lockup when cold

lockup when cold

by Scopip Nov 26, 2004 6:47AM PST

When I first turn on the computer, it usually locks up when I start up my first application or two. Doesn't matter what application it is. Only 20% of the time does it lock-up while windows is still loading.

Soon as I reboot, the problem usually goes away.

With it getting colder lately, the problem occurs almost every time.

I'm thinking that its most likely the harddrive, needing to be warm for some reason?

Any simple fixes, or just need to swap the drive?

thanks
Dan

Discussion is locked

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Re: lockup when cold = Visual inspection time.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Nov 26, 2004 7:01AM PST

This is not unusual for motherboards with domed or leaking capacitors. Time to look inside.

Bob

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Re: lockup when cold

by wily288 Nov 26, 2004 11:42AM PST

you know that's the same thing that happens to me. seems lik there isn't anybody with answers. let us know if you ever get an answer.

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Re: lockup when cold

by Willy Nov 26, 2004 12:36PM PST

Because its an intermit problem, these are hard to pinpoint. It looks like power in some way. Robert, mentioned the "bad cap" possibility and it could. One has to inspect componets for any obivous bulging caps or leaky ones. Plus, a bad crimp on a power connector, or a starting to fail power supply. In some cases, a creeping componet(socketed chips) or slot card can be intermit until warmed-up. reseat cards, push in chips and retest. There's no guarntee but its a slow process until found out if at all. Many users simply live with it until it becomes known or move on as they lived with it for too long and get a new system. That's how long some problems can last.

good luck -----Willy

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re. lockup on cold

by Scopip Dec 23, 2004 10:11AM PST

i've moved everything around. swapped harddrives. changed memory slot. Don't see any bulges, not that I know where to exactly look.

But my computer lockup is way more frequent since it is cold now.

Which should I try first. A replacement motherboard, or power supply?

thanks
Dan

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Site with pictures and text...

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Dec 23, 2004 10:16AM PST

Here's one of many articles about the capacitor issue. These can exist on the motherboard or power supply.

http://home.earthlink.net/~doniteli/index27.htm

Let me perfectly clear on this issue. Those capacitors much be PERFECT! Any leak, bulge, crack, discoloration is the sign.

Bob

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i think your right?

by Scopip Dec 23, 2004 11:01AM PST

thanks for the webpage. it was very informative.

I think I do have the buldge problem but not sure. I took a picture and posted it.

http://pages.sbcglobal.net/daniel_oliver/buldge.JPG

Could you tell me what you think? The caps look to be slightly open on the entire row of 8 of these.

dan

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And they are leaking too. Brown spots on top.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Dec 23, 2004 11:15AM PST

You've found the issue. If you want to know, some get the bum boards replaced free once they find out about the defective capacitors.

The problem is the issue only degrades from this point on.

Bob

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Like to use picture reference???

by Willy Dec 23, 2004 9:03PM PST

I like to save and use your .JPG picture as a reference, that OK?

Why, because its not as obivous as others have posted, and the whole row is done in. -----Willy

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re: reference pictures

by Scopip Dec 24, 2004 1:37AM PST

yes thats fine.

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Thank you

by Willy Dec 25, 2004 7:24AM PST

BTW, upon relooking at that .jpg I did notice some dust on the heatsink. While it isn't that bad, if you're in the area, remove the fan and blow/brush out the dust build-up. Upon returning, don't over-tighten those screws. just my 2-cents and thanks again. -----Willy

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I see

by NitrousEXpress60 Dec 23, 2004 11:22AM PST

I have a 1 year old Sony Vaio and it does the same thing. All I do is when the start up screen comes up, I just let it "do nothing" instead of quickly clicking on my user name. It hasn't frozen since.

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