Computer freeze

[RobertWebbe 0]

Hi,

 

I hope there is someone who can me help me because I'm getting desperate. I've been busy with a problem for 3 weeks and I can't fix it by myself...

 

I recently have bought a new motherboard, processor, memory, videocard, powersuplly and a case (see specs below). I installed Windows XP Professional and after that I've installed ServicePack 2 and installed all online updates. If I visit the Windows update site, there a no new updates to install.

 

Besides that, I've also updated the BIOS of the motherboard to the latest version (1007).

 

The problem is when I use my (old) CD-RW the computer freeze after a few seconds of use. Everything stops, the cursor, the timeclock, etc. Even the NumLock lamp does not change when I press the button. Also Ctrl+Alt+Del does not respond. The only thing I can do then is press the Reset button on the case. Windows starts up if nothing has happend.

 

At first, I thought it was an incompatability of the CD-RW drive. It was already 2 years old so I have replaced it for a new DVD writer. And the problem is still there....

 

The stranged thing is that the installation of Win XP is done without any problem. So I thing it must be in the software and not the hardware.

 

Does anyone have an idea how to fis this???

 

 

Motherbord:

Asus P4P800 SE

(http://nl.asus.com/prog/spec.asp?m=P4P800%20SE&langs=10)

 

Processor:

Pentium 4 HT 3.00E GHz 800 MHz FSB (1 MB L2) SL7KB boxed

(http://www.intel.com/cd/channel/reseller...ts/182403.htm#2)

 

Memory:

2x Kingston Value RAM 256MB 400MHz DDR PC3200 DIMM

(http://www.valueram.com/datasheets/KVR400X64C3A_256.pdf)

 

Video:

Asus V9520/TD 128 MB

(http://www.asus.com/prog/spec.asp?m=V9520/TD&langs=01)

 

Audio:

Creative Labs SoundBlaster Live! CT4830

(http://support.packardbell-europe.com/support/pri/item/item_spec_sound_sblive_ct4830.asp?c=ap)

 

WiFi:

Sitecom Wireless PCI Network Card 100 Mbps WL-121v2

(http://www.sitecom.com/products_info.php?product_id=229&grp_id=6)

 

FireWire:

SCI Manufactering Firestorm IEEE1394a PCI adapter

 

Harddisk:

WD 1200JB (120 GB)

(http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=704&p_created=1037222945&p_sid=7glk6Fph&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NiZwX2NhdF9sdmwxPTE4NSZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PVdEMTIwMA**&p_)

 

DVD-RW:

NEC ND-3500AG

(http://www.nec.co.uk/DVD_RW_ND3500.aspx)

 

Powersupply:

Sweex BA000070 ATX 450 Watt

(http://www7.alternate.nl/html/nodes_info/tn4s81.html)

 

 

Thanks!!!

[jmmijo 1]

First thing I would try is a new ribbon/data cable for the optical drive, these are cheap so you should have a couple of spares on hand just in case

 

The other option is to make sure you've installed the latest Intel INF driver package from Intel's website.

 

Then the last thing to check is to check the BIOS setup for the IDE/SATA controllers. Do you have it set for AUTO or ENHANCED mode ?!?

 

I use ENHANCED mode for 2K/XP installs and AUTO for 9x installs. AUTO usually works just fine but perhaps it's hanging on something here, but most likely you're on the right track so good luck

[RobertWebbe 0]

Hi jmmijo,

 

Thanks for your quick respons!

 

I will buy a new ribbon cable tommorow. In the meantime I have switched to the other connector on the cable (50% change) but that didn't work.

 

About the latest Intel INF driver, can you help me how or where to search or find on the Intel website?

 

I have also cheched my BIOS. The onboard IDE Operate Mode is on Enhanced Mode.

And if i take a look in the NEC DCD-RW ND-3500AG properties I see that Type = Auto, PIO Mode = Auto and DMA Mode = Auto.

 

[jmmijo 1]

Here's the LINK to the Intel INF d/l site

[RobertWebbe 0]

Thanks again!

 

I downloaded and installed the latest version (6.2.1.1001).

Still the same problem...

 

I discovered that the CD tray will open when I press the eject button while Windows hangs. And the HDD led lids up for a second. Same when I close, open, close, etc. But the rest is still frozen....

 

Arghhhh!

 

I hope the new cable will solve the problem.

[jmmijo 1]

Originally posted by RobertWebbe:

Quote:

Thanks again!

 

I downloaded and installed the latest version (6.2.1.1001).

Still the same problem...

 

I discovered that the CD tray will open when I press the eject button while Windows hangs. And the HDD led lids up for a second. Same when I close, open, close, etc. But the rest is still frozen....

 

Arghhhh!

 

I hope the new cable will solve the problem.

 

Well if the new cable doesn't resolve this issue then the only other thing I can suggest is using a different drive

 

[almoroth 0]

It may sound stupid for me to suggest a thing like this to solve your persistent problem. However, I assume having done so much you can try this too!

 

I hope you have installed the driver provided by the manufacturer for your new DVD/RW . If not, please do it. Otherwise, to see whether the DVD is the culprit which makes the computer to hang, uninstall it first. You may do so by right clicking on My Computer , choosing Properties and then clicking on Device manager. Locate your DVD and right click. Do not forget to click on the + symbol first which will show your DVD/RW. Right click and from the menu choose uninstall. Ignore any stupid warning. Just click Yes. Now Reboot. If Windows autodetects your DVD and proposes to search for the drivers say NO for now. Work on your computer for some time and see if it freezes again. If so, then the problem lies somewhere else. However, if it doesn't then you can be sure that it was some faulty installation of DVD which may have caused the computer to freeze.

Now to install the DVD. Open the Control Panel and click on Add new hardware. A wizard will start and offer to install driver from your new DVD. If so, click 'No' and on the next screen instead choose to select the driver from the specified location. Now insert the driver CD you must have received with the DVD/RW and pop it in your CD Rom. Now pointing to the specified location install the driver.

 

Reboot once again.

 

Now see if all works fine

[Caerbannog 0]

I think your power supply causes your problems. I recently bought the same power supply (seemed like a bargain, and yes we're dutch aren't we), but returned it after nummerous BSOD's.

Try to invest a little more for a decent power supply, it's worth the extra cost.

[Sampson 0]

Sometimes the values are incorrect in the registry. This is a technique to try before you reformat and reinstall. This technique has been used to restore "lost" CD/DVD drives; it may help with your problem.

 

Follow these steps:

Start Registry Editor.

Locate the UpperFilters value under the following key in the registry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Contro l\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}

On the Edit menu, click Delete, and then click OK.

 

Locate the LowerFilters value under the same key in the registry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Contro l\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}

On the Edit menu, click Delete, and then click OK.

 

Then, scan for new hardware, everything should come back to normal.

 

Remember that you should backup your registry before editing it or export these values to be reimported in case this doesn't help.

[Nosfera7u 0]

Got the same problem over here ;(

 

The machine freezes if I put in a DVD.

Tried everything, Clean install, driver updates, bios updates, firmware updates.

Problem is random.

When I put in a blank dvd it works fine or else a total lockup of the PC

 

So if anyone has a fix it would be great.

 

 

Regards

 

Nos

[Nosfera7u 0]

Think I found a solution :

 

 

In Windows XP

Open my computer, then right click on your dvd/cd burner and select properties.

Then choose the recording (opnemen) tab and uncheck the upper box.

 

Let me know if it works.

 

Regards Nos

 

 

 

 

[RobertWebbe 0]

Four weeks ago I tried the suggestion to change the powersupply and IT WORKED! Finally! It worked fined the last weeks so I'm sure, the Sweex powersupply was the problem.

 

Thanks Caerbannog, that was the trick.