Computer randomly freezes... HELP!

[nycxandy]

Normally, I leave my computer idle with AOL Instant Messenger and mIRC on. Everything is fine and swell. However, if I have BitTorrent++ running in the background, the computer will always freeze after 30 or so minutes. No matter how fast I'm downloading, 0 K/s or 10 K/s, it'll always freeze. Another situation is when I'm actually at the computer, it'll randomly freeze half the time I'm actually on it with AIM, mIRC, and BT++ opened. I'm currently running on Windows 98SE fully updated. I've checked my Power management settings and nothing is to shut down. I don't think it's software related because I reformatted recently and the freezes occurred prior to it as well. The hard drive I'm on is a refurbed one I got for an RMA to Maxtor. The freezes occurred on the old hard drive as well. My hardware configuration is linked in my profile. What do you guys think is making my computer freeze? Are there any ways I can troubleshoot this problem? Any help or suggestions are welcomed. Thanks!

 

[sd]

Check your PS, that was my recent problem.

 

[thunderhorse]

Load up everything you can and let your rig run untill it freezes. Check the time and see how long it took. Shut down the rig, unplug it and let it set until it has completely cooled down, about 2 hours. Now do the same test with only your OS running. Next borrow a power supply and hook it up to you rig and do the same thing again. If there is no freeze it's your PSU. If there is a freeze then there is a piece of equipment that is breaking down under load or software that's clashing when they are left together to long. Remember there IS software that does not play well with others. Please let us know how it works out. Good luck.

 

[nycxandy]

Well my computer is 3.5 years old and the freezes only started about half a year ago. Would it really be the power supply? Also, my computer is fine when I'm actually on and using it. It only messes up if BT++ is on. Anyway, I'll try the PSU swap and see how it goes.

 

[thunderhorse]

Well it looks like you narrowed it down yourself. If it does it when you are running BT++, then turn it off and see what happens. You may have to find out which program BT++ is not playing well with. I'm sure you are on you way to solving the problem. Happy Holidays....

Mikie