Idle Computer Freezes [WinXP]
Rewired
Member
Hello folks. Thank you for all your wonderful ShortMedia community help in advance. Here is the issue:
I'm working on client’s machine, (Dell Dimension 2400 series running Windows XP), the screensaver is set to turn on after 10 minutes idle. If the computer is left idle for more than approximately 30 minutes the screensaver will freeze, when I initiate the computer again by either moving the mouse or pressing a key the display shows the wallpaper without any of the desktop icons or the start bar. The mouse can move but the computer is frozen. CtrlAltDlt doesn't work. I can't pull up task manager. For all intensive purposes the computer is dead. I have to do a hard shutdown (hold power button for 2 seconds) and than reboot. This happens every time the computer is left idle.
I did a Google search and here are some possible culprits, I think
1) The computer is overheating. -I don't think this is the case. I'm not over clocking the processor but I'll check and blow out the inside of the case.
2) Could it possible be a memory issue? I'll try MemTest86.
3) Could this be a graphics driver issue?
4) Could this have anything to do with the Advanced Power Management settings set in the BIOS?
These are only my ideas after doing a Google research. If anyone could help further; have any new ideas or advice that would be great. I'm gonna work on the machine tomorrow again. I hope I can fix it before the owners come home from their vacation. Ok folks, thanks again. You’re always great.
<>< Michael <><
I'm working on client’s machine, (Dell Dimension 2400 series running Windows XP), the screensaver is set to turn on after 10 minutes idle. If the computer is left idle for more than approximately 30 minutes the screensaver will freeze, when I initiate the computer again by either moving the mouse or pressing a key the display shows the wallpaper without any of the desktop icons or the start bar. The mouse can move but the computer is frozen. CtrlAltDlt doesn't work. I can't pull up task manager. For all intensive purposes the computer is dead. I have to do a hard shutdown (hold power button for 2 seconds) and than reboot. This happens every time the computer is left idle.
I did a Google search and here are some possible culprits, I think
1) The computer is overheating. -I don't think this is the case. I'm not over clocking the processor but I'll check and blow out the inside of the case.
2) Could it possible be a memory issue? I'll try MemTest86.
3) Could this be a graphics driver issue?
4) Could this have anything to do with the Advanced Power Management settings set in the BIOS?
These are only my ideas after doing a Google research. If anyone could help further; have any new ideas or advice that would be great. I'm gonna work on the machine tomorrow again. I hope I can fix it before the owners come home from their vacation. Ok folks, thanks again. You’re always great.
<>< Michael <><
0
Comments
Advanced Power Settings would not cause the desktop icons to disappear.
You should check the PSU's output. Perhaps the motherboard is being supplied insufficient voltage and it's being manifested by the video output.