Whenever I startup my computer, it won't run for more than 20 minutes before it freezes, and I have to shut it down. Afterwards, when I turn it on again it, it won't work properly unless I firmly reseat my processor. The processor is an Intel Pentium II, and when I say this computer has a Desktop CPU I mean that as opposed to a Tower CPU, so I suppose the processor does rest more loosely than is normal. Thanks for any input, suggestions, and overall help. -aero

the cpu is a smart piece of equipment, but it don't know the diff in tower or desktop. there should be a locking handle at the base of the cpu socket, once that handle is raised, cpu inserted, and the handle is locked down, the cpu is not gonna move, in any type of computer case.

When you reseat the CPU you flex the motherboard, so you could be causing a flakey connection anywhere on the motherboard to make contact again.

Well, that wasn't actually what I meant, I guess since I lack the knowledge of computer terminology I'll just link to some pictures that should sort this out: The processor is NOT this sort of thing: http://server6.uploadit.org/files/aerowind-PentiumIV1.JPG It's more similar to this: http://server6.uploadit.org/files/aerowind-CeleronV1.JPG It doesn't have any pins on it, it just fits into a slot like any card would, and it doesn't lock into place. My processor seems to not be fitting tightly enough.

Sorry, ham, I missed your post. I know it isn't a motherboard issue because everything runs fine if I use another processor (actually the celeron I took a picture of) but that processor can't work for practical use because it's got a serious overheating issue and there isn't any way to work around it.

I would say that there is a flaky connection on the CPU card. And flaky connections can be anywhere, even inside a chip. Practically impossible to troubleshoot and even tougher to repair.

Well that sort of sucks, but if it can't be fixed then oh well, it can't be fixed. Thanks for the help.