Computer locks up after start up

[Fluorine]

Hello everyone, I've had a problem of my computer freezing/locking up immediate after starting up for a month or two now. Initially it began with inconsistent freezes then it progressed to a daily situation. I figured my computer was infected so, after running multiple scans (AVG, asvast!, malware bytes, etc.), I decided to reformat and start over. This did not seem to help. I figured maybe the Vista reformatting files were infected, so I upgraded to Windows 7. The problem still remains. It's reached a point within <1minute my computer will freeze/lock up with moments of freedom before locking up again immediately.

Symptoms:

- Everything becomes unresponsive 100%.

- Turning off the computer (with button) and turning it back on within the same minute will give 50% chance of not starting up at all. The machine turns on but display is black. Repeating this or being patient usually leads to regular start up.

- Rarely the display will glitch almost as if hitting a old television and the picture doubles and overlaps somewhere in the middle for a fraction of a second. This is very rare, happens maybe once a week of use during this problem, less perhaps.

Attempts:

1) Thermal paste: This fixed the problem 100% for about a week then the problem came back exactly the same. Before original reapplication of the paste there was almost none left. I opened it recently to add more (couldn't find the tube) and there appeared to be a generous portion still left. It should be noted my computer used to be very loud (overheated computer trying to cool sound, I think) however a week or two after thermal paste addition until now it has been absolutely quiet aside machinery humming.

2) Safe mode: This fixes the problem 100%, however trying to work in safe mode long-term is a nightmare.

3) Faulty RAM check: Not sure what this is called but basically I took out a RAM card, turned on my computer, waited to see if problem was better or worse, put the card back, took the other out and repeated. After this I did the same thing over but switching slots to (hopefully) eliminate possibility it was the input/slot of the RAM. These trials showed no improvements and no notable worsening of the symptoms.

4) Various tests: Googling led me to suggestions advising memory test (no errors) and CHKDSK in cmd (no errors). Neither of these changed the symptoms.

5) Updated drivers: I updated every single driver, though if I recall only one (maybe audio?) actually found a update. Everything is supposedly up to date. This did not change symptoms in any way.

Specs;

Model: HP Pavilion Slimline s3120n

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4200+ 2.20GHz

RAM: 2.00GB (1.87GB usable)

System type: 32-bit Operating System

OS: Windows 7

Thank you for your time,

Fluorine

[Alan2273]

As you have done the basic checks, memory, chkdsk, updated your drivers and re-applied thermal paste. besides installing a new operating system, that only leaves four things, faulty motherboard, faulty processor faulty graphics chip (although as this is integrated on to the motherboard it is unlikely) or a faulty PSU.

Of these four I would say try a dedicated graphics card first, if there is no improvement then try another power supply unit.

[-pops-]

Are the fans working OK and clear of fluff and other extraneous matter?

Be careful with thermal paste. Using too much can be worse than none at all. Is the CPU attached tightly to the heatsink. A definite case of less is more.

Can you get the motherboard checked out on a testing jig?

[Fluorine]

@Alan2273

Thank you for your input, reading across google power supply and video/graphics card was brought up a lot. I figured it's not too likely to be the power considering it's (as far as I was aware) stock/factory set model. I'm under the impression power was generally a DIY computer type issue. I don't know too much about computers to be honest.

@-pops-

I forgot to mention, the computer has been open and cleaned before applying thermal grease. There was a TON of dust hidden away inside the fan before cleaning. As for the application amounts, my brother took care of this aspect. Who is far more knowledgeable about hardware, computer problems, etc. than I am. Used to work repairing them for a time.

I can't answer the following without being uncertain or sounding foolish. I'll ask my brother later today and reply with a more confident response.

"Is the CPU attached tightly to the heatsink."

"Can you get the motherboard checked out on a testing jig?"

Thank you for your time and quick replies!

[Belatucadrus]

Don't dismiss the PSU option as when they start to fail and fortunately this is relatively rare. The symptoms can be exactly as you describe.

[Alan2273]

@Alan2273

Thank you for your input, reading across google power supply and video/graphics card was brought up a lot. I figured it's not too likely to be the power considering it's (as far as I was aware) stock/factory set model. I'm under the impression power was generally a DIY computer type issue. I don't know too much about computers to be honest.

PSU failures are not that rare and cause all sorts of problems.

And not necessarily in DIY computers.

As your brother used to repair computers he should be able to check out the PSU for you.

[Fluorine]

"Is the CPU attached tightly to the heatsink."

Yes, it should be.

"Can you get the motherboard checked out on a testing jig?"

No I don't have one.

As your brother used to repair computers he should be able to check out the PSU for you.

He doesn't have tester anymore or he lost it according to him. Let's say I test my PSU and it says it's working fine and this is ruled out as the problem how could I test/check the others you mentioned "faulty motherboard, faulty processor, faulty graphics chip"? Is is possible to do without physically replacing the hardware with another piece?

Also I forgot to add, when I had Vista I ran the computer diagnostic check (various hardware, etc.) using the boot CD and found no problems. I've also attempted using ice packs covered in cloth to cool down my computer but this gave hit/miss results as the weather here changes frequently creating a huge variable.

I don't understand why thermal paste would alleviate the problem 100% then out of nowhere discontinue being effective. Maybe it was purely coincidental, I'm not certain.

Thank you again everyone.

[Fluorine]

Sorry to double post, not sure if it's allowed. A friend mentioned I should try SpeedFan 4.41 so I did, though I can not use it to control my fan speed (not sure why the option is unavailable), it reported the following temperatures;

HD0: 47 C

Temp1: 40 C

Core: 58 C

The core has a red flame where as the others have green check marks. Could the symptoms be from a thermal issue or is everyone generally confident about listed issues? If it is thermal, aside therm. paste, what options would I have to alleviate/solve this issue. I'm running a Slimline so space may be a inhibitory aspect. I'm open to options to rule out thermal problems if any exist.

Thank you again for your time.

[-pops-]

Those temperatures are not out of the ordinary. I have a machine whose CPU runs at > 80 degrees as a norm without any noticeable problems. Been like that ever since I built it 8-10 years ago.

This makes me think of another possibility. Does the motherboard have a monitoring program for temperatures/fan speeds etc? It could be that the upper limits for temperature are set too low. If this is the case, check on the website for the CPU manufacturer to see the upper temperature limits for that model and adjust the settings on your machine.

[bludgard]

HI,Fluorine.

Not sure if I am gonna help or add to the confusion but could you reboot and post a screenshot of the last 20 or so event logs shown in Event Viewer under Custom Views>Administrative Events?

Start>type Event Viewer>select Event Viewer>Custom Views>Administrative Events.

[Fluorine]

@-pops-

I don't mind doing the grunt work to get some help but my head is spinning a bit trying to locate such information.

Neither of these listed it;

HP Pavilion Slimline s3120n Desktop PC Product Specifications

Motherboard Specifications, M2NC51-AR (HematiteXL)

@bludgard

Not sure what file type you want it in. If you need me to redo it I'll try again. I noticed kernel error mentioning improper shut down, these probably when I forced it to shut down. Not sure if it's obvious, just throwing it out there.

Edit: Error You aren't permitted to upload this kind of file

/>http://www.multiupload.com/YGM2LNQ4BZ (.evtx file)

[bludgard]

... I decided to reformat and start over. This did not seem to help. I figured maybe the Vista reformatting files were infected, so I upgraded to Windows 7. The problem still remains....

It appears from this excerpt from your original post that there may be some redundancy or corruption of the OS.Upgrades and/or multiple attempts to achieve a working install can cause problems that I feel is not something that can be resolved.

If you haven't already I would suggest creating the best possible environment for your OS to reside by a thorough cleaning (wiping) and reformatting of the disk to house the OS.Followed by a Custom Install.

[bludgard]

Oh and Fluorine,listen to these guys about the PSU.Get it checked at least.;)

[KB0UDH]

I know this thread is older but I am working on an HP machine in the same family with the same motherboard and thought I would post what I have despite the age:

HP Pavilion Slimline s3122x (Prod #:GM286AA)

Main/Motherboard: M2NC51-AR Rev. 1.01

I have been finding the motherboard manufacture was ASUS but it appears they have disowned it. So far I have not found a stitch of evidence where ASUS will touch this board. Even on their own tech support forums they treat it like someone else's board

I have found that there is a chip issue with this board. I do not know what chip is the culprit but at least on the model I am working on it could be something like bios or something hindering the CPU (AMD Athlon 64 x2) I never see an initialization so I don't think bios is even running. I am still researching the issue maybe it is something I can fix on the board. I will try to find another board that will support the CPU and see if it is the CPU failing, or something else. HP had apparently extended the warranty on this series to cover the motherboard issue but they cut off the replacement of the board under warranty in December 2009.

I have found forums across the net saying HP knows the issue and wants $300 to repair the issue. I am not sure if they are merely replacing the mainboard or not.

I am not sure why but the other posts seem to be about a PC that has only intermittently experienced this issue most of the time they completely fail with only the fans coming on and no other signs of life.