Computer Crashing, hardware problem, unknown how to diagnose.

ivywan

New Member
Problem:

I have a Dell Dim. XPS Gen. 2, recently I have been having problems with it crashing about 10-180 min after startup.

What I have done to fix the problem:

It started when I moved the computer upstairs to a carpet surface. I then had the problem and put a foam pad underneath it to attempt to fix it. Then after having the problem a cupple more times I ran CCleaner to fix the registry (I thought it may have been this but for a while i have been having the system 32 folder come up at startup) Next I added a fan to the computer and increased airflow. I am still having this problem and I'm clueless of where to go from here.

tried removing ram and putting it back in no luck then changed the power cable to the video card worked for a while but no luck nothing is overheating and everything i have tired has had no effect

What happens:

When it crashes it does't power off, the screen sticks on the same image and all functions stop.(as if you were to take a screenshot)

i am getting another AGP video card from a friend to see if the VC is the problem




Its about 6 years old

i would not know how to check the PSU but it keeps feeding power to everything

i am expecting a phone call for a new graphics card to tell if its that, i would check using integrated graphics but the mobo dosnt have 1

could it be a problem with the mobo sending and receiving information from the HD?

memtest came up with nothing

i tried changing the HD with a different OS with no effect to performance

worked for about 4-5 hours when i put the new HD in then i experianced another crash going to get the VC soon and check it, i have a hard time beliving that it is the CPU the way it is acting...

i have ruled out the Hard Drive, RAM and any virtual problem...

how do i know that the heatsink is "off"?

some pics of the inside...

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Last edited:
Cant see your pics m8 but id double check all connections then clean out the fans then re-do the thermal paste on the cpu
Oh and i hope you didnt move it straight after shutting it down as this can cause damage to the m/b and psu
 
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