Programs stop running

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

If I walk away from my computer for a 1/2 hr or less, the programs stop
running. For instance, I was using Outlook, Word, Internet Explorer and
Family Tree Maker. I walked away and when I came back the programs did not
respond. I ran Windows Task Manager and it indicated all programs were "not
responding." I tried closing the programs with Task Manager but got no
response. I finally shut my computer off manually and rebooted. This
happens a lot and is really annoying. HELP.
 
Check your Power Management in Control Panel. Is it set to shut down HD
after 15min and go into Stand By Mode after 15 minutes
 
The Power Option Properties is set at Home Office/Desk and all settings for
the Power Scheme are set at NEVER.
 
Fran said:
The Power Option Properties is set at Home Office/Desk and all
settings for the Power Scheme are set at NEVER.
Click to expand...

Then your power supply unit may be failing or the computer may be
overheating. You probably have some sort of hardware failure. I'll give
you my general hardware troubleshooting steps, but I think your best
bet would be to start by swapping out the psu first.

1) Open the computer and run it open, cleaning out all dust bunnies and
observing all fans (overheating will cause system freezing). Obviously
you can't do this with a laptop, but you can hear if the fan is running
and feel if the laptop is getting too hot.

2) Test the RAM - I like Memtest86+ from www.memtest.org. Obviously, you
have to get the program from a working machine. You will either
download the precompiled Windows binary to make a bootable floppy or
the .iso to make a bootable cd. If you want to use the latter, you'll
need to have third-party burning software on the machine where you
download the file - XP's built-in burning capability won't do the job.
In either case, boot with the media you made. The test will run
immediately. Let the test run for an extended period of time - unless
errors are seen immediately. If you get any errors, replace the RAM.

3) Test the hard drive with a diagnostic utility from the mftr. Usually
you will download the file and make a bootable floppy with it. Boot
with the media and do a thorough test. If the drive has physical
errors, replace it.

4) The power supply may be going bad or be inadequate for the devices
you have in the system. The adequacy issue doesn't really apply to a
laptop, although of course the power
supply can be faulty.

5) Test the motherboard with something like TuffTest from
www.tufftest.com. Sometimes this is useful, and sometimes it isn't.

Testing hardware failures often involves swapping out suspected parts
with known-good parts. If you can't do the testing yourself and/or are
uncomfortable opening your computer, take the machine to a good local
computer repair shop (not a CompUSA or Best Buy type of store).

Malke
 
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