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Resolved Question

Why does my computer go to a black screen when not in use?

Dec 26, 2011 12:19AM PST

I resolved my last issue with the overheating by thoroughly cleaning my computer and replacing the heat sink compound.
Now when I leave my computer and come back a few hours later, I have a black screen. The computer is still running, but not responsive. I have to use the power button to turn it off and back on.
I have looked at event viewer and found the following 2 alerts:
Event Type: ErrorEvent Source: DCOMEvent Category: NoneEvent ID: 10010Date: 12/26/2011Time: 8:27:06 AMUser: NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEMComputer: BROOKSHPDescription:The server {4EB61BAC-A3B6-4760-9581-655041EF4D69} did not register with DCOM within the required timeout.For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.Event Type: WarningEvent Source: DiskEvent Category: NoneEvent ID: 51Date: 12/25/2011Time: 4:50:13 PMUser: N/AComputer: BROOKSHPDescription:An error was detected on device \Device\Harddisk1\D during a paging operation.For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.
I have Windows XP SP3, Pentium 4 processor, 1.99 GB RAM. 413 GB free space.
I updated my drivers and everything was running fine until about 3 days ago. I am at a loss as to what is causing this problem. Please help me figure this out. Thanks

Discussion is locked

pisdoff has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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I'd check your screensaver/power settings
Dec 26, 2011 4:16AM PST

See if the system is turning off the hard drive and/or monitor after a timeout period. Set these to "Never" if they time out. USB hard drives can also spin down after a timeout period but some of these have arcane configuration methods. XP, when running, will periodically check that drives are accessible and can post that message if one is not. I have had that happen with an internal drive that had an intermittent power connection so that could be another possibility.

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Power Settings
Dec 26, 2011 7:10AM PST

I do use a screen saver, but just the one that comes with the system. My power settings are always set to never. I do not have any USB drives. What do you mean by an intermittent power connection?

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Intermittent power
Dec 26, 2011 7:35AM PST

I was referring to a less than solid power connection at the rear of the hard drive. This are mechanical and not solder joints and can drop intermittently. A poor connection will be sensitive to even slight vibration or even heating and cooling cycles. Poor connections can tend to arc and get worse. Intermittent loss of the voltage needed for the HD motor can cause the motor to stop and start. It's something I've seen or suspected a few times but mostly with the old molex type connectors. If you have another power connector from the PS available, you can try that. But, as suggested, you could also have a failing hard drive. It might be a good idea to get the manufacturer's drive testing utility and run that before deciding whether to replace it or not but do make sure you have a good recovery method handy.

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Power and testing
Dec 26, 2011 9:12AM PST

When I had the computer open I made sure the cables were solidly connected to everything.
I have downloaded Seatools and used it, but it Passes all the tests.
I am at a total loss.
I can use my computer, but when I walk away it locks up.
As another test, I have turned off my screensaver.
I also noticed that Norton360 background scan will run when the computer is idle. It may be the culprit and maybe not.
I reloaded the software after contacting them when I had my first problems.
Ugh! I'm baffled as to what to do next.

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Should be easy to test
Dec 26, 2011 7:11PM PST

I won't be much help as I don't offer any sympathy when folks complain of problems and I hear they have let Norton take over their machines. You can experiment by temporarily terminating all Norton processes/services the next time you let the machine go idle. You can disconnect the PC from the internet during this time as well. I did also wonder about your monitor. Some did/do have their own built in power management to shut down screen when idle and I don't know these will always wake up properly.

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tested
Dec 27, 2011 8:19AM PST

It seems that since I disabled the screensaver, so far I haven't had a problem.
I don't like letting Norton run, but I have to because my husband is on the computer at all different times of the day and night and goes to many different websites. Norton has not been a problem during this phase of testing. If I begin to have problems again, I may disable it. But it wasn't any part of the problem the last time around.
Thanks for the help. If I need any more I will start a new thread.

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Answer
That hard drive error is not good.
Dec 26, 2011 1:09AM PST

Clone that drive to a new drive and continue testing. Hopefully what error there is on the HDD didn't corrupt a file!

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Hard drive error
Dec 26, 2011 3:10AM PST

I believe that drive is the Windows backup drive which is actually a part of my C: drive but designated as drive D:
There is only one hard drive in my computer. So, I'm not sure how to clone it and test it. Can you help?

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How to clone and test.
Dec 26, 2011 10:19AM PST

Well, it's my method so there will be others that chime in.

1. Obtain the same technology drive. IDE if IDE, SATA if SATA.
2. The new drive should be same or a little larger in capacity.
3. Clone it with CLONEZILLA

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Cloning
Dec 27, 2011 8:21AM PST

Thanks. I think the screen saver has been the problem. I just don't understand after all the years I had this computer and used the screen savers, that this would suddenly become a problem.