Random freezes with windows 7 - 64 bit

Anonymous

I use to run Vista home premium x86 on a acer computer. This summer I downloaded Windows 7 rc x86. A month ago I bought all new parts and since I could use 64-bit system now I installed a 64-bit Windows 7. Then did the problem start. Every new and then the computer freezes, some days over 30 times. I thought it was hardware problem and tried a lot of hardware finders and nothing helped. I also installed windows 7 rc my mothers laptop (The same version I use to have that work fine) that used to run on Vista home basic.. But her computer didn’t freeze it just got a black screen now and then.

The I started to suspect that it was because it was a beta version so when windows 7 were released I bought two of them a 32-bit and a 64-bit. But the problem didn´t go away. It´s still there and It´s kind of frustrating and even more now when I’m trying to write a essay.

I used windows upgrade advisor and it didn´t see any problem with an upgrade to windows 7. What can I do?

original title: Random freezes with windows 7

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Anonymous

Guys,

I might have the answer to your problems. This might fix your sleep/suspend problems and your random freezing problems. Bottom line is that the default and "auto" values in Win 7 and your BIOS might not produce a stable computer...even with a virgin install.

RANDOM FREEZES FIX:

My computer used to freeze randomly until I fixed the memory timings. I suspected bad memory early on and tested it with MEMTEST, but it passed with flying colors. I even tried swaping memory out, trying to eliminate bad memory and/or slots. It turned out that it was a memory frequency/timings/voltage issue. No more freezes! If you have a similar setup, this will most likely fix it. If not, then check your memory and/or power supply.

The "AUTO" settings in BIOS *may not* produce a stable setting. You have to goto the ASUS support website and download the latest memory QVL and lookup the memory settings for your particular brand there. For my memory (OCZX1333LV6GK(XMP)) I had to make the following adjustments in the BIOS:

DRAM Freq:1066 (even though my memory is rated at 1333 frequency, the QVL guide recommended a lower freq!)

7-7-7-16 for the rest of the timings. The other settings I was able to leave in "AUTO"

DRAM BUS Voltage: 1.6

*warning: be sure to consult your memory/motherboard documentation...the wrong value could damage your components!

SUSPEND/SLEEP FIX:

My computer used to hang when coming out of sleep or wouldn't completely goto sleep. This solution may be partially dependent on you fixing a random freezing issue if you have one.

In your "advanced" power settings, disable "Hybrid Sleep". That's it! My motherboard doesn't like hybrid sleep.

*If you have a desktop with a UPS, Win 7 will treat it like a laptop and apply the battery settings....sooo make sure you adjust the "on battery" settings!

My setup:

Processor:Intel core i7 920

Motherboard:Asus P6T

Memory: OCZX1333LV6GK(XMP) (ie. 6GB in 3 sticks)

Harddrive: 3 x WD Caviar Black drives in RAID 5

PSU: X3 1000W

Video card: 2 x NVIDIA 9800 GTX+ SLI

*I have all of the ASUS overclocking/energy savings programs uninstalled

*I have the latest BIOS 0801 and all the latest drivers installed

Nick

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966 additional answers

Anonymous

2010-02-15T05:53:02+00:00

My computer is freezing all the time since I installed Windows 7- this is a nightmare. 90% of the time time my computer is in a cryogenic state and is unuseable! Many times, it takes forever for the words I type to appear, and the cursor disappears too ofte nand all I get is a straight vertical line. My Task Manager freezes, as well, so I cannot even get out of programs in the manner. I cannot get to the shut down or restart on the bottom task bar button the freeze is so complete :( I have to literally turn the off button to force a shut down and force programs to close. Whats up with this? Evidently, there are others experiencing the same problems- what are the chances of miscrosoft coming out with a fix for this soon! They have to do SOMETHING- this is just unacceptable! Doesnt anyone test these operating systems before they are released??? I run an online support group and cannot be depended upon to be there to help the people I formed the group to help, ever since the install of windows 7 . I upgraded from Vista because that was a horrid operating system but it would appear that I have jumped from the frying pan into the fire. Bring back XP!
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Anonymous

2010-02-15T03:05:26+00:00

Here's an update to my problem.

I've been running my PC for several days now without a problem. I think disabling Aero may have done the trick. I can play sounds without fear of freezing. The only problem now is I can't use the snazzy themes, but it's just aesthetics.
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Anonymous

2010-02-14T02:41:16+00:00

I don't know if this is related... but I just made an intersting observation... after moving the cursor to any non-sensitive area of the screen (not hovering over a URL link of something like that), the cursor disappears after about 8 seconds... and I have to move the mouse to make it re-appear.

Even replying in this forum window now... I currently have no visible cursor... unless I move the mouse. 
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Anonymous

2010-02-14T01:49:05+00:00

Hi Jai, to close the AERO feature in Windows, right click your desktop, click personalize, click the link Windows high contrast themes and select anyone under this category. You will see your display rollover to the basic theme and the aero feature will officially be closed.

Thanks for that Frank... I tried it but no change as lockups still happened.

As the freezes are always related to a mouse movement, I changed the mouse.

The HP Pavillion comes with a cordless keyboard and mouse, so I turned the mouse off and plugged in a brand new USB cabled optical mouse.

No freezes for more than 48 hours... a new record!

Then, after a 12-hour period of inactivity while I was downloading some stuff overnight, I moved the mouse and within 30 seconds the system locked up.

Is anyone from Microsoft still following this topic?

If so... it'd be nice to hear from you.
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