What could be causing my computer to freeze

[erub]

My computer is freezing on a fairly regular basis. Basic office applications such as Word cause it to crash. Right now I have a dual monitor setup - this makes it format even more often than before, when I just had a single monitor. With just the single monitor, certain other applications would cause it to crash, but not Word (powerpoint is especially finky). I have recently done a reformat and fresh install - it still happens. I suspect that its the video card, which is a generic Geforce FX5200, with the latest drivers available from NVIDIA's website..but I could be wrong. Any suggestions appreciated..thanks

 

[bucd]

It could be many things.

You have to pretty much do a process of elimination.

First boot into your bios and load fail safe settings or default settings and see if that helps.

If not, then try running in safe mode to see if you get the crashes.

If that doesn't work then you have to work on the hardware
If you have a couple stick of memory installed, try using just one, or different ones if you have it

Monitor the temp of your mb and cpu, make sure it's not running too hot.

Try a different video card if you can.

Report back with results and we can continue from there.


-D

 

[trexpesto]

what he said and switch back to single monitor, and oh yeah post your specs like mobo etc.

Since you are having a video problem and you suspect your card, try to borrow a video card or use the onboard video first.
As far as settings, maybe turn off vsynch?? and reduce your resolution to 600x800 @ 60Hz to see if that helps.

 

[erub]

Epox 4G4A+
Intel P4 2.26
512 MB of Corsair
WD 120GB SE
Seagate 80 GB
Pioneer 16X DVD Slot
Liteon 48x burner
Some unknown brand GeForceFX 5200

Two monitors:
Samsung 191T
Dell 17" CRT

The problem used to happen when I had single display, just less often..i tried fail safe defaults and it still happens..i dont think the temps are too hot, but i will get motherboard monitor and post them

I wish i had another video card to try..damn

 

[eldorado99]

I had a similar problem which ended up being my case. My computer would have vertical bars appear out of nowhere all of the sudden, but my comp wasn't frozen, its just that the screen was garbled. It turned out i had to reseat the video card in the agp slot (was a radeon 9700 pro) and I had to leave the screw holding it in slightly loose because the case wasn't holding it right (cheap-a$$ case) .