PC Freeze on Boot

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Nightwyrm

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Topic # 13265 1-May-2007 10:01

I've got a custom-built PC that occasionally locks on the initial boot screen - always halfway through the word "Memory" when bringing up the RAM details. My usual fix involves unplugging the power cord for a minute then plugging back in before rebooting (can sometimes take several goes). Flashing the BIOS has also helped at times. Her Indoors is quite fond of using Hibernate instead of shutting down properly (can go up to a week like that) but I don't know if that would be a contributor.

Does anyone have an idea of why this could be happening?

(and no, I'm not buying a Mac or going to Linux.)

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bradstewart

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Reply # 69023 1-May-2007 10:18

I would suspect it is an issue with either the RAM or the Motherboard, the RAM slots in particular. Have seen two instances of that in the last week.

freitasm

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Reply # 69025 1-May-2007 10:32

Downoad the Microsoft's Windows Memory Diagnostics tool, burn the CD with the ISO, boot from there and test your RAM... Let it run overnight for better results.

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Nightwyrm

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Reply # 69027 1-May-2007 10:38

Cheers guys, I'll give that a burl tonight!

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Nightwyrm

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Reply # 69176 2-May-2007 07:54

Update: I've run Windows Memory Diagnostics on 'extended testing' for 12 hours with no errors found. Running for another 12 to confirm.

Just in case it matters, here are the mobo and RAM specs:
- 2 sets of GeIL Ultra Platinum Dual Channel Memory Kit, 2x256MB, DDR-SDRAM, DIMM, DDR400
- Gigabyte Socket 775 (for Pentium 4) GA-8I915P Pro, Socket 775, Pentium 4, Intel 915P Chipset, 800MHz FSB

I did think about reseating the RAM but with no error found, I'm not sure if there's much point. Is there a chance it could be the PSU (Cooler Master Real Power 450W)?

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freitasm

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Reply # 69183 2-May-2007 08:26

It could be the PSU. Do you have many USB devices attached? I have a PC that won't boot when I have three devices plugged into a series of USB ports, so I have to use the ports in the back for the more permanent stuff and the ports on the front for temporary stuff that don't need to be attached when booting.

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Nightwyrm

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Reply # 69187 2-May-2007 09:00

Usually a minimum of 3 devices plugged into USBs at any time (mouse, KB, and printer permanently). Additional devices are scanner, 360 game controller, iPod, camera, iPaq cradle, and P900 cradle but these are unplugged when not in use.

My problem now is that the fault is intermittent and therefore difficult to replicate.

Interesting response from TG Forumz:

I would remove and re-seat the ram.

But it acts like something is not getting up to speed in time. Your PS may be weak when it comes to inrush current.

I have never had any luck with memory86 for testing memory. Use prime95 does better stress testing, provided you set the parameters for your hardware.

Looks like I need to upsize my knowledge some more.

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bradstewart

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Reply # 69191 2-May-2007 09:27

I would not worry about the PSU, it would seem to be more than sufficient. I am running a far higher spec machine (Dual core Athlon 4600, 2Gb, 2x 250Gb, 256Mb 7900GS) on a 350W PSU with no worries.

I would be looking at the motherboard very closely. Also try swapping the two RAM cards in their slots.

Nightwyrm

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Reply # 69194 2-May-2007 09:41

Right, I think the plan of action for tonight is to swap the four sticks around then run Prime95 overnight to really stress test them. If the fault crops up again, I'll look to the mobo. Is there a recommended mobo diagnostic tool?

Post-geek, opinionated mediaphile, and natural born cynic. Jack of all genres, master of none.