PC locks up during games, requires power off

Hi,
I have been trying to sort an annoying problem my PC has had for some time now.
After a random period of time in any game it freezes for a second or two, the mouse does not respond and then I get a repeated "stuttering" type sound from the speakers. The PC is completly un responsive, even to ctrl-alt-del. I have to litterally pull the plug on it and then switch it back on again.
The times for crashes are totally random and can be anywhere between not even loading into the game up to may be 40 mins sometimes.
I have the latest graphics drivers and the Nvidia stress test programme finds no errors.
I have the latest Realtek drivers for the onboard sound.
I have the latest BIOS and I believe I have the latest chipset drivers as well.
The DXdiag shows all the right amount of RAM.
Nvidia monitoring shows heat levels for processor, graphics card and general pc temps with in their acceptable ranges.
DirectX is up to date.
I cant remember what happened to cause the problems way back when they first started. Only that games that worked fine, no longer work and crash in the above fashion. It happens on all games.
DVDs work fine with no crashes.
Please can I get some pointers about where to go or what it might be thats causing this and possible solutions.
Thanks.

DXDiag results

DXDiag;
------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 3/14/2009, 17:31:51
Machine name: WAXYMUD-HOTVHN7
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.080814-1236)
Language: French (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: System manufacturer
System Model: System Product Name
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4600+, MMX, 3DNow (2 CPUs), ~2.4GHz
Memory: 2046MB RAM
Page File: 619MB used, 3319MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GS
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 7600 GS
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0392&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A1
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: SyncMaster 177N/710N,SyncMaster Magic CX711N
Monitor Max Res: 1280,1024
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0011.8208 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 2/18/2009 14:44:00, 6185088 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
Mini VDD Date: 2/18/2009 14:44:00, 6308224 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-40D2-11CF-A043-0B2000C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x10DE
Device ID: 0x0392
SubSys ID: 0x00000000
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_B ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D ModeWMV9_B ModeWMV9_A
Deinterlace Caps: {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run
-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: Realtek AC97 Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0059&SUBSYS_822C1043&REV_A2
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: ALCXWDM.SYS
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.6200 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
Date and Size: 11/23/2006 17:11:40, 4025088 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
HW Accel Level: Full
Cap Flags: 0xF5F
Min/Max Sample Rate: 8000, 192000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 26, 25
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 26, 25
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run

---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
Description: Realtek AC97 Audio
Default Sound Capture: Yes
Default Voice Capture: Yes
Driver Name: ALCXWDM.SYS
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.6200 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 11/23/2006 17:11:40, 4025088 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x41
Format Flags: 0xFFF

-----------
DirectMusic
-----------
DLS Path: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\drivers\GM.DLS
DLS Version: 1.00.0016.0002
Acceleration: n/a
Ports: Microsoft Synthesizer, Software (Not Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal, Default Port
Realtek AC97 Audio, Software (Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal
Mappeur MIDI Microsoft [Émulé], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
SynthÚ. SW table de sons GS Mic [Émulé], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Registry: OK
Test Result: Not run

-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------
Device Name: Souris
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: Clavier
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: Ideazon Zboard MM USB Human Interface Device
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x1038, 0x0100
FF Driver: n/a

Poll w/ Interrupt: No
Registry: OK

-----------
USB Devices
-----------
+ Concentrateur USB racine
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x10DE, 0x005A
| Matching Device ID: usb\root_hub
| Service: usbhub
| Driver: usbhub.sys, 4/13/2008 19:45:37, 59520 bytes
| Driver: usbd.sys, 8/24/2001 13:00:00, 4736 bytes
|
+-+ Concentrateur USB générique
| | Vendor/Product ID: 0x03EB, 0x3301
| | Location: Standard USB Hub
| | Matching Device ID: usb\class_09
| | Service: usbhub
| | Driver: usbhub.sys, 4/13/2008 19:45:37, 59520 bytes
| |
+-+ Périphérique d'interface utilisateur USB
| | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC01E
| | Location: USB-PS/2 Optical Mouse
| | Matching Device ID: usb\class_03&subclass_01
| | Service: HidUsb
| | Driver: hidusb.sys, 4/13/2008 20:45:28, 10368 bytes
| | Driver: hidclass.sys, 4/13/2008 20:45:26, 36864 bytes
| | Driver: hidparse.sys, 4/13/2008 20:45:22, 24960 bytes
| | Driver: hid.dll, 4/14/2008 03:33:26, 20992 bytes
| |
| +-+ Souris HID
| | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC01E
| | | Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_mouse
| | | Service: mouhid
| | | Driver: mouclass.sys, 4/14/2008 02:53:18, 23680 bytes
| | | Driver: mouhid.sys, 8/24/2001 13:00:00, 12288 bytes

----------------

Not sure how much else is needed, let me know if I missed something important off the end of this please?

 

Random crashes like that are usually the video card or CPU overheating, a bad PSU, or bad RAM. You can check your RAM with MemTest. http://majorgeeks.com/google_search.html?cx=partner-pub-6960825562757852%3Aecswas-url5&cof=FORID%3A11&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=memtest&x=0&y=0#1186

What PSU do you have, and what are the components of your computer? I would guess PSU, but that is only a guess.

Welcome to MajorGeeks!

 

Hi and thanks for replying.

The PSU is one of these; mpt-5002

How can I tell if it is problematic or rather how can I check it is okay or not?

Thanks.

PS, Which components arte you talking about?

 

Usual components would be the type of CPU, motherboard, RAM, GPU, how many hard drives/optical drives are in it. Actually, I see the info in your DXD, just hard for me to dig around in all that to find the stuff. Guess I am lazy.:-D

The best way I know of to test a PSU is with a digital multimeter.

 

Ok,
I found a guide and tested the PSU with a multimeter.
I got correct voltage at a free Drive connector cable (5v & 12V)
I got correct voltage at the MoBo power connector (+5v, +3.3v, +12v, -12v, -5v) all voltages tested to with in 0.3 of their correct, stated, voltages. I had the probes on the pins for about 1 minute each one and saw no bigger fluctuation than 0.1 in anyone direction.
I did not test the voltages while loading a game, just normal idoling.
Memtest ran 20 passes straight.
All heatsinks cleaned.
Added two fans (case and HDD)
Tried drivers supplied with crds (2006) and several different ones from then till the latest ones. Onboard sound from Realtek, Mobo Nforce, and Geforce.
I have checked the registry for a memeory write modification that is causing troublefor 7600 cards. The correction line is there.

I have now run out of ideas... anyone?

 

Have you checked your CPU and GPU's temps? You should check 'idle' and at load. GPU Z works well for most GPU's http://majorgeeks.com/download5796.html

Core Temp works for a lot of CPU's http://majorgeeks.com/Core_Temp_d5665.html

You might also try RivaTuner http://majorgeeks.com/download737.html If your GPU has a variable speed fan, RivaTuner allows you to change the fan speed.

Can't hurt to test the PSU while you are gaming.

 

Hi,
Temps are;
Idol.
CPU 40
GPU 56

Loaded
CPU 44
GPU 64

It then locks up.

All heat sinks have been cleaned out and it has a PSU fan, a processor fan, a chassis fan, and twin fans on the HDD.

 

Well, I am out of ideas. That is odd. The only thing I could suggest would be to test the PSU while running 3DMark or something intensive, and see if the PSU is weak.

I have not used this much, but there is a program called Who Crashed that might help narrow down the problem. I did not see it on the Majorgeeks site. http://www.resplendence.com/whocrashed. Perhaps someone else will stop by with some more better ideas!

 

I tried the "whocrashed" programme. Unfortunatly the system locking up as it does, does not allow the crash log to be written. There are none of the repeated crashes I have been seeing while attempting to resolve the current problem.
About to make it lock up while I probe the power connection on the +12v wire to the MoBo.

 

I tested the PSU under load from using a graphics testing program, HRD IBL, and probed the Power connector to the mother board on its +12v connectors (there are 2) for a total of 5 tests. All 5 tests resulted in complete lock ups.
The voltage readings were between 11.97 and 12.06 volts.
Is that acceptable fluctuation?

 

Yeah, that is acceptable. I think +- 5% is the standard. Sorry I can't give you any helpful info. Hopefully someone else here will have a suggestion.

 

Two things:

1. According to your DxDiag, you do not actually have the latest driver. They released one on March 3, and yours is from February 18. Update and see if that makes a difference.

2. What games do you play? That card is not bad at all, but nor is it a gaming beast by today's standards. If you have an open PCI slot that can handle the later cards, you may want to consider an upgrade...

 

Mimsy,
I have tried several drivers from 147 through to the latest 182. The feb driver was updated since the original post. and it did not change anything.

At the moment I cant play anything, it locks up before getting into the game.

Games include;
WOW,
Second life,
Eve,
Warhammer online,
Fall out 3

All the older ones worked fine pre 2008 a new HDD in april 2008 was the only real change and in sept 2008 I was unable to get Warhammer online to load up, then second life started crashing from sept onwards, now nothing loads up at all and locks the system.

Dont know whether its a hard ware failure that has progressed from problematic to nearly dead. Or if its a driver / software conflict thats just gets worse with up dates...

If I update my Graphics card I am not sure the processor or MoBo can handle it?

 

Do any other applications crash? Does it crash when you watch movies?

If it's only games, a.k.a. graphics intensive applications, take out the video card and check it for actual damage. It might be something simple as dust in the fan causing it to overheat.

 

Mimsy,
Back in sept last year it was just the latest games that locked it up, the older ones running fine. Then in Jan the older games started locking it up. Now, since mid week it can randomly lock up with no warning while I am not doing anything at all on it.

 

Hi
I am now unable to boot the pc to windowes desk top. It locks up during the loading of windows.

When I load windows in safe mode I have no problems at all although I cant do anything there as no games will work without the graphics card.

Does this point towards Graph card failure or a driver issue, or a windows issue?
Thanks

 

If you cant log into windows im pretty sure it eliminates graphic card, something as simple as your desktop can be ran in the easiest of video cards(ive had really bad cards load up desktop it was just insanely multicolored and pixelated). Could be hard drive failure....but someone else might know better than me.

 

Have you considered checking out your harddrive? To rule it out if nothing else.

 

How do I go about checking my hard drive?
It is less than a year old and the newest games on the market stopped working in september last year when the HDD was only 5 months old.

If the HDD was at fault would I not be able to gt into safe mode windows?

 

Still no idea how to check if my HDD is broken or not. IIF anyone knows how I can check it out please let me know.
Thanks

 

Look around in here: http://majorgeeks.com/downloads8.html or download a drive check program from the company that made your drive.

 

I have tried to reinstall windows and this failed due to not being able to boot past the windows load screen.

Pc no longer boots correctly.

 

^_^

Intense concerntration

Access at work from a work PC when time permits. No download abilities though.

 

The PC no longer boots at all. No bios messages or splash screens or system information. Black screen blinking power LED on the screen.

I tried plugging in an older IDE Hard drive. but that did not work either and that may be due to the ongoing problem or due to the pc not being set up correctly to read an IDE drive.

 

Still no progress.

NO longer booting correctly.

Does anyone have any idea what may be causing this problem? It went from freezing in latest games, to all games, to windows, to booting.

Now I am unable to get anything appear on the screen. The PC is turning over but is locked and needs a power off to get control back again.

So to summerise;
-PC will not not boot at all.
-It seems to be locking up / unresponsive in the early boot stages now (advanced from the late boot stages).
-The problem has advanced from locking the PC up in high end graphics games, to all games, to some desk top applications, to all desk top applications, to doing nothing on desktop, to loading desk top, to loading windows, to booting the PC.

What would cause this PC to not boot? ie not show any splash screen or bios / system information that they normally display at the beginning of a boot up. It has been having this lock up problem, all be it in different stages, since sept last year. Would the power offs' and not shutting down correctly, damage something internally and if so what could it be?

Thanks.

 

No idea if the OP is still looking here, but in case you never solved your problem: What motherboard do you have?

 

Hi,

No time to read the entire post so maybe someone has already suggested this. PSUs have safety circuits. Over and under voltage and over current. Either fault will cause the PSU to shut down and refuse to restart until all AC has been removed for about a minute. Could be over current from two much load or a defective load drawing too much current. Voltage fault would be a PSU problem. Also safety circuits sometimes cause more problems than they prevent and that would be a PSU fault. Hope this helps a little.

Good Luck, Jim