Random freezes with windows 7 - 64 bit

Hi Creator,

I was running two physical HDDs, one SATA3 & one SATA2, but I disconnected the SATA2 to see if there was any kind of pwer management or time out issue. That made no difference.

I have a D-Link wireless-n gigabit router attached by ethernet and then to a cable modem.

I'm running Norton Internet Security 2011. Only about 3 weeks left on the subscription, but it's been stable since installation, unlike the Nortons of old. Norton is managing the Windows firewall and there is also the D-Link hardware firewall. This setup (specific anti-virus software apart) is unchanged in several years and has always been pretty stable, so wouldn't have thought it would be a problem?

I'm sometimes getting a 'not responding', but not always. The  main indicator of problems at the moment is whether the Asrock XFastUSB utility initialises properly (P67 Pro3 motherboard). Howver, even if that hangs, I can launch Firefox and at the moment can browse quite happily.

I've now been able to run updates on some of the Asrock drivers and utilities, but then a while ago, I went to click on the next file in ,my downloads folder and it all seized up irreparably.

I've run CCleaner everywhere and tidied up every issue that found. After leaving the system off for a while, I've now been able to run Windows Update, which has installed 3 updates but failed to install 4 others. I got seizures when I tried this several times earlier today, yet this time the updates at least ran; such is the variable nature of this problem. I've allowed Microsoft to install Security Essentials to check for malware, even though Norton is happy, and also to run the FixIt utility for another update failure.

**** Fortunately a Microsoft Hotfix was found to be available to correct the issue.

This Hotfix KB2494427 was deployed to your PC(s) on the 10 11 and 12 of January and you should have noticed the problem has since disappeared.

---

KB2494427 "HOTFIX" didn't do a damn thing re-fixing my Windows Explorer crashing problem :(

Anything else in your "bag of tricks" Microsoft?

"Service Pack 2" perhaps? I hope it will address everyone's random freeze & crash issues!?

Hi Barz450,

I too, have notice that Windows Explore crashes, whether the Hotfix is installed or not.

Someone, at Microsoft is using the same coding from the Windows XP Service Pack 3. This particular Service Pack 3 has introduced Explore crashes after you close Windows Explore,  when you use it in conjunction with Send To and delete files, from across partitions.

I notice that same problem with Windows 7-64-Bit Service Pack 1. Not using Windows 7 32-Bit operating system at all.

I built a new PC in February '11 and it was wonderful until probably mid-November, ever since when I have had the freezing problem, That is gradually getting worse and worse.

I thought it was overheating, despite my hardware monitor only reporting that the i5-2500 was only running at 25degrees. I cleaned the main heatsink and re-applied thermal paste. The system ran fine for a week, then the problem came back with a vengeance.

Today have spent hours trying one thing after another. scanning various forums reveals there to be no consistent cause. Some people blame Chrome (I uninstalled that ages ago, so don't think it was that). Others think it's Nvidia graphics drivers, but I use an ATI card.

I have downloaded all the latest drivers for my Asrock mobo and the latest version of the ATI Catalyst Control Centre. Now here's the rub. I can't use Explorer to find and run any of the driver installs, as that causes the system to hang. I think in my case the Asrock XFast USB utility might have something to do with it, but can't access the damn' file. I tried executing straight from the download window, but although the process starts, it just hangs.

By coincidence the CCC has just asked if I want to update my graphics drivers. I said yes, downloaded the 100+Mb of bloat and launched the process. That has now hung on the Installer Welcome screen, which has allowed me to select Express install, but will not give me a 'Next' button to proceed. It just hangs.

I can launch IE or Firefox, but can't seem to execute anything. I don't think it can be a temperature thing, because the problem occurs quite quickly after system boot.

Anyhone got any ideas? Safe mode doesn't seem to make any difference here either.

Hi Stupid61 and All,

How many physical Hard Drives are installed in your computers? This would include Laptops and external USB drives and Networked Mapped Storage Devices that are attached.

Are you connecting via a Router or straight to the Internet via a Modem?

What Anti-Virus package is installed? Please post your Anti-Virus package. I notice that McShield.exe still  runs at boot up, when you have McAfee Real-Time Scanning set to Never.

How many Firewalls are running in 7 at one time?

Stupid61, Are you getting a Complete Lockup or Not Responding in the Title of the Window you are working in?

I built a new PC in February '11 and it was wonderful until probably mid-November, ever since when I have had the freezing problem, That is gradually getting worse and worse.

I thought it was overheating, despite my hardware monitor only reporting that the i5-2500 was only running at 25degrees. I cleaned the main heatsink and re-applied thermal paste. The system ran fine for a week, then the problem came back with a vengeance.

Today have spent hours trying one thing after another. scanning various forums reveals there to be no consistent cause. Some people blame Chrome (I uninstalled that ages ago, so don't think it was that). Others think it's Nvidia graphics drivers, but I use an ATI card.

I have downloaded all the latest drivers for my Asrock mobo and the latest version of the ATI Catalyst Control Centre. Now here's the rub. I can't use Explorer to find and run any of the driver installs, as that causes the system to hang. I think in my case the Asrock XFast USB utility might have something to do with it, but can't access the damn' file. I tried executing straight from the download window, but although the process starts, it just hangs.

By coincidence the CCC has just asked if I want to update my graphics drivers. I said yes, downloaded the 100+Mb of bloat and launched the process. That has now hung on the Installer Welcome screen, which has allowed me to select Express install, but will not give me a 'Next' button to proceed. It just hangs.

I can launch IE or Firefox, but can't seem to execute anything. I don't think it can be a temperature thing, because the problem occurs quite quickly after system boot.

Anyhone got any ideas? Safe mode doesn't seem to make any difference here either.