PC freezes and Hardisk Bad Sectors

[dex21]

I have a 1/2 year old AMD Athlon 1GHz system, with Windows ME installed, which I put together myself. But the PC occassionally freezes suddenly. This seldom happens at first, but recently, it happens at least once every time I use the computer. And most of the time, it freezes when I have Internet Explorer on. It freezes even when the system isn't loading or processing anything. When it freezes, nothing responds to my mouse and keyboard, pressing ctrl-alt-del sometimes brings up the blue error screen followed by the program shutdown window; but other times a black screen appears, nothing works and I have to restart by turning off the power.

I have done all sorts of system tests: scandisk, virus scan, norton utilities, all showed that the system and hardware were working fine. Only thing was that there was 1 bad sector in my C: drive. Yesterday I re-partitioned my harddisk (C: and D:, 10GB each), formatted them with fdisk, and reinstalled Win ME. Then I discoved 62 bad sectors in my C: and 58 bad sectors in my D: And the problem persists.

Could this problem be due to the failing harddisk? How come there were more bad sectors after I re-formatted the harddisk? Or is the problem caused by other sources (improper settings, memory, BIOS setup etc) and the bad sectors a result of the frequent improper shutdowns? Please help me, as not knowing the root of this irritating problem is driving me nuts! Thanks!

The following are some info on my PC:
All the hardware were new when I set up the computer.
Processor: AMD Athlon 1GHz
Motherboard: ASUS A7V
Harddisk: Quantum 20GB ATA100 7200rpm
Graphics: ASUS AGP-V7100
Sound: Creative LIVE
Memory: Kingston 128MB PC133
CD drive: Acer CDRW
O/S: Windows ME

[BigBlue66]

Hi,

Freezing up can be due to any number of factors. The two most commonly thought of factors are either heat or bad memory.

However, your statements about the number of bad sectors after formatting are troublesome. It could very well be that the harddrive is on its last legs. Bad sectors can indeed be the result of improper shutdowns, however, the fact that they were there right after formatting is a good indication that the HD may be failing.

First, to rule out heat problems, open up the case and make sure the CPU fan is running properly. Athalon processors require maximum cooling. CPU fans are cheap, so if the fan acts like it's not running properly, shut the computer down and don't use it again until you get another good fan.

Secondly, if the CPU fan seems to be OK, place a common household fan alongside so that it's blowing into the case at somewhat of an angle. Use the computer and see if that helps with the freeze-ups. If it does, then you should probably see about getting some good case cooling fans.

Third, while you're in the case, make sure all connections to peripherals and motherboard are secure.

Fourth, if you can borrow a known good stick of memory from somebody, try that for awhile and see if the system still freezes. Same goes for the harddrive.

Fifth, have you made any recent changes in BIOS? If so, go back into BIOS and choose to load default values, or fail-safe values, or whatever choice it gives to run the computer with optimal settings that won't tax the system too much.

Post back with your progress.

Big Blue 66


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Woe is me.

[mjc]

I tend to agree, the number of bad sectors after the format is inded troubling, and any problem component can cause a freeze-up. If you are getting more frequent errors/freeze-ups as the number of bad sectors increase then I'd start looking for a new HDD...


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mjc
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[dex21]

Hi guys!

Thanks for the immediate replies. Really appreciate it. And sorry for this late update on my progress.

With regards to the heat problem, I've got the ASUS Probe software installed (comes with the M/B) and monitored the CPU temperatures for some time. The results are as follows:

CPU temp: 48C/120F (idle), 61C/141F (after some use of the PC)
The default max temp before the probe sounds a warning was 86C, so I guess the heat management is adequate.

MB temp: 41C/105F (idle), 47C/116F (after/during use)
Default max temp was 60C.

CPU Fan: 5357rpm

+12V: 12.038V (average)

-12V: -12.715V (average), -13.3V to -13.6V (occasionally)
this one is worrying as the probe sounds a warning whenever the value exceeds -13.2V. This happens occasionally during use but especially when I run scandisk. I have no idea what this means but I know this has been happening since I set up the PC.

As for possible memory problem, haven't been able to check that until I get hold of a friend's chip or something.

For the BIOS, no, haven't made any changes to it.

As for the harddisk, will try to get hold a new one 'cause this one is still under warranty.

Will try to keep you posted.
Thanks again. Really grateful.

[iisbob]

Umm, this sould then be an inadequate power supply, or one that's failing completely. I would see if you can borrow another one and give it a try. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

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iisbob
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