PC freezes but all ok again if restarted one hour later

[Rivyking]

Hi

 

I have a 33 month old Mesh desktop pc running Windows 7 OS which I installed just over a year ago. All has been well until the last few days. The problem is that after a short while of running, which can vary from a few minutes to an hour, the screen freezes and no inputs are possible via mouse or keyboard. No amount of effort will get it running again as it just stops at various points of booting up. It is not even possible to Safe Boot. However, if the pc is left for one hour approx, it starts ok and everything is fine again until it freezes again. When it is working, everything works fine including all my applicationm e,g Office ect. I have tried system restore but this made no difference. I have not recently added any software or hardware. To my mind it is almost as though something is heating up and failing until it cools down again. It just does not seem to be a software issue. I did manage to complete a full virus check using Kaspersky and this found no issues. I have subsequenly deleted Kaspersky 2010 and install Kaspersky 2011 but still the problem continues. Does anyone have any suggestions?? Thanks

[PseFrank]

Hi RivyKing...

 

You could well be correct with your own diagnosis of heat being the problem. I would suggest that you remove the side panel from your tower and check to see how much dust, etc has built up in the three years (Nearly) from new.

 

An artists brush is good for gently dislodging dust and cobwebs, etc. Or just as good is a pastry brush from the kitchen. Combine this with a can of compressed air, and you're good to go.

 

Note: If you do use a hoover once the dust is dislodged (And many do), be very careful and do not allow the hoover nozzle to touch any component part. Hold it firmly close to the end of the nozzle.

 

Please take all the normal precautions when working inside the tower...this would include...

 

Turning the power off at the socket. Many techs leave the plug in to maintain an earth.

 

Use an anti static wrist strap if you have one, or failing that touch the metal casing frequently.

 

Do not work on a carpet. A plain wooden table is better.

 

Above all...be gentle. And if you don't need to touch a component...then try not to.

 

When you are sure that your computer is as clean as you can get it. Use the link provided below to download a free program called Speccy. This is a great program for giving you details about your system, including temperatures of different components.

 

Speccy - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

 

Please get back to us to let us know how you get on.

[Rivyking]

Many thanks PseFrank

I've just completed a cleanup. There was a fair buildup of fluff/dust under the processor fan which was partially blocking the cooling fins. The pc is running as I write this so I will have to see how long it keeps going. I will let you know. Thanks again

[Rivyking]

Hi again PseFrank

 

I'm very pleased to report that my pc has been running all evening, that is nearly 5 hours and no problems so far. I still need confidence that it reallly is fixed but it does look good at the moment. I would never have guessed that the problem I had could have been caused by a buildup of dust. Thanks again for your help. Also, Speccy is a very good programme.

[PseFrank]

I'm happy that Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help was able to help you RivyKing. Don't hesitate to post should you have more problems...:)

[Dalo Harkin]

I am glad that this is all sorted, but can I just clarify that a hoover should not be used under any circumstances when any component is in the case

 

If you had removed every component from the case (including the MOBO) and you have a bare case then yes that is fine to use a hoover.

 

Static is the one thing that can kill PC parts.

[PseFrank]

Thanks for the clarification Dalo. I have read so much conflicting advice on the subject of cleaning towers. And thats the reason I placed the cautionary note in my post. I'll remember your advice for the future.

[Dalo Harkin]

No worries, I just wanted to clarify is all

 

Also with compressed air only use short, sharp bursts otherwise condensation can build up (which again isn't good :eek:)