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Crashing Computer

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Name: networkid83
Date: April 2, 2008 at 16:41:44 Pacific
OS: XP SP2
CPU/Ram: 1256
Product: custom
Comment:

Hello guys,

Again I have some trouble with PC that was never experienced before.

All I have done is formatted the PC and upgraded RAM and filled in extra RAM slot on mother board.

Now I have 1256MB RAM on my PC.

I have still left the side covers on tower/cabinet open

I can start the computer without any problems but suddenly it just crashes down.
Just black screen on my monitor.

I am sure about compatibility of RAM with my PC.

Networkid



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Response Number 1
Name: effient
Date: April 2, 2008 at 17:03:16 Pacific
+1
Reply:

Describe all RAM configurations (512x2, 1x256)? Are all RAM same freq? (133MHz)?
What CPU Speed?

Have you tried Ubuntu Live 7.10 to see if it runs OK?



Response Number 2
Name: networkid83
Date: April 2, 2008 at 17:15:13 Pacific
+1
Reply:

Processor

Celeron Intel (R)
CPU speed 2.40GHZ

RAM 1024*1 and 256*1

I am not sure about frequency of RAM but I carried my old RAM to vendor to make sure it would work with new one.

I havent tried Ubuntu Linux.

Networkid



Response Number 3
Name: effient
Date: April 2, 2008 at 18:14:21 Pacific
+1
Reply:

Try Ubuntu 7.10 Live.(http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download)
You can order free Ubuntu DVD:
https://shipit.ubuntu.com/

It will not install, but will run from CD. Make sure your DSL modem is switch on before you put CD and start computer (because it will autodetect network setting). You can then try Firefox to see if you can connect to internet.

If it runs OK, then you need to figure out issues with XP. Also verify that 1024MB RAM freq is same as 256MB (meaning both are 133MHz, 333MHz, etcc.) Also make sure that they both are either Non-ECC or both ECC (error check-control).

Post your experience, for further help.



Response Number 4
Name: NAN
Date: April 2, 2008 at 19:32:40 Pacific
+1
Reply:

Just take the 256MB stick out and try again.



Response Number 5
Name: Brim
Date: April 3, 2008 at 01:57:13 Pacific
+1
Reply:

Has similar problem with XP. Added extra RAM from Crucial. XP crashed so I tested all the RAM with Memtest86+ & new RAM was faulty & replaced without question by Crucial. Since then no issues. http://www.memtest.org/



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Response Number 6
Name: networkid83
Date: April 3, 2008 at 03:13:27 Pacific
+1
Reply:

Thank You all.

Effent, I will try this on Saturday when I have some time.

Networkid



Response Number 7
Name: networkid83
Date: April 4, 2008 at 16:46:53 Pacific
+1
Reply:

Effient there are two questions,

1) I just have one partition on my HDD. So after downloading Linux will it still run?
However, I have got Linux CD which I had got sometime back.

2) I have removed the 256MB RAM stick from my computer to see if it fixes crashing problem.

And also I have Virtual PC installed on my computer as I am looking to try and learn Linux.

Please help!!

Posted later: By the way I tried Linux CD and Ubuntu splash screen starts and keeps saying 'Launching Browser Please wait'. I waited and waited and then it shut itself and nothing happened.

Networkid



Response Number 8
Name: effient
Date: April 6, 2008 at 12:35:00 Pacific
+1
Reply:

networkid83,

What is the size of your hard disk?

To run Ubuntu Live 7.10, you do not need any hard drive. Plus, you have 1256MB RAM, it should run OK. That is, if RAM is the real problem you are facing.

Leave 1024 RAM in one slot (becuase it is newer), run Ubuntu from CD. If your system is stable, you will get Ubuntu Desktop.
From there you can launch Firefox, because it is the only default formatted application that you can run straight without much configuration adjustment. Now let me tell you this, you will not like linux (script based) but that is not the point. Point is to test stability of your system.

I feel that your BIOS/CMOS setings are corrupted, because of persistant crashing.
You may try to reset CMOS as I described earlier post, see if works (at least the procedure worked for me and I was able to rescue a non-functioning computer...almost to the point of putting to the garbage dump was my plan, but the trick aforementioned worked for me).

If your XP is running, you can try Everest or Sisoft Sandra to test system stability.

Only caution is you do not want to fry sensitive chips with static electricity.

You may post again in newer link (pointing to this link) so others can also help.



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