Solved Vista HP hangs all the time

[catspadger]

Hi all,

I've got 2 issues with my vista box, which has been misbehaving for about 2 weeks.

#1 Basically, my computer has started hanging for extended periods of time for no apparent reason. Initially, I'll be able to cold boot, log in, and then a short while later all activity will hang. I'll get functionality back for a while and then it'll hang again.

I've done virus checks (ms security essentials, avast & avg), registry checks (ccleaner), and adware checks (adaware). I've done system restores and so on, but nothing has resolved the issue. I've tried checking for rootkits (rkhunter and chkrootkit) but was told that they don't do 64 bit software. I've checked my running services and seen nothing untoward there, so my best *uninformed* conclusion is that it's high time to wipe the HD and start again. Easy eh?

#2 My computer never came with an install disk (why the hell would I want one of those?). It did however, come with a recovery environment that I've used to rescue the system before.

Not this time though. On my system, frantic F8 pressing boots up the advanced menu, giving me the option to repair my vista installation. Only it doesn't. It just boots me back into Vista as if nothing else had happened.

The WRE exists; I can see it with live linux, I've copied it, I've rummaged around it; the repair option just won't boot it up and I don't know why (I'm presuming some corruption has taken place).

So, after all that, if anyone out there has any idea of what I can try to sort this out I'm all ears.

TIA!

 

[richc46]

Welcome
Lets go step by step, even if done before
UPdate your anti virus and run a FULL scan
Download and then update malwarebytes, free version and run a full scan

If that does not help this is the next step
for Vista, too
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...ation-conflicts-performing-clean-startup.html

If clean boot does not work, next step is a memory test. Post so we can give and help you with the best test.
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/topic/246994-guide-to-using-memtest86/

 

[richc46]

Use all the suggestions in my prior post, I think they will help. If the above does not help, I am sure something here will.

Here are my solutions to freezing, and an excellent article, which I hope is of some help
Go to search type device manager and look for any yellow warning markers
Download and run malwarebytes, a full scan after you update
Run antivirus scan
Check memory with memtest86
Make sure that you are not over heating.
Try in safe mode; report back if it works properly.
Try a clean boot
Make sure PSU is working properly
If overclocking, restore to original
Test hard drive at company website.
Test in safe mode, does it still happen?
Try with clean boot..
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135
http://malwarebytes.org/
http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/topic...ing-memtest86/
http://ezinearticles.com/?Troublesho...blems&id=39981

 

[catspadger]

Thanks Richard, I'll have a go and report back!

 

[richc46]

Take your time. If it works or does not and you must reinstall, let us know. I can show you how to make an image and avoid this problem in the future.

 

[catspadger]

Alrighty then, here's where I am so far (no further forward):

AV checks have produced no results

The clean boot didn't stop the hangs

Malwarebytes didn't find anything

2 x passes of memtest didn't find anything, however, I forgot to mention that I'm getting 1 x long and 3 x short beeps on boot (it's amibios and the website says that it's a memory issue above 64k). This has been going on for a few years and isn't a new development.

As for overheating, it was giving me hassle before Christmas when I was doing graphics intensive stuff (Steam etc), and the whole thing would shut down. I blew the crap out of the vents I could get to and it resolved the shut downs, but I'm wondering whether I should have a look at the graphics card fan or something? I've never taken a lappy apart :-).

Anyway, that's all I've got for now. If my crap memory dredges anything else up, I'll post it!

Thanks!

 

[richc46]

TY for your kind words and rep. After all the tests and you do not have any positive results, use the computer in safe mode. If you still have problems, we should begin to look to hardware as a possible cause, but I bet its software.

Overheating is a very possible cause of your problem

Speed fan will tell you if you are running too hot
http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php

 

[catspadger]

Thanks Richard, I'll give that a go too. With regards to my issue with the Repair Vista menu option doing nothing, do you have any ideas for a workaround? I've managed to copy the partition and navigate around it, however, my system refuses to notice it when I've told it to repair (it's F8 after boot on my lappy).

 

[richc46]

If you cannot find an answer to the hanging, you may want to use a system restore and see if it cures everything, including repair, will not hurt to try.
Go back a week before the problem began
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html
Restore will fix most problems, if not hardware related as yours may be.

 

[catspadger]

Aha, I checked restore points earlier; they've all gone. Not sure how, but they're all missing (I think it may be using the Vista rescue disk). As it is I did a restore at the start of this fiasco and it made no difference to the hangs.

 

[richc46]

How did safe mode affect the hanging problem?

 

[catspadger]

It doesn't hang in safe mode. I haven't spent a massive amount of time in the environment but normal vista tends to hang either after I've typed in my password, or shortly after the desktop appears - safe mode 'seems' fine. Typically, on this boot, normal vista hasn't hung up once .... so far. I've been logged in for at least 30 mins.

 

[richc46]

Ok this is what I know, and correct me if I am wrong
Works in safe mode, but not clean boot. If this is the case then the problem is a driver. Post if I am correct with the facts, and if I am, I will give you software to help diagnose.

Edit: Why wait, if I am correct try this software.
https://www.soluto.com/
I must advise, however, most have found the software to be beneficial, but some have reported problems and the only way to remove is with system restore. So, make a system restore point before you install.

 

[catspadger]

Thanks Richard, and yes, you are correct!

 

[catspadger]

Wow, soluto is cool! Still haven't had a hang though have had a photoshop elements crash reported ...

 

[richc46]

OK, then at least the initial problem is solved. Glad that we could help.

 

[catspadger]

Me too :-).

Now how do I get Vista to see my recovery partition? :D

 

[richc46]

If you have tried to get to the partition using the correct procedure, it may have become corrupt and no longer available. What you want to do, in lieu of the partition is to download Macrium Reflect, its free. Then make an image and update it once a month. Keep the image on an external, then if you ever have a problem, just reinstall with the image. Its easy and fast.
Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download
Its better than what you have been doing.

 

[catspadger]

Lol, you are right! I'll give it a bash and once again, thanks!

 

[catspadger]

Well I'm hoping my hanging problem is sorted (sounds rude :D). Soluto didn't say much but it did report once that Avast was playing up. One quick swap with AVG and my system appears to be running normally and has been for a few days. I've done a bunch of restarts, opened lots of progs and as yet, no hangs ..... If I can I'll be marking this thread as solved!