There are many different things that can freeze
(hang) a computer. There are only a few diagnostic tests that can pinpoint the problem. In
most cases you have to find the problem by trail and error. Here is a list of some of the
potential problems. Do these steps one by one and test the system in between the steps.
For some of the tests it is best to consult a computer technician before performing the
steps.
Make a backup before you do any of these steps.
1. Virus
Test each computer on the network for a virus. Do
a virus check with the latest anti-virus software. Some viruses can hide in the boot
sector and are invisible for some anti-virus software. Boot the computer from a clean
bootable stiffy or CD and then do the virus check.
2. Configuration
Check the
configuration settings.
Open the
following files in the root directory:
AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS
Change all the settings to remarks as follows:
Type REM followed by a space in front of each
line e.g.
REM Files=200
REM DOS=high
Save the changes and re-boot the computer.
3. Free
disk space
Make sure that
there is enough free disk space. Windows needs a minimum of 100 Mb free space. To check the free disk space, do the following:
Double click on MY COMPUTER
Right click on (C:)
Click on PROPERTIES
4. Windows
settings
Set all Windows settings to the default settings:
Click on START
Click on SETTINGS
Click on CONTROL PANEL
Double click on SYSTEM
Click on PERFORMANCE
Click on VIRTUAL MEMORY
Let Windows manage my virtual memory settings.
5. Screen
saver
Disable all
screen savers:
Right click an
open space on the windows desktop.
Click on
PROPERTIES
Click on SCREEN
SAVERS
Click on the up
arrow and set the screen saver to none.
6. Hardware
devices
If a hardware
device like a CD Rom is faulty it can freeze a computer.
Shut down the machine.
Disconnect the power, open the box, disconnect
all hardware devices, close the box and restart the machine.
7. Hardware
conflict
Each hardware
device has an electronic address. If two devices is set to the same address, it can cause
trouble. To look for hardware conflict:
Click on START
Click on SETTINGS
Click on CONTROL PANEL
Double click on SYSTEM
Click on DEVICE MANAGER
If a device is not working properly, it will be
indicated by a red X or a yellow !
All devices should be working properly.
8. Memory
managers
Disable all external memory managers.
9. Other
applications
Close all other applications.
10. Start-up
Disable all
applications that load into memory at start-up.
Click on START
Click on
SETTINGS
Click on TASKBAR
& START MENU
Click on START
MENU PROGRAMS
Click on REMOVE
Double click on
START-UP
Click on the
program that you want to remove from the start-up.
Click on REMOVE
11. Power
saving
Power saving options can freeze a computer.
Disable all the power saving features of Windows:
Click on START
Click on SETTINGS
Click on CONTROL PANEL
Double click on POWER MANAGEMENT
Change all the settings to always on.
Disable all the power saving settings in the CMOS
set-up:
Restart the
computer.
Press DEL at the
start-up before Windows loads to enter the CMOS set-up.
Go to power
management and disable all the power saving features.
Save the changes and
start the machine.
12. Operating
system
Renew the operating system by re-installing
Windows. This can be complicated. You will need the Windows CD and the certificate of
authenticity with the serial number. The Generic printer driver will be altered and has to
be re-installed according to the Microvet manual.
13. Bad
sectors
Run scandisk in the full mode. There should not
be any bad sectors. Bad sectors indicate physical damage on the hard drive. Such a hard
drive is unreliable and should not be used for the file server.
TIP: Change the file server. Move the data to
another computer and set that up as the new file server and change the old file server to
a workstation.
14. UPS
An UPS gives
emergency power supply. A faulty UPS can freeze a computer. Disconnect the UPS and connect
the computer directly to the power supply and see if it makes any difference.
15. RAM
RAM can easily
become faulty and freeze a computer. Replace the RAM with new RAM and see if problem is
solved.
16. Fan
The power supply
has a cooling fan. If the fan does not work, the power supply will overheat and freeze the
computer. Test for air blowing out through the ventilation openings at the back of the
computer.
17. CPU
fan
There is a cooling fan on the CPU. If the fan
does not work, the CPU will over heat and freeze the computer. Get a computer technician
to open the box and inspect the function of the fan.
18. Network
cables
Loose
connections of network cables can give problems. Check all the connections and replace
loose connections. Replace damaged network cables. Most Ethernet network cards are
supplied with a disk that can test the cable. Run the diagnostic test on the network card.
On co-axial cables t-pieces and terminators can also cause trouble.
19. HUB
Check the
connections at the hub and make sure that the pilot lights of the hub burn.
20. Network
cards
- Shut down the computer, switch it off and
disconnect the power. Open the box and make sure that the network card is firmly seated in
the slot.
- Most Ethernet network cards are supplied with a
disk that can test the cable. Run the diagnostic test on the Network card.
- Replace the network card
21. Format
the hard disk
Do NOT do this unless you have experience in this
field.
The operating system, all programs and all data
will be lost. Make copies of everything. Make sure you have the Windows CD with the serial
number, copies of all the software and backups of all the data.
Format the hard disk
Install Windows
Install all the applications
Install the printers
Restore the data
Configure the network
22. CPU
Replace the CPU and see if it makes any
difference. This has a financial implication,
so leave it as a last alternative.
23. Mother
board
Replace the mother board and see if it makes any difference. This has a financial implication, so leave it as a last alternative.