pc hangs during video playback

[simonh]

Like I said, shot in the dark. Sigh... :confused:

[simonh]

I've posted a video on you tube which I'm hoping will shed a little light on the issue. Problem starts around 1.33

 

http://youtu.be/2tdToxdWsXk

[KenB]

That looks like software to me.

 

The other half of the split screen keeps moving.

Does it lock up in the same place if you play this section over again ?

[simonh]

Sorry, I should probably explain a few things.

 

I only used the split screen to emphasize the freezing, I figured it would be easier to see if the other half was moving.

 

The issue is completely random, I have absolutely no way of telling when it's going to freeze until it does. I'd been recording for about 15 minutes before it did it but I could start playing that file again and have it do it in a completely different place.

 

I don't necessarily need to be running any foreground programs for it to happen, I can come to wake it up in the morning to find it frozen but it mostly does it when watching videos and playing music.

 

Cheers

 

Si

[KenB]

refer to post #40 again.

 

Event viewer may give us some ideas - it may not.

 

You need to make a note of the exact time ( and date ) so that you can look specifically for that.

[simonh]

OK, when I find something I'll get back to you

 

Cheers

[simonh]

Ok, it's been happening quite a few times these last few days but there is no sign of anything in the event viewer

[simonh]

is there anything here that sticks out? i.e. anything that should or shouldn't be turned on?

[KenB]

I can't see anything listed that would help your situation.

 

Have you had a good look around Event Viewer ? - I am surprised if it isn't showing there.

[simonh]

Yeah but the only things that are listed are system events but it tells me that those are normal and don't need actioning.

[KenB]

If video stops running ( freezes ) it seems to me that it can be one of 2 or 3 things:

 

1. RAM - but you say that you have replaced this.

 

2. Video Card. This has memory on it too.

 

(It does look like a memory issue)

 

I know you have tried on-board video and got the same results but onboard video is nowhere near as good as a video card when manipulating a lot of graphics.

The on-board video makes more use of the installed RAM.

 

If you have a problem with the RAM on the video card you may well be getting the freezing because the system cannot cope.

 

I have had a quick read through and I don't think I read anywhere that you had swapped the Video Card ( except to try the on-board )

 

If you can borrow one it would be worth trying.

It is possible to take it to a small computer company and ask if they will check out the Video Card for you.

It may be worthwhile giving them a ring first to ask how much. ( It shouldn't be expensive )

 

Or

 

If they have a used one that you could try ( leave a deposit ?)

 

This is the route I would be tempted to take now.

[simonh]

Cool, i'll give that a try and let you know if that makes a difference, thank you

[KenB]

OK Simon - keep in touch :)

[simonh]

Ok I haven't done what you suggested yet but I did have a fiddle around with my graphics card as I noticed It was connected via an adaptor instead of straight to the PCI output, however this made the freezing worse when watching media. Is there anything in this event viewer you'd think was worth checking out?

[simonh]

hopefully this is bigger

[simonh]

It was originally connected as shown on the right side of the pic but I've now plugged the card directly into a port from the PSU as shown on the left side of the pic

[KenB]

Hi Simon

 

It shouldn't matter which of the connectors you use.

If you are getting problems with one and not the other this suggests a possible PSU problem.

Do you ?

 

I can't see anything obvious in your event viewer log.

 

You get Media Center Extender warnings - do you have an extender ? ( for streaming video etc to other rooms )

The error code indicates that a connection could not be made.

 

You get an error against DCOM

Check that the DCOM service is set to Automatic

Start > type in ....services.msc ............ENTER

 

I would still be tempted to try a different Video Card. ( borrow one )

[simonh]

Yeah I will Ken, either that or just rebuild from scratch :) I was using the extender at the time of the freeze and the DCOM was set to automatic. after chatting to the guy in my local shop he advised me to check my BIOS to see if my RAM settings were correct. After manually setting them to match the specs and voltage on the sticks It was fine for a day but has now come back. Don't think it's any worse with either of the connections but it's so erratic I can't really tell

[KenB]

Hi Simon

 

We need to eliminate the Video Card ( or prove that this is the problem ).

Can the guy in your local shop test the Video Card for you - or lend you one to try ?

[simonh]

Hi Ken

 

I'll be heading back there on Wednesday so I'll take it with me and see what they say

[simonh]

Ok, have now replaced the motherboard as well as the RAM and PSU (mentioned earlier) and still getting issues. Tried running it off of the onboard on my new motherboard and still having the same thing happen, I'm going to take my GPU to get tested tomorrow and see if they have one I can try to see if I can rule out that side but if that isn't the problem then I'm left with the HDD and CPU as the only thing unchanged in the tower. About to do a clean windows install as well so I'll keep you posted.

 

My new MOBO is a Gigabyte G41MT-S2P and I'm running 2 x 4gb Corsair XMS3's

Edited May 9, 2012 by simonh

[KenB]

I'll put money on the video card.

[simonh]

They didn't have one I could borrow but they did test it and seemed to think it's fine. A friend of mine has one so I have to wait until I can get my hands on that

[KenB]

It is when the card is under load that the problems tend to arise.

 

If your friend is willing to lend you his this will confirm one way or the other :)

[simonh]

Under load?