Major problems running Windows 7

[dud]

Was wondering if anyone has experienced these types of problems running Win 7. The situation is this: I have two Dell M90 precision laptops with nearly identical HW configs (both have DC processors of about 2 GHz each, 4 GB RAM, machine #1 has an FX1500 while #2 has an FX2500 GPU) except for HD (one has an original 80GB while the other has been upgraded to a 250 GB). three weeks ago I wiped both computers and installed Win 7 Ultimate 32 bit on both machines.

Laptop #1 (with the 80 GB HD) is configured on a Dell docking station running a 27" external monitor. The Win 7 install went flawlessly. The machime works wonderfully and has given me no problems at all.

Laptop #2 (with the 250) is used as a laptop, mostly on a portable desk by my couch. The install went flawlessly but within 2 days the thing would start freezing on startup. I would have to power the machine down/up sometimes 3/4 times before it would successfully boot.

Yesterday I installed TurboTax on both machines. Machine #1 runs it fine. Machine #2 runs it as well but now (besides the boot issue) machine #2 randomly freezes with no notice. The machine has become almost unuseable. I ran a check of the HD and the report was good. I plan on testing the memory this evening to check that out with some sort of memory testing software.

Anyone ever experience these types of behaviors in the past? If so, what did you do to fix them ... other than a complete re-install of Win 7?

Thanks ...

 

[jamesmcuk]

sounds like the PSU or Graphics is going bad on #2

but you could:

Maybe try uninstalling the graphics driver on #1 and 2 and then swapping the hard disk from 1 in to 2 and 2 to 1 see if it has the same problem. Should largely rule out the either the software or hardware. (obviously assuming all other hardware is the same in each laptop otherwise you will probably get BSOD when it loads the incorrect drivers)

 

[gsaldivar]

Remove the RAM, and carefully reseat (reinstall) each stick. Also try replacing the RAM, and swapping the power supply for a different one if possible. Good luck!

 

[dud]

Thanks for the replies. I ran MEMTEST and found no memory errors ... but get this, if I decide to disconnect from my access point (wireless router) by pushing Fn and F2 on my keyboard the laptop will freeze within 15 seconds. This is the same behavior I noted last night when disconnecting from my access point.

I've never seen such a thing. Does Win 7 require a continuous Internet connect to be stable?

Weird ...

 

[JackMDS]

Check you Laptop vents and make sure that they are not clogged with dust.

Read this a page as a frame of reference. The laptop that is described there use to freeze very often too.

http://www.ezlan.net/vaio.html



😎

 

[dud]

Check you Laptop vents and make sure that they are not clogged with dust.

Read this a page as a frame of reference. The laptop that is described there use to freeze very often too.

http://www.ezlan.net/vaio.html



😎

Thanks Jack ... but I don't think thats the problem. The non-docked laptop freezes when I disable my wireless card. Other than reformatting and reloading Win 7 ... I'm stumped.

Anyone ever run into this issue before?

 

[dud]

I just confirmed that turning off my wifi/bluetooth will cause the unit to freeze every time. Just dumb ...

 

[Lanyap]

Was the Win 7 Ultimate 32 bit a reinstall or were you running another version of Windows?

I would run a hard drive diagnostic. Could be you have some bad sectors that are now being accessed because of the latest install and causing file corruption. You can either download the Dell diagnostic, HD manufacturer's diag or Hitachi DFT that works on all HDs.

 

[dud]

Was the Win 7 Ultimate 32 bit a reinstall or were you running another version of Windows?

I would run a hard drive diagnostic. Could be you have some bad sectors that are now being accessed because of the latest install and causing file corruption. You can either download the Dell diagnostic, HD manufacturer's diag or Hitachi DFT that works on all HDs.

Thanks, I will try that and report back.

 

[Meghan54]

Does Win 7 require a continuous Internet connect to be stable?

Answer to that is no.