Weird problem with my computer

[User Name]

The system will freeze randomly, with HDD light lit up. Doesn't matter if its sitting idle, or playing games, its random

Sometimes, the system will not responding to mouse click/keyboard presses, but the cursor (hourglass) does move, and few seconds after that it will freeze.

I don't know if this is related or not, but everytime I restart the system after it freezes scandisk will scan drive C and F, F is where my "Documents and Settings" folder are. Is it related?

I've tried resetting the CMOS, fresh install of WinXP, it even freezes in WinXp installation twice. Tried running at stock speed, slowest RAM timing etc. also doesn't help

System spec (almost 3 years already.. I know... no $$$ to upgrade, if I do have the money I won't even ask this question ):

Intel P4 1.8a @ 2.4
Albatron mobo, can't remember the model
512MB PC3200 Kingston valueram (running at 333MHz)
Radeon 9600
SB Live value
TV Tuner card
80GB WD SATA
LG DVD burner
Silverstone 430W PSU (or was it 480W? can't remember exactly)

 

[Zidoas]

sounds like a harddrive gone bad. Do you hear clicks from your harddrive? This happened to me one time with my WD before it went kaput!

Also, if you can, try putting in a different ram and see if that helps. But freezing during windows and windows installation are good signs of a HD dying.

Get a spare drive from a friend if you can and test it out.

 

[User Name]

I never heard any clicks, but according to MBM my 12v is a bit low, tested with my DMM as well.

MBM, lowest 11.67v (DMM is 11.77v)

Most of the time it fluctuates between 11.77 and 11.81

damn!

 

[Zidoas]

I doubt a fluctuations of that sort will affect your system since the specs of your system isn't very demanding by today's standards.

Try using a spare ram stick and harddrive and see if the problem goes away if you can.