Random Vista hang

[domsq]

Hi guys

I've started having a problem recently where my Vista Home Premium PC will just randomly lock up, on the odd occasion.

There doesn't seem to be any reason or rhyme to it (I always check through the event logs after it happens, and nothing of any interest springs up). All that'll happen is the hard drive light stays constantly on (as if it's trying to read or some such) and the PC is totally unresponsive. I then have to hard reset it...

I realise it might look like a simple HDD issue, but I have a RAID1 array, with 2x 320GB disks in it. Surely, if one of the drives is experiencing a problem, it should just carry on due to the mirror?

It may be worth mentioning that the PC is only about 2.5 months old...


Anyone experienced the same or similar?

 

[VinDSL]

Does your display lock up too, or just your drive?

 

[RebateMonger]

There ARE things that can cause even a RAID 1 (the most reliable form of RAID) to lock up Windows, including lose cables, bad drivers, and failing RAID controller hardware.

The problem with a true hard drive/controller issue is that there WON'T be any error logging. Windows can't write to the drive to record the error. All you get is a log that says the computer rebooted unexpectedly.

 

[domsq]

Ah... that's a bit disconcerting

Well, I did recently install a new PCI wireless card into my desktop. Maybe I bumped the SATA\power cables to one or both drives. I'll re-check all the connections now.

 

[domsq]

Hi guys

I'm still experiencing the issue with random hangs...

What I should've done in the first place was explain my setup better. I have a Gigabyte P35-DS3 mainboard with built-in SATA RAID controller (just referred to as GIGABYTE SATA2 on their site). This controller supports up to 2x SATA devices, and I have 2x 320GB Seagate Barracuda's connected to it in RAID1.

As far as power delivery goes, I have a Cooler Master eXtreme Power 460W PSU. As mentioned previously, I'm on Vista Home Premium. For any other details, check the 'My PC's' link in my sig (look for Dom's desktop).

I hope this gives you guys more to work with...