do video and audio editing, 3D artwork, design WEB pages, and applications and my computer runs 19 processes.
Hard to imagine what you could be doing with a computer than needs 43 processes to accomplish.
-
And I do all my GD/photography work on this PC as well. The majority of the 'trimmable' processes include Steam, AV, Gmail notifier, Trillian, Logitech G15 software (each app on the LCD, unfortunately, is a process - clock, system resources etc - I leave 2 on + screen manager for macros), Logitech G9 profiles (use it a lot of changing profiles on the go depending on application/game used), Creative Audio services (can I disable these?), and Extensis Suitcase (font management).
And a recount actually, its at 39 on boot. I found that after installing Seagate DiscWizard on my machine to make a bootable ISO of the same program for use on another machine, it had put 4 stupid processes in the start up.