Computer Problem

[Ash256]

Hi guys,

I'm running Win 7 32-bit and since acquiring a new wireless connection I've been having some real problems.

My laptop will completely freeze up, as in my mouse will stop moving, my computer won't respond to keyboard commands, and the only thing I can do is hold down the Off button.

Whilst I can't say with any degree of certainty, it would appear that my problem comes from high-bandwidth activities, such as downloading stuff or playing Youtube videos.

Here are the steps I've taken so far, to no avail:

- Update Windows
- Update Flash
- Switch browsers
- Uninstall unnecessary bs
- Change my AV
- Update my wireless drivers (no new ones available)

Any ideas what would cause such crashes? Hardware or software? I've got a lot of good stuff on this comp so I'd like to avoid a fresh install if at all possible.

[eugmac]

Wireless as in wlan? or is it a 3G connection?

Does sound a lot like a driver problem - usually you can find various forums with discussions about drivers that cause crashes though.

[PlayToWin]

It sound like some process is using too much of your CPU, so you don't have any resources left to do anything else. Press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys at the same time to open the Task Manager. Then choose the Processes tab to see what process is using all of your computer resources. At the bottom of the window, you can see CPU usage. It should be 5% or less when you're not doing anything with the computer. You may also have to check the box "Show processes from all users". Look in the CPU column for a high number. That's the one causing problems. Then you can Google the process to find out what program is using it, or it could be a virus process. Anyway, that should be the first step. I had to uninstall McAfee antivirus from a netbook recently because it was constantly using 60%-100% of the CPU.

[Warpe]

RAM?

[mbiz]

RAM?

well said warpe

It doesnt sound like anything to do with your wireless connection. Disconnect from the wireless and maybe uninstall any wireless drivers you installed and see if it still does it. Need to eliminate confounds!

Download 'Core Temp' and make sure your cpu isnt overheating. Update your video drivers maybe - but i doubt its that.

[Nekrogovner]

Its not overheating, laptops normally shutdown completely and cut off power supply if core temperature is too high.
Put it through a stress test, that would probably be the most accurate way to see whats going on. Watch videos, mass download, try playing some high req games like FPS (if u got graphic card for those), and see what tingles it the most. Also disable teh wireless adapter and see if it crashes after that. And try instead connecting with cable to internet (if your wireless adapter/router is somewhere close by).

And whats up with 32-bit Windows 7? Shouldn't that kinda stuff be eradicated? I'm not really following the latest trends.

[KoRnholio]

One thing I find generally helps is:

Windows Key -> run program "msconfig" - Startup tab

Uncheck anything you don't need to be loading on startup. These days every program seems to NEED to load their own little background client. Could be a conflict or simply just too much random shit wanting to load.

[Jack Sawyer]

Sorry Ash, got nothing.

If it was running OK and then started acting up, try a system restore to a point where it was running well.
If it always acted up, but only now the acting up is more pronounced, try to get the variable that changed and change it back.
If your computer is a netbook of some kind, or has an Atom processor, head to the nearest trash can and dump it in quickly.

It would help us if you laid down the specs and/or type of computer to see if you are not on something truly underpowered that would choke on a simple download or playing a youtube vid.

[PlayToWin]

Hey Ash - Could you possibly take 5 fuckin minutes out of your day to thank us all for trying to help you and possibly give an update on how our advice has worked for you. KTHX.

[mbiz]

haha

[Ash256]

Hey Ash - Could you possibly take 5 fuckin minutes out of your day to thank us all for trying to help you and possibly give an update on how our advice has worked for you. KTHX.

Absolutely.

I've got rid of some startup bullshit, I haven't got anything taking more than its fair share of CPU. I'm gonna run some memtests when I get a moment, I'm just busy as fuck these days.

Much love.

[PlayToWin]

I gotta quit these drunk posts.......... good luck.