Greetings Richard and list--

----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard T Hanner" <[log in to unmask]>

I have a PC running an Athlon 2000 XP processor with 512mb of RAM, my operating
system is Windows XP, and I have several peripherals hanging on USB ports, such as a
printer, Zip drive,  card readers, and ADSL modem for my broadband internet
connection. Everything has gone quite well until now. I recently installed a home
network using a 5 port hub, and the main PC (just described) started to freeze
completely, nothing except a reset would do anything. There was no pattern to it,
sometimes it would happen quickly other times it would not. I removed the network and
eventually re-installed Windows XP all for nothing for now it freezes even more
regularly. Some programmes seem to be more prone to the freezes than others. Just for
good measure now and again the system will just close down (black screen) for no
reason. The other PC on my network, of similar spec has performed faultlessly. Can
anyone please help me.

--------end original post---

Just the fact that it ran well until now and that there is no pattern to the freezes
suggests to me (particularly in view of the 'known-to-run-hot' Athlon processor) that
this may be symptomatic of overheating.  The first thing(s) I would check would be
that none of the cables for your USB devices obstruct air flow in any way, either
into, or out of, the system case.  This would also be a good reason to open the case
and blow all dust and lint clear of everything using a can of compressed air.  Pay
particular attention to the power supply.  Blow air through the enclosure past the
fan from the outside in, as well as through the vent slots from the inside out.
Wherever there are fans or case openings for air, see that they are unobstructed by
lint, dust, dead insects, or other foreign materials.  After a thorough clean-out,
power up the computer briefly to verify that all fans (processor, power supply,
additional case ventilation) are functioning "as advertised".  If all appears to be
running well, shut down the computer again.  Examine the area where the system case
is to be 'housed'.  Verify that airflow is as unobstructed as possible.  Such a
set-up as the one you've mentioned would definitely not be a good candidate for one
of those designer PC cabinets, where the computer is in a cupboard-type area, unless
it, too, was "force ventilated" with some sort of air handler.

Good luck.

HTH

Paul A. Shippert
Library Media Specialist
Margaret Brent Middle School
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