My laptop always freezes :( Please help?

[kenobi]

I've had my Fx-701 for about a year and a half and now it freezes more regularly than ever.

It usually happens when I'm on the internet. I've been on different ISPs and the same happens. It seems to happen more if I got multiple windows open, but I have broadband.

However sometimes it just freezes when I'm not on the net and just as I move the mouse it freezes.

Could anyone help me with this one?

[michaeldossantos]

If you haven't already tried, I'd back up your work onto CD, if poss, then reformat your drive, and install windows again with its orginal drivers back to factory default. I know its a bummer but if its over 1 year old, and has never been reformatted before, it may be in need of a real good clean. Mind you, do not take my word for it, and wait and see what others have to say about this subject. It may be that they have better suggestion than mine. But seems you're having a problem with your memory!

Hope this proves to be useful

[michaeldossantos]

Read the topic on the URL may help which deals with freezing whilst using IE

http://www.helpbytes.co.uk/iefreeze.php

[michaeldossantos]

Finally, if you notice that your computer just freezes after awhile, especially if it takes about the same amount of time to freeze each time you use it, you may have a problem with overheating.

Make sure the computer has plenty of room to breathe - several inches all the way around is the minimum. If you're blocking vents, you're asking for trouble. Also, remember that some computers have vents on the bottom of the case, so if you stick it on a shag carpet, you may be blocking airflow. Oh, if you do suspect overheating is a problem (and the machine has plenty of ventilation room), checking the CPU fan may be a good idea too.

[michaeldossantos]

Also if your computer is freezing, and if you have a new modem recently since obtaining your computer over 1 year ago. Check the manufacture's website for any modem updates. I've heard of the freezing problem happening for someone who was using a new modem, and it was just a case of updating his modem drivers and they no longer experienced freezing whilst browsing!

[leven]

Hi kenobi
Here are some more suggestions.

How much RAM do you have? XP just loves RAM You need 256MB as a bare minimum and if you are multitasking you will probably have problems unless you have at least 512MB.

Go chck your RAM with one of these free testers.

memtest86 Can run from floppy
http://www.memtest86.com/

Windows Memory Diagnostic Can run from floppy
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

If memory checks out OK next thing to do is to check in Device Manager for "Yellow" errors.
Then check in Event Viewer for "Red" errors. If you find one here, double click it and note down the Error Number and the Source. Go to these sites to find out about the errors.


http://www.eventid.net/search.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/support/ee/search.aspx

[Qbix]

What BIOS version do you have? I had the same problems until I updated to the latest version on the Vaio website. Try searching for "freeze" on this forum.

Q

PCG-FX701

[kenobi]

Read the topic on the URL may help which deals with freezing whilst using IE

http://www.helpbytes.co.uk/iefreeze.php

I went to the link as recommended and I've found that today my computer has frozen only twice (much less than before!)

So it's better, but not resolved. Definately more happy with it though

[kenobi]

Hi kenobi
Here are some more suggestions.

How much RAM do you have?  XP just loves RAM  You need 256MB as a bare minimum and if you are multitasking  you will probably have problems unless you have at least 512MB.

I have 256RAM + an extra 128 chip I had lying around. I've found that it's made no difference after adding the 128.

[kenobi]

What BIOS version do you have? I had the same problems until I updated to the latest version on the Vaio website. Try searching for "freeze" on this forum.

Q

PCG-FX701

I have no idea what BIOS version is. I've tried searching for "freeze" on the forum but I'm not sure I've found anything that's help (apart from this current thread!)