random freezing, maybe new HDD?

[WoTAlaster]

I just installed a new Seagate Baracuda(I did a replacement and not just add it) and I am running win98. So now, my puter freezes just randomly. I will start windows and boom, frozen. Sometimes, things will still work, Mouse, Music etc... So is this the HDD doing this or should I just reinstall 98? THANKS

 

[Littlehomer]

Back-up yer stuff and reinstall your OS. If that dont solve your problems then repost. Somebody might have a good solution.

 

[onegauss]

As always, backup first.

Before reinstalling, do a clean format.

Boot-up using a start-up disk.

At the prompt, type: format C: (or Drive letter).

Then reinstall.

 

[onegauss]

btw, I have a Seagate Barracude IV and it works fine.

 

[WoTAlaster]

thanks for the help you two
I will try one more thing. I took off one side of my Case in an effort to cool it. The PC doesn't get much circulation so maybe it is heat. I will see.
Thanks y'all

 

[BadThad]

Several possibilities for the random freeze:

1) Heat. CPU core temp goes too high due to bad h/s fan or poor mount.
2) Power supply. PS voltage is dipping thus the cpu doesn't get enough juice to keep operating.
3) Hard Drive. I have seen ONE system with an IBM 9.1 GB drive that would do this. I worked on this customer system several times trying to correct the issue. All HDD diagnostics even checked out until the very end. The last time he brought it in I ran SETI@Home on it for 3 days and the HDD finally started acting strange and failed dianostics. This problem can be wicked to figure out.

Good Luck!