Calling techies regarding OS lockups

[Guest Terry R.]

I've got a workstation that is randomly locking. If it locks at all, it

will usually lock in succession two or three times within a five to

fifteen minute period when first booted in the morning. Then the rest

of the day it's fine. So heat isn't the issue, as all fans are working

properly and the case vents are all clear. The power supply is pretty

new and is working within its voltage range. I've swapped out the video

card. Memory has been tested repeatedly. It is virus/malware free, I'm

absolutely sure of it.

 

I first attempted updating all drivers. I thought I made progress but

then it started again. Next I started removing items that would launch

on Startup. Again I thought I had found the culprit (Talkworks with

dual modem voice answering- one driver was loading with the user and the

other with SYSTEM- but if I delayed the loading both would load via

SYSTEM- I thought it made a difference). But later found it was locking

even taking things out. Then again, sometimes it works fine for days in

a row.

 

I'm ready to create an additional new partition and start all over again

unless I can figure it out. I work with computers, so I've taken all

seemingly obvious steps.

 

Does anything come to anyones mind that might assist me troubleshooting

this?

 

--

Terry R.

 

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[Guest philo]

Re: Calling techies regarding OS lockups

 

 

"Terry R." <F1Com@NOSPAMpobox.com> wrote in message

news:uT9$LmWNJHA.5648@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

> I've got a workstation that is randomly locking. If it locks at all, it

> will usually lock in succession two or three times within a five to

> fifteen minute period when first booted in the morning. Then the rest

> of the day it's fine. So heat isn't the issue, as all fans are working

> properly and the case vents are all clear. The power supply is pretty

> new and is working within its voltage range. I've swapped out the video

> card. Memory has been tested repeatedly. It is virus/malware free, I'm

> absolutely sure of it.

>

> I first attempted updating all drivers. I thought I made progress but

> then it started again. Next I started removing items that would launch

> on Startup. Again I thought I had found the culprit (Talkworks with

> dual modem voice answering- one driver was loading with the user and the

> other with SYSTEM- but if I delayed the loading both would load via

> SYSTEM- I thought it made a difference). But later found it was locking

> even taking things out. Then again, sometimes it works fine for days in

> a row.

>

> I'm ready to create an additional new partition and start all over again

> unless I can figure it out. I work with computers, so I've taken all

> seemingly obvious steps.

>

> Does anything come to anyones mind that might assist me troubleshooting

> this?

 

 

 

I'd try some different RAM

 

At least a few times I've run RAM tests for many hours

with no problems found...

but the problems went away after I changed RAM

[Guest Terry R.]

Re: Calling techies regarding OS lockups

 

The date and time was 10/23/2008 4:57 PM, and on a whim, philo pounded

out on the keyboard:

> "Terry R." <F1Com@NOSPAMpobox.com> wrote in message

> news:uT9$LmWNJHA.5648@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>> I've got a workstation that is randomly locking. If it locks at all, it

>> will usually lock in succession two or three times within a five to

>> fifteen minute period when first booted in the morning. Then the rest

>> of the day it's fine. So heat isn't the issue, as all fans are working

>> properly and the case vents are all clear. The power supply is pretty

>> new and is working within its voltage range. I've swapped out the video

>> card. Memory has been tested repeatedly. It is virus/malware free, I'm

>> absolutely sure of it.

>>

>> I first attempted updating all drivers. I thought I made progress but

>> then it started again. Next I started removing items that would launch

>> on Startup. Again I thought I had found the culprit (Talkworks with

>> dual modem voice answering- one driver was loading with the user and the

>> other with SYSTEM- but if I delayed the loading both would load via

>> SYSTEM- I thought it made a difference). But later found it was locking

>> even taking things out. Then again, sometimes it works fine for days in

>> a row.

>>

>> I'm ready to create an additional new partition and start all over again

>> unless I can figure it out. I work with computers, so I've taken all

>> seemingly obvious steps.

>>

>> Does anything come to anyones mind that might assist me troubleshooting

>> this?

>

>

>

> I'd try some different RAM

>

> At least a few times I've run RAM tests for many hours

> with no problems found...

> but the problems went away after I changed RAM

>

>

 

Hi philo,

 

Thanks for the response. I have additional RAM. I'll swap it out and

report back. I put the RAM into another workstation with no issues so I

thought that would be good enough. But I'll give different RAM a try.

 

--

Terry R.

 

***Reply Note***

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[Guest Xandros]

Re: Calling techies regarding OS lockups

 

 

"Terry R." <F1Com@NOSPAMpobox.com> wrote in message

news:uT9$LmWNJHA.5648@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

> I've got a workstation that is randomly locking. If it locks at all, it

> will usually lock in succession two or three times within a five to

> fifteen minute period when first booted in the morning. Then the rest of

> the day it's fine. So heat isn't the issue, as all fans are working

> properly and the case vents are all clear. The power supply is pretty new

> and is working within its voltage range. I've swapped out the video card.

> Memory has been tested repeatedly. It is virus/malware free, I'm

> absolutely sure of it.

>

> I first attempted updating all drivers. I thought I made progress but

> then it started again. Next I started removing items that would launch on

> Startup. Again I thought I had found the culprit (Talkworks with dual

> modem voice answering- one driver was loading with the user and the other

> with SYSTEM- but if I delayed the loading both would load via SYSTEM- I

> thought it made a difference). But later found it was locking even taking

> things out. Then again, sometimes it works fine for days in a row.

>

> I'm ready to create an additional new partition and start all over again

> unless I can figure it out. I work with computers, so I've taken all

> seemingly obvious steps.

>

> Does anything come to anyones mind that might assist me troubleshooting

> this?

>

> --

> Terry R.

 

Overclocked CPU or overheating CPU can cause lockups. Also examine the mobo

to see if any caps appear to be bulging. If so you may need to replace the

mobo.

 

 

--

 

Xandros

[Guest Terry R.]

Re: Calling techies regarding OS lockups

 

The date and time was 10/23/2008 6:09 PM, and on a whim, Xandros pounded

out on the keyboard:

> "Terry R." <F1Com@NOSPAMpobox.com> wrote in message

> news:uT9$LmWNJHA.5648@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>> I've got a workstation that is randomly locking. If it locks at all, it

>> will usually lock in succession two or three times within a five to

>> fifteen minute period when first booted in the morning. Then the rest of

>> the day it's fine. So heat isn't the issue, as all fans are working

>> properly and the case vents are all clear. The power supply is pretty new

>> and is working within its voltage range. I've swapped out the video card.

>> Memory has been tested repeatedly. It is virus/malware free, I'm

>> absolutely sure of it.

>>

>> I first attempted updating all drivers. I thought I made progress but

>> then it started again. Next I started removing items that would launch on

>> Startup. Again I thought I had found the culprit (Talkworks with dual

>> modem voice answering- one driver was loading with the user and the other

>> with SYSTEM- but if I delayed the loading both would load via SYSTEM- I

>> thought it made a difference). But later found it was locking even taking

>> things out. Then again, sometimes it works fine for days in a row.

>>

>> I'm ready to create an additional new partition and start all over again

>> unless I can figure it out. I work with computers, so I've taken all

>> seemingly obvious steps.

>>

>> Does anything come to anyones mind that might assist me troubleshooting

>> this?

>>

>> --

>> Terry R.

>

> Overclocked CPU or overheating CPU can cause lockups. Also examine the mobo

> to see if any caps appear to be bulging. If so you may need to replace the

> mobo.

>

>

 

Hi Xandros,

 

No overclocking. I have checked the motherboard and everything appears

normal.

 

Appreciate the input,

 

--

Terry R.

 

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[Guest philo]

Re: Calling techies regarding OS lockups

 

 

"Terry R." <F1Com@NOSPAMpobox.com> wrote in message

news:%23%23muzBXNJHA.4172@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

> The date and time was 10/23/2008 4:57 PM, and on a whim, philo pounded

> out on the keyboard:

>

> > "Terry R." <F1Com@NOSPAMpobox.com> wrote in message

> > news:uT9$LmWNJHA.5648@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

> >> I've got a workstation that is randomly locking. If it locks at all,

it

> >> will usually lock in succession two or three times within a five to

> >> fifteen minute period when first booted in the morning. Then the rest

> >> of the day it's fine. So heat isn't the issue, as all fans are working

> >> properly and the case vents are all clear. The power supply is pretty

> >> new and is working within its voltage range. I've swapped out the

video

> >> card. Memory has been tested repeatedly. It is virus/malware free,

I'm

> >> absolutely sure of it.

> >>

> >> I first attempted updating all drivers. I thought I made progress but

> >> then it started again. Next I started removing items that would launch

> >> on Startup. Again I thought I had found the culprit (Talkworks with

> >> dual modem voice answering- one driver was loading with the user and

the

> >> other with SYSTEM- but if I delayed the loading both would load via

> >> SYSTEM- I thought it made a difference). But later found it was

locking

> >> even taking things out. Then again, sometimes it works fine for days

in

> >> a row.

> >>

> >> I'm ready to create an additional new partition and start all over

again

> >> unless I can figure it out. I work with computers, so I've taken all

> >> seemingly obvious steps.

> >>

> >> Does anything come to anyones mind that might assist me troubleshooting

> >> this?

> >

> >

> >

> > I'd try some different RAM

> >

> > At least a few times I've run RAM tests for many hours

> > with no problems found...

> > but the problems went away after I changed RAM

> >

> >

>

> Hi philo,

>

> Thanks for the response. I have additional RAM. I'll swap it out and

> report back. I put the RAM into another workstation with no issues so I

> thought that would be good enough. But I'll give different RAM a try.

>

 

 

It's worth a try...

btw: You may also want to try a different data cable for your HD...

I've seen at least a few bad ATA cables in my time

[Guest HeyBub]

Re: Calling techies regarding OS lockups

 

Terry R. wrote:

> I've got a workstation that is randomly locking. If it locks at all,

> it will usually lock in succession two or three times within a five to

> fifteen minute period when first booted in the morning. Then the rest

> of the day it's fine. So heat isn't the issue, as all fans are

> working properly and the case vents are all clear. The power supply

> is pretty new and is working within its voltage range. I've swapped

> out the video card. Memory has been tested repeatedly. It is

> virus/malware free, I'm absolutely sure of it.

 

Heat COULD be the issue - or rather the lack of heat.

 

For example, a cold-solder joint may not be making contact until it expands

ever-so-slightly due to enviornmental warmth. Another possible culprit is a

socket contact.

 

The former can be detected by judicious use of cold-in-a-can spray available

at Radio Shack. The latter - which I'd try first - is to re-seat everything

possible: cards, electrical connections, RAM.

 

I recall an old Ann Landers bit of advice to the woman who complained her

husband just lay in the bed listening to the ball game instead of paying

attention to her. Ann said: "Maybe the radio* warms up faster than you do."

 

----

*Radio: Ancient device similar to TV but with no picture.

[Guest Terry R.]

Re: SOLVED Calling techies regarding OS lockups

 

Re: SOLVED Calling techies regarding OS lockups

 

The date and time was 10/23/2008 4:46 PM, and on a whim, Terry R.

pounded out on the keyboard:

> I've got a workstation that is randomly locking. If it locks at all, it

> will usually lock in succession two or three times within a five to

> fifteen minute period when first booted in the morning. Then the rest

> of the day it's fine. So heat isn't the issue, as all fans are working

> properly and the case vents are all clear. The power supply is pretty

> new and is working within its voltage range. I've swapped out the video

> card. Memory has been tested repeatedly. It is virus/malware free, I'm

> absolutely sure of it.

>

> I first attempted updating all drivers. I thought I made progress but

> then it started again. Next I started removing items that would launch

> on Startup. Again I thought I had found the culprit (Talkworks with

> dual modem voice answering- one driver was loading with the user and the

> other with SYSTEM- but if I delayed the loading both would load via

> SYSTEM- I thought it made a difference). But later found it was locking

> even taking things out. Then again, sometimes it works fine for days in

> a row.

>

> I'm ready to create an additional new partition and start all over again

> unless I can figure it out. I work with computers, so I've taken all

> seemingly obvious steps.

>

> Does anything come to anyones mind that might assist me troubleshooting

> this?

>

 

I changed out the RAM and someone suggested. No change. Re-seated

everything.

 

Randomly I unplugged the lengthy PS/2 keyboard adapter that appeared to

be drooping a bit and plugged the keyboard into a USB port. It's now

been running for four days without a freeze.

 

In all my years of t-shooting, that one is a first for me.

 

--

Terry R.

 

***Reply Note***

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Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

[Guest Kelly]

Re: SOLVED Calling techies regarding OS lockups

 

Re: SOLVED Calling techies regarding OS lockups

 

Interesting and good work! :o)

 

--

 

All the Best,

Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

 

Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

 

SupportSpace

http://www.supportspace.com/pages?aiu=kellyskorner

 

"Terry R." <F1Com@NOSPAMpobox.com> wrote in message

news:uv8avtpOJHA.4424@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

> The date and time was 10/23/2008 4:46 PM, and on a whim, Terry R. pounded

> out on the keyboard:

>

>> I've got a workstation that is randomly locking. If it locks at all, it

>> will usually lock in succession two or three times within a five to

>> fifteen minute period when first booted in the morning. Then the rest of

>> the day it's fine. So heat isn't the issue, as all fans are working

>> properly and the case vents are all clear. The power supply is pretty

>> new and is working within its voltage range. I've swapped out the video

>> card. Memory has been tested repeatedly. It is virus/malware free, I'm

>> absolutely sure of it.

>>

>> I first attempted updating all drivers. I thought I made progress but

>> then it started again. Next I started removing items that would launch

>> on Startup. Again I thought I had found the culprit (Talkworks with dual

>> modem voice answering- one driver was loading with the user and the other

>> with SYSTEM- but if I delayed the loading both would load via SYSTEM- I

>> thought it made a difference). But later found it was locking even

>> taking things out. Then again, sometimes it works fine for days in a

>> row.

>>

>> I'm ready to create an additional new partition and start all over again

>> unless I can figure it out. I work with computers, so I've taken all

>> seemingly obvious steps.

>>

>> Does anything come to anyones mind that might assist me troubleshooting

>> this?

>>

>

> I changed out the RAM and someone suggested. No change. Re-seated

> everything.

>

> Randomly I unplugged the lengthy PS/2 keyboard adapter that appeared to be

> drooping a bit and plugged the keyboard into a USB port. It's now been

> running for four days without a freeze.

>

> In all my years of t-shooting, that one is a first for me.

>

> --

> Terry R.

>

> ***Reply Note***

> Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.

> Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.