Computer Issue

[RatherPlayHalo]

I built a fast, super-gaming desktop about 2 years ago. Before I got my laptop a few months ago, I took it to my freshman year at college. I brought it home after the year and haven't really used it since. After this year, my sophomore year, I tried using it when I returned home, but it's having some issues...

It will freeze up or restart randomly (no viruses/spyware). Sometimes, it will freeze while booting too. I thought that maybe my Windows XP installation "went bad" or something, so I opted to install Ubuntu since I've been wanting to experiment with Linux and it isn't my main computer. The problem is the same with identical symptoms.

I opened it up and reconnected virtually everything in case something came loose in the car, but no help. Can anyone suggest what may be the problem?

My only guess would be that my power supply went bad or is dying or something, but I'm not sure what the symptoms of that would be. It can't be a heating issues because I have many fans and an aftermarket CPU fan.

Any insight would be GREATLY appreciated.

[bobb-mini]

1)To test whether PS, of course an similarly capacity PS, not having that, disconnect extra HD, expansion boards. Failing PS may not be able to supply all amps needed.

2)Run a real-mode EXE memory test overnight. Real-mode=One that u run from a DOS boot, but able to test all, including extended memory.

3)Change your BIOS lately? Be honest now.

[RatherPlayHalo]

Originally Posted by bobb-mini

1)To test whether PS, of course an similarly capacity PS, not having that, disconnect extra HD, expansion boards. Failing PS may not be able to supply all amps needed.

2)Run a real-mode EXE memory test overnight. Real-mode=One that u run from a DOS boot, but able to test all, including extended memory.

3)Change your BIOS lately? Be honest now.

1. There's only 1 HD and only expansion board is video card.
2. Can I run DOS without Windows? I currently have Ubuntu installed on it.
3. Change how? Drivers?

Does it sound like a PSU issue? That was just my guess, but really it could be something else.

[kyussmondo]

I think your problem maybe faulty RAM, that is usually what causes freezing.

[mrdantownsend]

I also think that the ram is bad.

[RatherPlayHalo]

Is there a way for me to test the RAM on this non-Windows machine? Wouldn't POST beep like crazy if it was the RAM?

[papayaninja]

You could start out just by reseating it or switching positions.

It does sound like a PSU issue, but because it's not running too much I sort of doubt it. You could always go to Circuit City or whatever, pick one up and return it if it doesn't work.

[bobb-mini]

I asked if you messed with BIOS and forgot about it or failed to tell us.

U can make a DOS boot floppy by using the format command + Create MSDOS startup disk.

[GuitarRocker]

I have not used a machine with Ubuntu but not Windows, but on my dual boot machine, at GRUB there is an option to perform a memory test. Oh, and if you still have your ubuntu live CD, that contains a Memory Test as one of the boot options.