Vista freezes!

[ScoobySnacks929]

I am new to this forum so please forgive me if I don't follow the posting rules to the letter.

I have a custom built computer (specs are listed on my profile). When my computer was first rebuilt, the previous HD was left in as a slave for storage. However, at that time it wasn't reformatted and the old OS (Win 2K) was still on it. Vista ran fine at first but I downloaded some programs and then it began giving me problems. Programs began to freeze (especially IE and Firefox both) and I had to shut it off.

The problem escalated until finally, a friend of mine loaded Ubuntu 8.1 on it. Linux ran fine, but at bootup, recognized not only Vista but Win2K as an installed OS. Vista would no longer boot up. After attempting to repair using the Vista disk, (and reinstalling just Vista but leaving Linux), I had no choice but reformat and reinstall Vista.

Vista didn't install correctly on this attempt, and I kept getting an error at bootup. Winload.exe was either missing or corrupt. I tried repairing but it didn't help. Finally I reformatted BOTH the slave and master HD and reinstalled Vista on the master. Everything seemed fine until I began to load my drivers back on, and reinstall my software (printer software, Trillian, Tax prep software, Firefox). Everything began to freeze up again, not just the browser.

I am at my wit's end. Is 4GB of memory not enough? Is this the root of the problem? Or is it something deeper? If I'd gotten a virus, would a format have gotten rid of it? None of my "computer geek" friends (said with the utmost respect) can offer a solution, and I don't really have money to burn to let the Geek Squad do exploratory surgery on it.

Any ideas? Suggestions? Please help!!

 

[stew2]

Your pc specs are similar to mine so il try to help.

This is what id do:

1. Ensure connections inside the pc are secure and clean the dust away.
2. Go into bios and reset all settings to default
3. Format the hard drive and install vista.
4. Download the following two programmes:
CPUID
CPUID

When vista has been installed dont install anything else and leave it running then after an hour run hwmonitor and post your temps here. Also take a screenshot of the cpu-z first screen.

After that il tell you what else you can do

 

[stew2]

Oh and " Is 4GB of memory not enough?" Its more than enough. I run xp and vista at the same time and iv never seen my ram usage go above 2GB. ""If I'd gotten a virus, would a format have gotten rid of it?". Yes there would be no trace of it left.

 

[ScoobySnacks929]

Thanks Stew. I am at work so I will do this when I get home tonight and post results then.

 

[bruce2]

Hi ScoobySnacks909, welcome to the board.

Here is another possibility that cause the problem. Loosen or bad SATA cable is a know cause for this sort of problem such as random freezing. Replace the cable with an after market ones asap. The one comes with the mother board are often problematic. Main while, you can check the connection by disconnect/reconnect, wiggle and push really hard on the connector at the HDD. Also, you may swap ports to insure the port is good.

Again, ram is sufficient and HDD is clean after format.

Hope this helps.

Bruce

 

[ScoobySnacks929]

After formatting C drive and reinstalling Vista, when I attempted to boot up first time, computer recognized TWO copies of vista installed, and then said winlogon.exe was either missing or corrupted. I give up!

 

[stew2]

It could be a problem with your disk or hard drive. Try removing that hard drive and installing vista on the other one using the method i described above.

 

[smarteyeball]

It sounds like Vista has put the boot data on the slave drive or another partition.

Is formatting the slave / other partitions an option?