Computer keeps randomly freezing

LGKers, I need your help!

I'm using a Dell Dimension C521. Had it since May 07 (or around there).

My computer has been fine until Friday Night. It did the typical weekly virus scan at 8 PM and I had no problems with it. I stepped away from the computer at 10 PM and came back at 11 PM and it wouldn't get out of "idle" mode.

It turns out that the computer froze on me. I had to manually hold the power button to turn it off and turned it back on. But my computer keeps freezing randomly now. It can be 30 minutes. It can be 10 minutes... it's driving me insane.

I am starting to regret ordering a Dell online now... I remember in 2009, I already had to replace the motherboard.

I know my power supply is still working (I'm thinking it's freezing because it's hot?) The fan is still moving but I went out and bought a new Power Supply today. I couldn't install it because it doesn't fit in a Dell... I am going to have to return my power supply tomorrow.

Worst case scenario, I'll buy a new computer tomorrow because 3 years is long enough it seems. But could there be another problem that is causing my computer to freeze?

I didn't download anything new, no virus or spyware. All I was doing was browsing LGK like normal and just left the computer idle.

Anyone have any idea? Please help if you can.

Edit: My computer froze as soon as I submitted the thread... =\

My computer specs if it helps:

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5000+ 2.60 GHz
Memory: 2 GB
System Type: 32-bit Operating System

Over heating? Are the cooling fans working? Are the vents clear and clean? Lastly, did you check the event viewer? Open Event Viewer (start>programs>administrative tools>event viewer). Click System at left and look in right pane for error messages around the time of the freeze. Open each one to see what it says. Then click Applications and look for other error messages around the time of the freeze. They may point you at the problem.

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Originally Posted by Slopppydog

Over heating? Are the cooling fans working? Are the vents clear and clean? Lastly, did you check the event viewer? Open Event Viewer (start>programs>administrative tools>event viewer). Click System at left and look in right pane for error messages around the time of the freeze. Open each one to see what it says. Then click Applications and look for other error messages around the time of the freeze. They may point you at the problem.

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It doesn't seem like it's overheating at all. The cooling fans are definitely working.

I just cleaned out my computer inside and out and its free of dust.

In the Event Viewer, under System, it says Event ID 6008. Unexpected shutdown... and that's all it says.

Under Applications in the Event Viewer, the other error was Event ID 11, but apparently that is resolved. I downloaded 'authroot.stl' and installed it. Something about a certificate error but it still froze.

After it froze and I resolved Event ID 11, the only error that pops up is Event ID 6008. I'm doing a search on it but it just has a bunch of people with the same problem and no solution.

Someone suggested a re-install of Vista. I don't have the CD. The Vista Home Premium came with the computer when I got it from Dell. Is there another way to re-download it or something? (If that is the problem...)

Thanks slopppydog for trying to help. This thing is really pissing me off since it came out of nowhere.

boot it into safe mode (press f8 during the initial boot up screen). will it keep freezing then?

Could be a hard drive issue. 9 out of 10 times that I've had unexplained freezing it's been due to a dying or error filled hard drive.

This kept happening to my laptop (hp) and so I took it to best buy (where I bought it) and had it thoroughly cleaned, wiped, etc. and it works ok now. But, if that ever happens again I will just buy a new one with extended warranty. The service was VERY expensive, unfortunately I a totally computer illiterate and I am unable to do anything except turn it on and off. I did get Kaspersky internet suite which seems to be doing a pretty good job though. In my opinion, buy a new computer, forget Dell (I finally sold my desktop). I had a LOT of problems with the Dell freezing. I used to have to turn off the main power supply to get it out of idle.

also, TC, to continue with Kubrick's post, BACK YOUR **** UP ASAP with Windows Easy File Transfer or a backup tool.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nosoupforyou

boot it into safe mode (press f8 during the initial boot up screen). will it keep freezing then?

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Oddly enough, it freezes in less than 5 minutes when I try going into safe mode.

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Originally Posted by ydkjs2

This kept happening to my laptop (hp) and so I took it to best buy (where I bought it) and had it thoroughly cleaned, wiped, etc. and it works ok now. But, if that ever happens again I will just buy a new one with extended warranty. The service was VERY expensive, unfortunately I a totally computer illiterate and I am unable to do anything except turn it on and off. I did get Kaspersky internet suite which seems to be doing a pretty good job though. In my opinion, buy a new computer, forget Dell (I finally sold my desktop). I had a LOT of problems with the Dell freezing. I used to have to turn off the main power supply to get it out of idle.

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Thanks ydkjs2. I think I'll go to Best Buy to purchase a new computer today... that way, if there are any problems I can bring it back to them with the warranty.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kubrick

Could be a hard drive issue. 9 out of 10 times that I've had unexplained freezing it's been due to a dying or error filled hard drive.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by nosoupforyou

also, TC, to continue with Kubrick's post, BACK YOUR SHIZ UP ASAP with Windows Easy File Transfer or a backup tool.

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I backed up my stuff. I'm good to go. My computer has officially died today. I'm guess I'll buy a new one today because I already replaced the inside stuff once. Thanks again guys.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TooCool

I guess I'll buy a new one today because I already replaced the inside stuff once.

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Apple Mac Mini...$600 + tax and you get a free printer.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bogey

apple mac mini...$600 + tax and you get a free printer, whereby they will make $1,000's of dollars more on you over the years on the new pricey toner.

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ftfy