unknown problem

[frales]

Hi

 

I recently have found that my PC is running very loud as if the CPU is working. It seems constant. The task manager shows nothing using CPU but the PC will take ages to initialise programmes. Sometimes I have to shut it down and start again. I also notice that I am getting an error message for internet explorer saying that my last session didn't end correctly and would I like to restore previous page.

 

I have run boot scan and full systems scans with malware bytes, avast and cccleaner but have found no infections. Can anyone shed some light on this?

[KenB]

Hi and welcome to ExTS

 

Download speccy from here: (the free version )

http://www.piriform.com/speccy/download

 

Run it and post the temperatures that it reports.

[frales]

unknown problem

 

Hi KenB, thanks for responding. Below are the results of runnying Speccy:-

 

Operating System

MS Windows XP Home 32-bit SP3

CPU

Intel Pentium 4 541

Prescott 90nm Technology

RAM

1.00 GB Single-Channel @ 200MHz

Motherboard

ASUSTeK Computer INC. Puffer2 (CPU 1) 75 °C

Graphics

HP vs19 (1280x1024@75Hz)

64MB GeForce 6200 TurboCache (MSI) 49 °C

Hard Drives

195GB Seagate ST3200822AS (SATA) 35 °C

Optical Drives

TSSTcorp CDDVDW SH-S222A

IDE-DVD DROM6216

MagicISO Virtual DVD-ROM0000

Audio

Realtek High Definition Audio

 

Thanks

[KenB]

Temperatures look ok.

 

Taking ages to load programs could be a RAM problem.

 

Take the RAM Modules out - give the contacts a clean with a pencil eraser - and replace JUST ONE.

 

Run the system with just one module.

If this doesn't improve things - swap the modules over and run on the other.

 

Is this a laptop or desktop ?

[frales]

Hi KentB

This is a desktop. I have some user experience of PCs so I am not sure if comfortable pulling bits out even if I could find the ram modules. This started playing up in the last two weeks. May a restore to a month ago solve the probelem?

[KenB]

Hi,

 

The RAM modules are easily removed.

Take a look here:

http://kenspchelp.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=172

 

They will only go back one way - take a note of the position of the notch.

 

To replace - locate the module in the slot and press firmly at one end - then the other.

The locking levers will snap into place.

[frales]

unknown problem

 

thanks KenB

 

I will attempt this at the weekend and let you know the result.

 

Thanks

[KenB]

Let me know how you get on :)

[frales]

Hi KentB

 

I eventually got the time to open my PC on Friday and I was appalled at what I found. I knew it was fairly dusty inside as I could see dust on the fan vanes etc but when I looked at the main fan above the heatsink I could see a thick crud on the heatsink.

 

I therefore cleaned out all the dust and proceeded to strip the fans and clean them. I also cleaned all the gunge from the heatsink and eventually removed the RAM and cleaned them as advised. When I put one back in the PC seemed to work but slowly so I put both modules in and after a little scare (I had not pushed the second ram home properly so I was not getting a response from the monitor) I found the PC as quiet as anything. Programmes seem to be performing faster and I can only assume that I was frying the CPU because of the gunge on the heatsink.

 

I thought a related problem was that I could not see images on emails and websites as this seemed to start at the same time. I therefore was not able to open the links that you sent me to remove the ram. At the moment I can see your avatar but there are three red x's where it tells me you are offline, one says default and the last is at the end of your message. I assume this is where a little smillie should be. I have been told this is to do with security settings but I have checked these and I can't seem to get rid of them. What could this be?

 

Thanks for the help on the PC and RAM.

[KenB]

at the end of your message. I assume this is where a little smillie should be.

Yes - that is a smiley.

 

Which browser are you using ? ( IE / Firefox / other )

[frales]

Hi

 

I am using IE.

 

Thanks

[KenB]

take a look here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283807