What's the best way to determine the reason for a crash???

[StevieP]

I've had a problem with my desktop PC (specs in sig.) randomly freezing, forcing me to do a hard reset! (Basically the screen stays on but the mouse and keyboard completely stop working!?!?)

I've tried looking in the event log but it all just looks like gibberish to me and I'm none the wiser! (I did think it was related to an Epson driver at one stage but I've since switched to a Canon printer and it's still freezing!!)

I've downloaded a program called "Who Crashed" but typically the machine hasn't crashed while I've had it running!

Is this going to give me what I need to root out the problem or is there a better way?

Thanks...

 

[jh30uk]

You may get some info from the Windows Event Viewer.

What setting have you got set up to do when Windows acts up?

Ie.collect a mem dump and keep blue screen on screen so you can read it or simply restart?

The setting are in Start Up and Recovery.

 

[bledd]

Remove overclock, see if it still happens

Also, run memtest

 

[Raumarik]

I'd always start with going to stock and checking event viewer. If nothing in there memtest and general stress testing at stock would be my next option.

 

[StevieP]

Thanks for the replies guys, I'll try and advise where I am on each point but I'm by no means a technical bod!

You may get some info from the Windows Event Viewer. - I've looked at this but most of the time I simply can't tell what any of the entries mean!?!?

What setting have you got set up to do when Windows acts up? - It seems to be random - never had it happen mid-game though - usually I'm just using the internet!

Ie.collect a mem dump and keep blue screen on screen so you can read it or simply restart? - I don't get a blue screen but rather my display simply freezes and I can't do anything other than a hard reset!

The setting are in Start Up and Recovery. - Not sure what you mean here??

Remove overclock, see if it still happens - I'm not currently overclocking at all I don't think - if memory serves I did tinker with overclocking when I first got the CPU but didn't need to so knocked it back to stock!

Also, run memtest

I'd always start with going to stock and checking event viewer. If nothing in there memtest and general stress testing at stock would be my next option. - I've not run memtest as I don't think I've had any indication that it was the memory that was the problem!?!?

Thanks for any further help guys....

 

[flying grouse]

I've had a problem with my desktop PC (specs in sig.) randomly freezing, forcing me to do a hard reset! (Basically the screen stays on but the mouse and keyboard completely stop working!?!?)

I've tried looking in the event log but it all just looks like gibberish to me and I'm none the wiser! (I did think it was related to an Epson driver at one stage but I've since switched to a Canon printer and it's still freezing!!)

I've downloaded a program called "Who Crashed" but typically the machine hasn't crashed while I've had it running!

Is this going to give me what I need to root out the problem or is there a better way?

Thanks...

Random thought? is your mouse/keyboard USB? check the power settings are not set to save power.

If you've had recent power outages, viruses, or other computer problems, it's possible that the drivers have become corrupted.

Downloading and installing the latest driver for your mouse, or keyboard can resolve these types of problems.

if your device came with a disc, that disc might contain software that installs a driver

or download and install the driver yourself. You can search for a driver on the manufacturer's website. Try this to find a driver if the device didn't come with software that installs a driver.