hangs / freezes

May 9, 2008

I am working on a Dell OptiPlex GX280 that up till last week worked fine (~3

years). 1GB RAM, 2.8GB Pentium, 80GB HDD SATA, CD-RW, XP SP2. Is a network

workstation. Virus & malware signatures updates hourly. Has decent

firewall. Recently had added second 512MB RAM strip, but ran with no issues

for weeks following. Run MS Updates routinely, but not yet loaded XP SP3 (it

was not yet released at time hang/freeze issue began). Has suddenly begun to

hang/freeze at about 2-3 minutes post log-in. Gives no warning, no error

messages, no error beeps, continues all green lights on back panel.

Initially reset to earlier restore point with no positive effect. Then did

repair of OS with no positive effect. Ran Dell Diagnostics which found no

hardware issues - all tests passed. Specifically retested Memory and HDD and

all still passed those further diagnostics. Have tested USB keyboard and USB

mouse separately and both are fully functional. Ultimately reformatted HDD

and did clean install, but still continues to hang/freeze at about 2-3

minutes post log-in. Can boot to CD and during lengthy OS repair or install

there was no hang. Can boot to Safe Mode and device will eventually

hang/freeze at about 10-12 minutes post log-in. When hang begins, red light

on optical mouse flickers (slow at first then increases to rapid, then

suddenly stops); also during this, audio begins to crackle and similarly

increases in pace, then stops same as mouse optic light. Did find some info

@ MS regarding an "interrupt storm" but the prescribed "fix" for that did not

alter my issue in any way. Presently the GX280 still hangs/freezes and

nothing I've done has resolved the issue.

Has anyone suffered through this type of problem before, and how did you

ultimately resolve it?

May 9, 2008

Re: hangs / freezes

With all your normal peripherals attached check both the bandwidth and

power consumption on your USB Root Hubs and controllers. It seems

like you've got a overload of some type that is causing the machine to lag.

"Riskman" <Riskman@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:7FD3D84B-B292-4116-84A5-8235510412A0@microsoft.com...

>I am working on a Dell OptiPlex GX280 that up till last week worked fine

>(~3

> years). 1GB RAM, 2.8GB Pentium, 80GB HDD SATA, CD-RW, XP SP2. Is a

> network

> workstation. Virus & malware signatures updates hourly. Has decent

> firewall. Recently had added second 512MB RAM strip, but ran with no

> issues

> for weeks following. Run MS Updates routinely, but not yet loaded XP SP3

> (it

> was not yet released at time hang/freeze issue began). Has suddenly begun

> to

> hang/freeze at about 2-3 minutes post log-in. Gives no warning, no error

> messages, no error beeps, continues all green lights on back panel.

> Initially reset to earlier restore point with no positive effect. Then

> did

> repair of OS with no positive effect. Ran Dell Diagnostics which found no

> hardware issues - all tests passed. Specifically retested Memory and HDD

> and

> all still passed those further diagnostics. Have tested USB keyboard and

> USB

> mouse separately and both are fully functional. Ultimately reformatted

> HDD

> and did clean install, but still continues to hang/freeze at about 2-3

> minutes post log-in. Can boot to CD and during lengthy OS repair or

> install

> there was no hang. Can boot to Safe Mode and device will eventually

> hang/freeze at about 10-12 minutes post log-in. When hang begins, red

> light

> on optical mouse flickers (slow at first then increases to rapid, then

> suddenly stops); also during this, audio begins to crackle and similarly

> increases in pace, then stops same as mouse optic light. Did find some

> info

> @ MS regarding an "interrupt storm" but the prescribed "fix" for that did

> not

> alter my issue in any way. Presently the GX280 still hangs/freezes and

> nothing I've done has resolved the issue.

>

> Has anyone suffered through this type of problem before, and how did you

> ultimately resolve it?

May 9, 2008

Re: hangs / freezes

Thanks for the suggestion... However, I'm maybe an intermediate level tech,

so how do I go about checking the bandwidth and power consumtpion as you

suggest?

"R. McCarty" wrote:

> With all your normal peripherals attached check both the bandwidth and

> power consumption on your USB Root Hubs and controllers. It seems

> like you've got a overload of some type that is causing the machine to lag.

>

> "Riskman" <Riskman@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:7FD3D84B-B292-4116-84A5-8235510412A0@microsoft.com...

> >I am working on a Dell OptiPlex GX280 that up till last week worked fine

> >(~3

> > years). 1GB RAM, 2.8GB Pentium, 80GB HDD SATA, CD-RW, XP SP2. Is a

> > network

> > workstation. Virus & malware signatures updates hourly. Has decent

> > firewall. Recently had added second 512MB RAM strip, but ran with no

> > issues

> > for weeks following. Run MS Updates routinely, but not yet loaded XP SP3

> > (it

> > was not yet released at time hang/freeze issue began). Has suddenly begun

> > to

> > hang/freeze at about 2-3 minutes post log-in. Gives no warning, no error

> > messages, no error beeps, continues all green lights on back panel.

> > Initially reset to earlier restore point with no positive effect. Then

> > did

> > repair of OS with no positive effect. Ran Dell Diagnostics which found no

> > hardware issues - all tests passed. Specifically retested Memory and HDD

> > and

> > all still passed those further diagnostics. Have tested USB keyboard and

> > USB

> > mouse separately and both are fully functional. Ultimately reformatted

> > HDD

> > and did clean install, but still continues to hang/freeze at about 2-3

> > minutes post log-in. Can boot to CD and during lengthy OS repair or

> > install

> > there was no hang. Can boot to Safe Mode and device will eventually

> > hang/freeze at about 10-12 minutes post log-in. When hang begins, red

> > light

> > on optical mouse flickers (slow at first then increases to rapid, then

> > suddenly stops); also during this, audio begins to crackle and similarly

> > increases in pace, then stops same as mouse optic light. Did find some

> > info

> > @ MS regarding an "interrupt storm" but the prescribed "fix" for that did

> > not

> > alter my issue in any way. Presently the GX280 still hangs/freezes and

> > nothing I've done has resolved the issue.

> >

> > Has anyone suffered through this type of problem before, and how did you

> > ultimately resolve it?

>

May 9, 2008

Re: hangs / freezes

Device Manager

USB category

Double-Click each Controller to open Details, Advanced (TAB)

to view Bandwidth usage

Double-Click each Root Hub to open Details, Power (TAB) to

view the % of maximum power consumed

"Riskman" <Riskman@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:6C8023DB-0E03-4F8A-BB89-38184D54E0BB@microsoft.com...

> Thanks for the suggestion... However, I'm maybe an intermediate level

> tech,

> so how do I go about checking the bandwidth and power consumtpion as you

> suggest?

>

> "R. McCarty" wrote:

>

>> With all your normal peripherals attached check both the bandwidth and

>> power consumption on your USB Root Hubs and controllers. It seems

>> like you've got a overload of some type that is causing the machine to

>> lag.

>>

>> "Riskman" <Riskman@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>> news:7FD3D84B-B292-4116-84A5-8235510412A0@microsoft.com...

>> >I am working on a Dell OptiPlex GX280 that up till last week worked fine

>> >(~3

>> > years). 1GB RAM, 2.8GB Pentium, 80GB HDD SATA, CD-RW, XP SP2. Is a

>> > network

>> > workstation. Virus & malware signatures updates hourly. Has decent

>> > firewall. Recently had added second 512MB RAM strip, but ran with no

>> > issues

>> > for weeks following. Run MS Updates routinely, but not yet loaded XP

>> > SP3

>> > (it

>> > was not yet released at time hang/freeze issue began). Has suddenly

>> > begun

>> > to

>> > hang/freeze at about 2-3 minutes post log-in. Gives no warning, no

>> > error

>> > messages, no error beeps, continues all green lights on back panel.

>> > Initially reset to earlier restore point with no positive effect. Then

>> > did

>> > repair of OS with no positive effect. Ran Dell Diagnostics which found

>> > no

>> > hardware issues - all tests passed. Specifically retested Memory and

>> > HDD

>> > and

>> > all still passed those further diagnostics. Have tested USB keyboard

>> > and

>> > USB

>> > mouse separately and both are fully functional. Ultimately reformatted

>> > HDD

>> > and did clean install, but still continues to hang/freeze at about 2-3

>> > minutes post log-in. Can boot to CD and during lengthy OS repair or

>> > install

>> > there was no hang. Can boot to Safe Mode and device will eventually

>> > hang/freeze at about 10-12 minutes post log-in. When hang begins, red

>> > light

>> > on optical mouse flickers (slow at first then increases to rapid, then

>> > suddenly stops); also during this, audio begins to crackle and

>> > similarly

>> > increases in pace, then stops same as mouse optic light. Did find some

>> > info

>> > @ MS regarding an "interrupt storm" but the prescribed "fix" for that

>> > did

>> > not

>> > alter my issue in any way. Presently the GX280 still hangs/freezes and

>> > nothing I've done has resolved the issue.

>> >

>> > Has anyone suffered through this type of problem before, and how did

>> > you

>> > ultimately resolve it?

>>

May 9, 2008

Re: hangs / freezes

Sorry for being so ignorant... Even as I had sent my previous post I thought

to check the Device Manager, etc, (just as you replied) in order to compare

to a similar machine, and there I found the info. Nevertheless, thanks for

your direction. with the GX280 hanging, it took some time/effort to review

as you suggested, and I hope I can relay it to you in a sensible manner, but

what I find does not appear in my limited understanding to be too unusual:

Universal Serial Bus controllers: Self-powered; 500 mA per port; 4 ports

available

-Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB Universal Host Controller - 2658 @ 20% Bandwidth

-Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB Universal Host Controller - 2659 @ 23% Bandwidth

-Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB Universal Host Controller - 265A @ 10% Bandwidth

-Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB Universal Host Controller - 265B @ 10% Bandwidth

-Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB2 Universal Host Controller - 265C @ 10% Bandwidth

-USB Root Hub (w/2 ports available @ 0 mA)

-USB Root Hub (HID-compliant mouse @ 100 mA and 1 port available)

-USB Root Hub (Generic USB Hub w/8 ports available @ 0 mA)

As compared with my other similar PC (GX520) it is only marginally greater

on the first listed controller (20% on the GX280 vs. 10% on the GX520). One

odd thing was that the second-to-last controller on the GX280 lists an

HID-compliant mouse (a second time) @ 100 mA vs. an HID-compliant keyboard @

70 mA as shown on the GX520.

Does the above make any sense to you? Can you determine if that indicates

some possible problem with the USB controllers &/or keyboard?

"R. McCarty" wrote:

> Device Manager

> USB category

> Double-Click each Controller to open Details, Advanced (TAB)

> to view Bandwidth usage

> Double-Click each Root Hub to open Details, Power (TAB) to

> view the % of maximum power consumed

> "Riskman" <Riskman@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:6C8023DB-0E03-4F8A-BB89-38184D54E0BB@microsoft.com...

> > Thanks for the suggestion... However, I'm maybe an intermediate level

> > tech,

> > so how do I go about checking the bandwidth and power consumtpion as you

> > suggest?

> >

> > "R. McCarty" wrote:

> >

> >> With all your normal peripherals attached check both the bandwidth and

> >> power consumption on your USB Root Hubs and controllers. It seems

> >> like you've got a overload of some type that is causing the machine to

> >> lag.

> >>

> >> "Riskman" <Riskman@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> >> news:7FD3D84B-B292-4116-84A5-8235510412A0@microsoft.com...

> >> >I am working on a Dell OptiPlex GX280 that up till last week worked fine

> >> >(~3

> >> > years). 1GB RAM, 2.8GB Pentium, 80GB HDD SATA, CD-RW, XP SP2. Is a

> >> > network

> >> > workstation. Virus & malware signatures updates hourly. Has decent

> >> > firewall. Recently had added second 512MB RAM strip, but ran with no

> >> > issues

> >> > for weeks following. Run MS Updates routinely, but not yet loaded XP

> >> > SP3

> >> > (it

> >> > was not yet released at time hang/freeze issue began). Has suddenly

> >> > begun

> >> > to

> >> > hang/freeze at about 2-3 minutes post log-in. Gives no warning, no

> >> > error

> >> > messages, no error beeps, continues all green lights on back panel.

> >> > Initially reset to earlier restore point with no positive effect. Then

> >> > did

> >> > repair of OS with no positive effect. Ran Dell Diagnostics which found

> >> > no

> >> > hardware issues - all tests passed. Specifically retested Memory and

> >> > HDD

> >> > and

> >> > all still passed those further diagnostics. Have tested USB keyboard

> >> > and

> >> > USB

> >> > mouse separately and both are fully functional. Ultimately reformatted

> >> > HDD

> >> > and did clean install, but still continues to hang/freeze at about 2-3

> >> > minutes post log-in. Can boot to CD and during lengthy OS repair or

> >> > install

> >> > there was no hang. Can boot to Safe Mode and device will eventually

> >> > hang/freeze at about 10-12 minutes post log-in. When hang begins, red

> >> > light

> >> > on optical mouse flickers (slow at first then increases to rapid, then

> >> > suddenly stops); also during this, audio begins to crackle and

> >> > similarly

> >> > increases in pace, then stops same as mouse optic light. Did find some

> >> > info

> >> > @ MS regarding an "interrupt storm" but the prescribed "fix" for that

> >> > did

> >> > not

> >> > alter my issue in any way. Presently the GX280 still hangs/freezes and

> >> > nothing I've done has resolved the issue.

> >> >

> >> > Has anyone suffered through this type of problem before, and how did

> >> > you

> >> > ultimately resolve it?

> >>

>

May 9, 2008

Re: hangs / freezes

Looks OK, however there shouldn't be two instances of a HID mouse

as you note. Most USB mice are USB1(.1) technology and you seem

to have two mice being hosted on separate controllers. You need to

investigate and try to determine why the USB device tree has those 2

instances of a Human Interface Device mouse. What brand mouse do

you use and also do you run the vendor specific control software ( For

MS would Intellipoint and Logitech either MouseWare or SetPoint ).

"Riskman" <Riskman@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:7C9CBDC8-B1B7-4A30-8FB2-32336DAF4FD6@microsoft.com...

> Sorry for being so ignorant... Even as I had sent my previous post I

> thought

> to check the Device Manager, etc, (just as you replied) in order to

> compare

> to a similar machine, and there I found the info. Nevertheless, thanks

> for

> your direction. with the GX280 hanging, it took some time/effort to

> review

> as you suggested, and I hope I can relay it to you in a sensible manner,

> but

> what I find does not appear in my limited understanding to be too unusual:

>

> Universal Serial Bus controllers: Self-powered; 500 mA per port; 4 ports

> available

> -Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB Universal Host Controller - 2658 @ 20% Bandwidth

> -Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB Universal Host Controller - 2659 @ 23% Bandwidth

> -Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB Universal Host Controller - 265A @ 10% Bandwidth

> -Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB Universal Host Controller - 265B @ 10% Bandwidth

> -Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB2 Universal Host Controller - 265C @ 10%

> Bandwidth

> -USB Root Hub (w/2 ports available @ 0 mA)

> -USB Root Hub (HID-compliant mouse @ 100 mA and 1 port available)

> -USB Root Hub (Generic USB Hub w/8 ports available @ 0 mA)

>

> As compared with my other similar PC (GX520) it is only marginally greater

> on the first listed controller (20% on the GX280 vs. 10% on the GX520).

> One

> odd thing was that the second-to-last controller on the GX280 lists an

> HID-compliant mouse (a second time) @ 100 mA vs. an HID-compliant keyboard

> @

> 70 mA as shown on the GX520.

>

> Does the above make any sense to you? Can you determine if that indicates

> some possible problem with the USB controllers &/or keyboard?

>

> "R. McCarty" wrote:

>

>> Device Manager

>> USB category

>> Double-Click each Controller to open Details, Advanced (TAB)

>> to view Bandwidth usage

>> Double-Click each Root Hub to open Details, Power (TAB) to

>> view the % of maximum power consumed

>> "Riskman" <Riskman@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>> news:6C8023DB-0E03-4F8A-BB89-38184D54E0BB@microsoft.com...

>> > Thanks for the suggestion... However, I'm maybe an intermediate level

>> > tech,

>> > so how do I go about checking the bandwidth and power consumtpion as

>> > you

>> > suggest?

>> >

>> > "R. McCarty" wrote:

>> >

>> >> With all your normal peripherals attached check both the bandwidth and

>> >> power consumption on your USB Root Hubs and controllers. It seems

>> >> like you've got a overload of some type that is causing the machine to

>> >> lag.

>> >>

>> >> "Riskman" <Riskman@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>> >> news:7FD3D84B-B292-4116-84A5-8235510412A0@microsoft.com...

>> >> >I am working on a Dell OptiPlex GX280 that up till last week worked

>> >> >fine

>> >> >(~3

>> >> > years). 1GB RAM, 2.8GB Pentium, 80GB HDD SATA, CD-RW, XP SP2. Is a

>> >> > network

>> >> > workstation. Virus & malware signatures updates hourly. Has decent

>> >> > firewall. Recently had added second 512MB RAM strip, but ran with

>> >> > no

>> >> > issues

>> >> > for weeks following. Run MS Updates routinely, but not yet loaded

>> >> > XP

>> >> > SP3

>> >> > (it

>> >> > was not yet released at time hang/freeze issue began). Has suddenly

>> >> > begun

>> >> > to

>> >> > hang/freeze at about 2-3 minutes post log-in. Gives no warning, no

>> >> > error

>> >> > messages, no error beeps, continues all green lights on back panel.

>> >> > Initially reset to earlier restore point with no positive effect.

>> >> > Then

>> >> > did

>> >> > repair of OS with no positive effect. Ran Dell Diagnostics which

>> >> > found

>> >> > no

>> >> > hardware issues - all tests passed. Specifically retested Memory

>> >> > and

>> >> > HDD

>> >> > and

>> >> > all still passed those further diagnostics. Have tested USB

>> >> > keyboard

>> >> > and

>> >> > USB

>> >> > mouse separately and both are fully functional. Ultimately

>> >> > reformatted

>> >> > HDD

>> >> > and did clean install, but still continues to hang/freeze at about

>> >> > 2-3

>> >> > minutes post log-in. Can boot to CD and during lengthy OS repair or

>> >> > install

>> >> > there was no hang. Can boot to Safe Mode and device will eventually

>> >> > hang/freeze at about 10-12 minutes post log-in. When hang begins,

>> >> > red

>> >> > light

>> >> > on optical mouse flickers (slow at first then increases to rapid,

>> >> > then

>> >> > suddenly stops); also during this, audio begins to crackle and

>> >> > similarly

>> >> > increases in pace, then stops same as mouse optic light. Did find

>> >> > some

>> >> > info

>> >> > @ MS regarding an "interrupt storm" but the prescribed "fix" for

>> >> > that

>> >> > did

>> >> > not

>> >> > alter my issue in any way. Presently the GX280 still hangs/freezes

>> >> > and

>> >> > nothing I've done has resolved the issue.

>> >> >

>> >> > Has anyone suffered through this type of problem before, and how did

>> >> > you

>> >> > ultimately resolve it?

>> >>

>>

May 9, 2008

Re: hangs / freezes

All hardware/HIDs are Dell specific, as is controller software. Also, keep

in mind I reformatted the HDD and did a clean install, again with original

delivered software and resource CD, so controllers were same as originally

installed. It is puzzling, though that the mouse shows up twice and the

keyboard doesn't specifically show. I've checked Dell support, but cannot

find any software/firmware updates related to the USB. For now it is Status

Quo.

"R. McCarty" wrote:

> Looks OK, however there shouldn't be two instances of a HID mouse

> as you note. Most USB mice are USB1(.1) technology and you seem

> to have two mice being hosted on separate controllers. You need to

> investigate and try to determine why the USB device tree has those 2

> instances of a Human Interface Device mouse. What brand mouse do

> you use and also do you run the vendor specific control software ( For

> MS would Intellipoint and Logitech either MouseWare or SetPoint ).

>

> "Riskman" <Riskman@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:7C9CBDC8-B1B7-4A30-8FB2-32336DAF4FD6@microsoft.com...

> > Sorry for being so ignorant... Even as I had sent my previous post I

> > thought

> > to check the Device Manager, etc, (just as you replied) in order to

> > compare

> > to a similar machine, and there I found the info. Nevertheless, thanks

> > for

> > your direction. with the GX280 hanging, it took some time/effort to

> > review

> > as you suggested, and I hope I can relay it to you in a sensible manner,

> > but

> > what I find does not appear in my limited understanding to be too unusual:

> >

> > Universal Serial Bus controllers: Self-powered; 500 mA per port; 4 ports

> > available

> > -Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB Universal Host Controller - 2658 @ 20% Bandwidth

> > -Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB Universal Host Controller - 2659 @ 23% Bandwidth

> > -Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB Universal Host Controller - 265A @ 10% Bandwidth

> > -Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB Universal Host Controller - 265B @ 10% Bandwidth

> > -Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB2 Universal Host Controller - 265C @ 10%

> > Bandwidth

> > -USB Root Hub (w/2 ports available @ 0 mA)

> > -USB Root Hub (HID-compliant mouse @ 100 mA and 1 port available)

> > -USB Root Hub (Generic USB Hub w/8 ports available @ 0 mA)

> >

> > As compared with my other similar PC (GX520) it is only marginally greater

> > on the first listed controller (20% on the GX280 vs. 10% on the GX520).

> > One

> > odd thing was that the second-to-last controller on the GX280 lists an

> > HID-compliant mouse (a second time) @ 100 mA vs. an HID-compliant keyboard

> > @

> > 70 mA as shown on the GX520.

> >

> > Does the above make any sense to you? Can you determine if that indicates

> > some possible problem with the USB controllers &/or keyboard?

> >

> > "R. McCarty" wrote:

> >

> >> Device Manager

> >> USB category

> >> Double-Click each Controller to open Details, Advanced (TAB)

> >> to view Bandwidth usage

> >> Double-Click each Root Hub to open Details, Power (TAB) to

> >> view the % of maximum power consumed

> >> "Riskman" <Riskman@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> >> news:6C8023DB-0E03-4F8A-BB89-38184D54E0BB@microsoft.com...

> >> > Thanks for the suggestion... However, I'm maybe an intermediate level

> >> > tech,

> >> > so how do I go about checking the bandwidth and power consumtpion as

> >> > you

> >> > suggest?

> >> >

> >> > "R. McCarty" wrote:

> >> >

> >> >> With all your normal peripherals attached check both the bandwidth and

> >> >> power consumption on your USB Root Hubs and controllers. It seems

> >> >> like you've got a overload of some type that is causing the machine to

> >> >> lag.

> >> >>

> >> >> "Riskman" <Riskman@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> >> >> news:7FD3D84B-B292-4116-84A5-8235510412A0@microsoft.com...

> >> >> >I am working on a Dell OptiPlex GX280 that up till last week worked

> >> >> >fine

> >> >> >(~3

> >> >> > years). 1GB RAM, 2.8GB Pentium, 80GB HDD SATA, CD-RW, XP SP2. Is a

> >> >> > network

> >> >> > workstation. Virus & malware signatures updates hourly. Has decent

> >> >> > firewall. Recently had added second 512MB RAM strip, but ran with

> >> >> > no

> >> >> > issues

> >> >> > for weeks following. Run MS Updates routinely, but not yet loaded

> >> >> > XP

> >> >> > SP3

> >> >> > (it

> >> >> > was not yet released at time hang/freeze issue began). Has suddenly

> >> >> > begun

> >> >> > to

> >> >> > hang/freeze at about 2-3 minutes post log-in. Gives no warning, no

> >> >> > error

> >> >> > messages, no error beeps, continues all green lights on back panel.

> >> >> > Initially reset to earlier restore point with no positive effect.

> >> >> > Then

> >> >> > did

> >> >> > repair of OS with no positive effect. Ran Dell Diagnostics which

> >> >> > found

> >> >> > no

> >> >> > hardware issues - all tests passed. Specifically retested Memory

> >> >> > and

> >> >> > HDD

> >> >> > and

> >> >> > all still passed those further diagnostics. Have tested USB

> >> >> > keyboard

> >> >> > and

> >> >> > USB

> >> >> > mouse separately and both are fully functional. Ultimately

> >> >> > reformatted

> >> >> > HDD

> >> >> > and did clean install, but still continues to hang/freeze at about

> >> >> > 2-3

> >> >> > minutes post log-in. Can boot to CD and during lengthy OS repair or

> >> >> > install

> >> >> > there was no hang. Can boot to Safe Mode and device will eventually

> >> >> > hang/freeze at about 10-12 minutes post log-in. When hang begins,

> >> >> > red

> >> >> > light

> >> >> > on optical mouse flickers (slow at first then increases to rapid,

> >> >> > then

> >> >> > suddenly stops); also during this, audio begins to crackle and

> >> >> > similarly

> >> >> > increases in pace, then stops same as mouse optic light. Did find

> >> >> > some

> >> >> > info

> >> >> > @ MS regarding an "interrupt storm" but the prescribed "fix" for

> >> >> > that

> >> >> > did

> >> >> > not

> >> >> > alter my issue in any way. Presently the GX280 still hangs/freezes

> >> >> > and

> >> >> > nothing I've done has resolved the issue.

> >> >> >

> >> >> > Has anyone suffered through this type of problem before, and how did

> >> >> > you

> >> >> > ultimately resolve it?

> >> >>

> >>

>

May 9, 2008

Re: hangs / freezes

In case you did not see it previously, please see my reply to your lastest

post. For now, problem is unresolved, and Dell nor MS seem to have any USB

controller updates available. Nevertheless, I want to say that I greatly

appreciate your wisdom and assistance provided herein. If you (or any other

reader) should have any further guidance regarding my woe please do not

hesitate to post a next step. Kudos to R. McCarty on a valiant effort.

"R. McCarty" wrote:

> Looks OK, however there shouldn't be two instances of a HID mouse

> as you note. Most USB mice are USB1(.1) technology and you seem

> to have two mice being hosted on separate controllers. You need to

> investigate and try to determine why the USB device tree has those 2

> instances of a Human Interface Device mouse. What brand mouse do

> you use and also do you run the vendor specific control software ( For

> MS would Intellipoint and Logitech either MouseWare or SetPoint ).

>

> "Riskman" <Riskman@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:7C9CBDC8-B1B7-4A30-8FB2-32336DAF4FD6@microsoft.com...

> > Sorry for being so ignorant... Even as I had sent my previous post I

> > thought

> > to check the Device Manager, etc, (just as you replied) in order to

> > compare

> > to a similar machine, and there I found the info. Nevertheless, thanks

> > for

> > your direction. with the GX280 hanging, it took some time/effort to

> > review

> > as you suggested, and I hope I can relay it to you in a sensible manner,

> > but

> > what I find does not appear in my limited understanding to be too unusual:

> >

> > Universal Serial Bus controllers: Self-powered; 500 mA per port; 4 ports

> > available

> > -Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB Universal Host Controller - 2658 @ 20% Bandwidth

> > -Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB Universal Host Controller - 2659 @ 23% Bandwidth

> > -Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB Universal Host Controller - 265A @ 10% Bandwidth

> > -Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB Universal Host Controller - 265B @ 10% Bandwidth

> > -Intel® 82801FB/FBM USB2 Universal Host Controller - 265C @ 10%

> > Bandwidth

> > -USB Root Hub (w/2 ports available @ 0 mA)

> > -USB Root Hub (HID-compliant mouse @ 100 mA and 1 port available)

> > -USB Root Hub (Generic USB Hub w/8 ports available @ 0 mA)

> >

> > As compared with my other similar PC (GX520) it is only marginally greater

> > on the first listed controller (20% on the GX280 vs. 10% on the GX520).

> > One

> > odd thing was that the second-to-last controller on the GX280 lists an

> > HID-compliant mouse (a second time) @ 100 mA vs. an HID-compliant keyboard

> > @

> > 70 mA as shown on the GX520.

> >

> > Does the above make any sense to you? Can you determine if that indicates

> > some possible problem with the USB controllers &/or keyboard?

> >

> > "R. McCarty" wrote:

> >

> >> Device Manager

> >> USB category

> >> Double-Click each Controller to open Details, Advanced (TAB)

> >> to view Bandwidth usage

> >> Double-Click each Root Hub to open Details, Power (TAB) to

> >> view the % of maximum power consumed

> >> "Riskman" <Riskman@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> >> news:6C8023DB-0E03-4F8A-BB89-38184D54E0BB@microsoft.com...

> >> > Thanks for the suggestion... However, I'm maybe an intermediate level

> >> > tech,

> >> > so how do I go about checking the bandwidth and power consumtpion as

> >> > you

> >> > suggest?

> >> >

> >> > "R. McCarty" wrote:

> >> >

> >> >> With all your normal peripherals attached check both the bandwidth and

> >> >> power consumption on your USB Root Hubs and controllers. It seems

> >> >> like you've got a overload of some type that is causing the machine to

> >> >> lag.

> >> >>

> >> >> "Riskman" <Riskman@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> >> >> news:7FD3D84B-B292-4116-84A5-8235510412A0@microsoft.com...

> >> >> >I am working on a Dell OptiPlex GX280 that up till last week worked

> >> >> >fine

> >> >> >(~3

> >> >> > years). 1GB RAM, 2.8GB Pentium, 80GB HDD SATA, CD-RW, XP SP2. Is a

> >> >> > network

> >> >> > workstation. Virus & malware signatures updates hourly. Has decent

> >> >> > firewall. Recently had added second 512MB RAM strip, but ran with

> >> >> > no

> >> >> > issues

> >> >> > for weeks following. Run MS Updates routinely, but not yet loaded

> >> >> > XP

> >> >> > SP3

> >> >> > (it

> >> >> > was not yet released at time hang/freeze issue began). Has suddenly

> >> >> > begun

> >> >> > to

> >> >> > hang/freeze at about 2-3 minutes post log-in. Gives no warning, no

> >> >> > error

> >> >> > messages, no error beeps, continues all green lights on back panel.

> >> >> > Initially reset to earlier restore point with no positive effect.

> >> >> > Then

> >> >> > did

> >> >> > repair of OS with no positive effect. Ran Dell Diagnostics which

> >> >> > found

> >> >> > no

> >> >> > hardware issues - all tests passed. Specifically retested Memory

> >> >> > and

> >> >> > HDD

> >> >> > and

> >> >> > all still passed those further diagnostics. Have tested USB

> >> >> > keyboard

> >> >> > and

> >> >> > USB

> >> >> > mouse separately and both are fully functional. Ultimately

> >> >> > reformatted

> >> >> > HDD

> >> >> > and did clean install, but still continues to hang/freeze at about

> >> >> > 2-3

> >> >> > minutes post log-in. Can boot to CD and during lengthy OS repair or

> >> >> > install

> >> >> > there was no hang. Can boot to Safe Mode and device will eventually

> >> >> > hang/freeze at about 10-12 minutes post log-in. When hang begins,

> >> >> > red

> >> >> > light

> >> >> > on optical mouse flickers (slow at first then increases to rapid,

> >> >> > then

> >> >> > suddenly stops); also during this, audio begins to crackle and

> >> >> > similarly

> >> >> > increases in pace, then stops same as mouse optic light. Did find

> >> >> > some

> >> >> > info

> >> >> > @ MS regarding an "interrupt storm" but the prescribed "fix" for

> >> >> > that

> >> >> > did

> >> >> > not

> >> >> > alter my issue in any way. Presently the GX280 still hangs/freezes

> >> >> > and

> >> >> > nothing I've done has resolved the issue.

> >> >> >

> >> >> > Has anyone suffered through this type of problem before, and how did

> >> >> > you

> >> >> > ultimately resolve it?

> >> >>

> >>

>

May 9, 2008

Re: hangs / freezes

The date and time was 5/9/2008 8:55 AM, and on a whim, Riskman pounded

out on the keyboard:

> I am working on a Dell OptiPlex GX280 that up till last week worked fine (~3

> years). 1GB RAM, 2.8GB Pentium, 80GB HDD SATA, CD-RW, XP SP2. Is a network

> workstation. Virus & malware signatures updates hourly. Has decent

> firewall. Recently had added second 512MB RAM strip, but ran with no issues

> for weeks following. Run MS Updates routinely, but not yet loaded XP SP3 (it

> was not yet released at time hang/freeze issue began). Has suddenly begun to

> hang/freeze at about 2-3 minutes post log-in. Gives no warning, no error

> messages, no error beeps, continues all green lights on back panel.

> Initially reset to earlier restore point with no positive effect. Then did

> repair of OS with no positive effect. Ran Dell Diagnostics which found no

> hardware issues - all tests passed. Specifically retested Memory and HDD and

> all still passed those further diagnostics. Have tested USB keyboard and USB

> mouse separately and both are fully functional. Ultimately reformatted HDD

> and did clean install, but still continues to hang/freeze at about 2-3

> minutes post log-in. Can boot to CD and during lengthy OS repair or install

> there was no hang. Can boot to Safe Mode and device will eventually

> hang/freeze at about 10-12 minutes post log-in. When hang begins, red light

> on optical mouse flickers (slow at first then increases to rapid, then

> suddenly stops); also during this, audio begins to crackle and similarly

> increases in pace, then stops same as mouse optic light. Did find some info

> @ MS regarding an "interrupt storm" but the prescribed "fix" for that did not

> alter my issue in any way. Presently the GX280 still hangs/freezes and

> nothing I've done has resolved the issue.

>

> Has anyone suffered through this type of problem before, and how did you

> ultimately resolve it?

You stated "added second 512MB RAM strip". I read on Dell's site that

the GX-280 is a dual channel memory board. Did they add two 256 DIMM's?

What was the original RAM?

--

Terry R.

***Reply Note***

Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.

Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

May 12, 2008

Re: hangs / freezes

Terry, thanks for jumping in... I'm back in today (Monday) for another

go-round... To answer your question, the original was a single 512MB strip,

and while Dell encourages dual channel, the device was originally configured

(by them) with a single strip which does typically work fine, it is just more

efficient with two similar strips. My later update was to round it out with

another 512MB strip to make it an even 1G RAM, and in that configuration it

ran fine for a couple of weeks. I have since tested the system with each

individual strip-only onboard just to make sure the anomoly of hang/freeze

was not somehow related to one or the other of the memory strips, but it

continues to do that behavior whether I have either or both strips onboard.

"Terry R." wrote:

> The date and time was 5/9/2008 8:55 AM, and on a whim, Riskman pounded

> out on the keyboard:

>

> > I am working on a Dell OptiPlex GX280 that up till last week worked fine (~3

> > years). 1GB RAM, 2.8GB Pentium, 80GB HDD SATA, CD-RW, XP SP2. Is a network

> > workstation. Virus & malware signatures updates hourly. Has decent

> > firewall. Recently had added second 512MB RAM strip, but ran with no issues

> > for weeks following. Run MS Updates routinely, but not yet loaded XP SP3 (it

> > was not yet released at time hang/freeze issue began). Has suddenly begun to

> > hang/freeze at about 2-3 minutes post log-in. Gives no warning, no error

> > messages, no error beeps, continues all green lights on back panel.

> > Initially reset to earlier restore point with no positive effect. Then did

> > repair of OS with no positive effect. Ran Dell Diagnostics which found no

> > hardware issues - all tests passed. Specifically retested Memory and HDD and

> > all still passed those further diagnostics. Have tested USB keyboard and USB

> > mouse separately and both are fully functional. Ultimately reformatted HDD

> > and did clean install, but still continues to hang/freeze at about 2-3

> > minutes post log-in. Can boot to CD and during lengthy OS repair or install

> > there was no hang. Can boot to Safe Mode and device will eventually

> > hang/freeze at about 10-12 minutes post log-in. When hang begins, red light

> > on optical mouse flickers (slow at first then increases to rapid, then

> > suddenly stops); also during this, audio begins to crackle and similarly

> > increases in pace, then stops same as mouse optic light. Did find some info

> > @ MS regarding an "interrupt storm" but the prescribed "fix" for that did not

> > alter my issue in any way. Presently the GX280 still hangs/freezes and

> > nothing I've done has resolved the issue.

> >

> > Has anyone suffered through this type of problem before, and how did you

> > ultimately resolve it?

>

> You stated "added second 512MB RAM strip". I read on Dell's site that

> the GX-280 is a dual channel memory board. Did they add two 256 DIMM's?

> What was the original RAM?

>

> --

> Terry R.

>

> ***Reply Note***

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

> Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

>

May 23, 2008

Re: hangs / freezes

Hello all. Just wanted to chime in that I'm having the same problem

with two seperate Optiplex GX280s. It doesn't matter whether I'm

running windows, or a bootable Linux live-cd. The machine simply hangs

up after a few minutes. On windows, the fan speeds up as fast as

possible, and the only way to turn it off is to pull the power plug

(holding the power button doesn't work).

In Linux, the computer freezes, but the power button still works.

May 23, 2008

Re: hangs / freezes

accurate-sys;671079 Wrote:

> Hello all. Just wanted to chime in that I'm having the same problem

> with two seperate Optiplex GX280s. It doesn't matter whether I'm

> running windows, or a bootable Linux live-cd. The machine simply hangs

> up after a few minutes. On windows, the fan speeds up as fast as

> possible, and the only way to turn it off is to pull the power plug

> (holding the power button doesn't work).

>

> In Linux, the computer freezes, but the power button still works.

Hello again all. Sorry to double post, but I found a resolution after

a few more minutes of browsing. The problem seems to be caused by bad

capacitors on this particular model (GX280).

this thread on badcaps.net talks about this specific model:

'Badcaps Forums - dell Optiplex gx280'

(http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1034)

and this is what to look for on your motherboard:

'Badcaps.net - How To Identify' (http://badcaps.net/pages.php?vid=5)

the capacitors in question are manufactured by Nichicon, and this CNET

article has a picture of them (black with copper bars)

'PCs plagued by bad capacitors - CNET News.com'

(http://tinyurl.com/566pug)

If Dell does not agree to replace the defective motherboard for you,

badcaps.net has a tutorial on replacing the capacitors yourself.

I hope this information is helpful. Good luck!

-Ray

May 27, 2008

Re: hangs / freezes

Ray, thanks for your input... The bad caps appear to be precisely the

problem. Upon close inspection of the board I do see no less than at least

five capacitors that appear to have blown with leakage easily observed, and

there could be more. I would have not recognized this had you not provided

your input and links. I have emailed Dell, but suspect they will disavoy

since our warranty period has expired. Thanks so much for your help. I wish

I could have somehow known it sooner because it sure would have saved me

considerable frustration and wasted effort. Nevertheless, you are spot on

with diagnosing the root cause. Thanks again.

"accurate-sys" wrote:

>

> accurate-sys;671079 Wrote:

> > Hello all. Just wanted to chime in that I'm having the same problem

> > with two seperate Optiplex GX280s. It doesn't matter whether I'm

> > running windows, or a bootable Linux live-cd. The machine simply hangs

> > up after a few minutes. On windows, the fan speeds up as fast as

> > possible, and the only way to turn it off is to pull the power plug

> > (holding the power button doesn't work).

> >

> > In Linux, the computer freezes, but the power button still works.

>

> Hello again all. Sorry to double post, but I found a resolution after

> a few more minutes of browsing. The problem seems to be caused by bad

> capacitors on this particular model (GX280).

>

> this thread on badcaps.net talks about this specific model:

> 'Badcaps Forums - dell Optiplex gx280'

> (http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1034)

>

> and this is what to look for on your motherboard:

> 'Badcaps.net - How To Identify' (http://badcaps.net/pages.php?vid=5)

>

> the capacitors in question are manufactured by Nichicon, and this CNET

> article has a picture of them (black with copper bars)

> 'PCs plagued by bad capacitors - CNET News.com'

> (http://tinyurl.com/566pug)

>

> If Dell does not agree to replace the defective motherboard for you,

> badcaps.net has a tutorial on replacing the capacitors yourself.

>

> I hope this information is helpful. Good luck!

> -Ray

>

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