- Jun 4, 2005
- 1,099
- 1
- 81
Hi Guys,
First of all, I am not a noob. I would consider myself a fairly advanced computer geek. I build computers regularly and would consider myself an somewhat advanced diagnostician when it comes to computer problems. But the problem I am having is stumping me.
I have a Dell 400SC Server repurposed as a workstation. I've had it for about 3 years now. Current stripped down specs are: 2.8 GHz CPU, 120 GB HDD, 1 GB PC3200 RAM, Generic Video Card, Modem, DVD-R Drive running on Windows 2000 SP4.
About two days ago, the computer started locking up in regular use. I had just installed Norton Systemworks 2005 and it was starting to lock up. I uninstalled Systemworks and it didn't help any.
Originally I had this machine loaded down with a 6600 GT Video card, PVR-tuner card, two modems, two HDDs (120 and 200 GB), and DVD-R. The Dell 400SC uses a 250 Watt PSU, so I figured it was having problems because of a weak PSU. I replaced it with a Fortron 350 Watt model and it worked fine for a day.
However, it started acting up again. I got fed up and stripped everything from the machine. I brought it down to the least power state with the bare minimum accessories (generic 2 mb PCI video, Modem, DVD-R) so as to rule out PSU inadequacy issues. That didn't help.
I checked for viruses, trojans, spyware, etc. ad nauseum - no problems.
During one change up, when I rebooted, I got a BOOT_DEVICE_INACCESSIBLE BSOD, so I ended up using the Windows 2000 disk to fix the Windows install. That got rid of the BSOD, but still am having problems. I ran chkdsk /r to fix any corrupt indexes, etc.
So the problem I have now is that the computer will boot. When I run some programs, the little hour-glass will come on, but the programs won't run. I'll boot up Firefox, Word, and Adobe Acrobat and one of those will come up. But then everything starts to slow down and execution becomes delayed or very hesitant.
However, if I hit CTRL-ALT-DEL and ask the computer to restart, it will bring me back to the desktop and everything will work fine. The computer won't reboot, but I can then use most of my applications normally.
Strange huh? Oh yeah, I've already checked all the cables to make sure they are seated properly, updated the BIOS, etc.
I figure it is one of the following in order of most likely to least likely:
1. The HDD is going bad and this is its way of letting me know - but I don't hear any of the telltale signs like clicking noises, etc.
2. RAM problems.
3. Overheating (I doubt it, since the internal temps don't get much higher than 50C if Folding@Home is not running)
4. Power supply problems???
5. Mobo is dieing on me.
6. Some strange new unknown virus is killing my machine.
Please help.
Pradeep
First of all, I am not a noob. I would consider myself a fairly advanced computer geek. I build computers regularly and would consider myself an somewhat advanced diagnostician when it comes to computer problems. But the problem I am having is stumping me.
I have a Dell 400SC Server repurposed as a workstation. I've had it for about 3 years now. Current stripped down specs are: 2.8 GHz CPU, 120 GB HDD, 1 GB PC3200 RAM, Generic Video Card, Modem, DVD-R Drive running on Windows 2000 SP4.
About two days ago, the computer started locking up in regular use. I had just installed Norton Systemworks 2005 and it was starting to lock up. I uninstalled Systemworks and it didn't help any.
Originally I had this machine loaded down with a 6600 GT Video card, PVR-tuner card, two modems, two HDDs (120 and 200 GB), and DVD-R. The Dell 400SC uses a 250 Watt PSU, so I figured it was having problems because of a weak PSU. I replaced it with a Fortron 350 Watt model and it worked fine for a day.
However, it started acting up again. I got fed up and stripped everything from the machine. I brought it down to the least power state with the bare minimum accessories (generic 2 mb PCI video, Modem, DVD-R) so as to rule out PSU inadequacy issues. That didn't help.
I checked for viruses, trojans, spyware, etc. ad nauseum - no problems.
During one change up, when I rebooted, I got a BOOT_DEVICE_INACCESSIBLE BSOD, so I ended up using the Windows 2000 disk to fix the Windows install. That got rid of the BSOD, but still am having problems. I ran chkdsk /r to fix any corrupt indexes, etc.
So the problem I have now is that the computer will boot. When I run some programs, the little hour-glass will come on, but the programs won't run. I'll boot up Firefox, Word, and Adobe Acrobat and one of those will come up. But then everything starts to slow down and execution becomes delayed or very hesitant.
However, if I hit CTRL-ALT-DEL and ask the computer to restart, it will bring me back to the desktop and everything will work fine. The computer won't reboot, but I can then use most of my applications normally.
Strange huh? Oh yeah, I've already checked all the cables to make sure they are seated properly, updated the BIOS, etc.
I figure it is one of the following in order of most likely to least likely:
1. The HDD is going bad and this is its way of letting me know - but I don't hear any of the telltale signs like clicking noises, etc.
2. RAM problems.
3. Overheating (I doubt it, since the internal temps don't get much higher than 50C if Folding@Home is not running)
4. Power supply problems???
5. Mobo is dieing on me.
6. Some strange new unknown virus is killing my machine.
Please help.
Pradeep
Facebook
Twitter