Re: sudden freezes

From: Malke (malke_at_nospoonnotreally.com)
Date: 06/13/04 

Date: Sun, 13 Jun 2004 07:13:21 -0700

Gerard Verhoef wrote:

> Hi;
>
> I added a harddisk to my computer and did a complete reinstall of
> windows xp professional on that new harddisk
> (partitioned the 160GB harddisk in 3 partitions, OS, Data and Apps).
> Still use the old 40GM disk as backup.
>
> I have setup the new HD (WD) as master and the old one (Maxtor) as
> slave on the same eide cable (flat), The dvd drive and cdrw are on the
> other eide cable as nmaster and slave.
>
> Since then I have sudden freezes of my system. No warning, no error in
> eventview, but a complete freeze.
> Only a hard reset can get life back into it. When frozen I see that
> the leds in my usb hub turn off too.
> The freeze errus about once every 2 to 3 hours and seemingly
> independent on th appliation(s). Before the hard*** addition i never
> had this problem.
>
> I run.winxp professional, latest updates on a amd xp 2400+ with 512 MB
> Ram, MSI MS-6712 mainboard, a msi gf5600 videocard, creative 5.1
> audio, tascam us-122 audio/midi interface (powered by usb, 5V, max
> 500mA), plextor CDRW, MSI DVD, Maxtor 40GB en WD 160 GB harddisks.
>
> All powered by a 350W power supply, running on 230V.
> AMD temerature is around 60 degr Celcius.
>
> Whats the best way to troubleshoot this? Is it likely that I need a
> more powerfull powersupply?

Thanks for the very detailed post. Yes, your problems are caused by
failing hardware. I would say that yes, you need a better power supply
in any case. You've added another hard drive and your devices are
pretty power-hungry anyway. Make sure you buy a good, brand-name power
supply. If you pay less than $30-45usd you are not getting a good one.
I don't say that you have to pay top dollar, but a cheap power supply
will not be a good deal. Since that will be a relatively inexpensive
and easy solution, try that first. Your temperature seems a little on
the high side to me, so you might also want to open the box, clean it
out, check the fans. Post back if you want more help, and good luck.

Malke 

-- 
MS MVP - Windows Shell/User
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"