[BC] computer lock up

[Chris Gebhardt]

John Vodenik wrote:
> Greeting gathered bright minds, and lots smarter than I am type people.
> 
> Not being a computer type person, just use it for e-mail and porn...I am having a problem with the machine locking up.  I can only get it to operate again by rebooting the thing, with the reset button on the computer case. Locks in anywhere between 30 minutes and half a day after rebooting.
> 
> That said, our "computer guy" out here at VOA said he thought it was a hardware problem.  OK, I have disconnected the cable modem, no change.  Tried a different mouse, nothing.  Mouse is on USB port., it was on the PS2 port, still the same results. Haven't disconnected the keyboard as yet.  Scanner not plugged in, printer working OK.  That's about all I have connected to the outside world, except for the sound card.
> 
> I had been thinking maybe a virus or spyware.  Daily checks come up empty.  I did a system restore to about 6 weeks back, when everything was fine.  Still locking up.
> 
> I need o get this figured out so I can go back on the air with my ham station.  By the way..the porno comment was meant to get your attention.
> 
> Thanks for any and all suggestions.
> 
> John @ VOA / Delano
> 
> Just you everyday radio whore.....
> my life....eat, sleep, make VERY BIG RF.  Gotta get a life.......
> 

A lot of times these things are caused by a piece of hardware going 
wonky.  Wonky = a fun way to say bad, in our office.  (Vocab for the day).

When these little things go bad, we start looking for heat.  Overheating 
(and subsequent recooling) can have a profound effect on the itty-bitty 
components and solder joints, and most frequently around the processor, 
where things tend to really heat up.   Verify that you've got good 
cooling (ie, if equipped with a fan on the proc, it's moving good air 
volume, or if it's a heat-sink, it's firmly attached).   Feel around for 
hot-spots inside the case.

If you find a hot spot and can rectify it, then see what happens - 
sometimes when left to cool, things will settle down.  In other cases, 
permanent damage can be done, in which case you're prob. looking at 
replacement.

This isn't scientific, but comes from our watching about 150 of our own 
systems, and I don't know how many customer systems.

-- 
Chris Gebhardt
VIRTBIZ Internet Services
chris at virtbiz.com | (866) 4-VIRTBIZ