Not sure if it's a software issue or not

[madcat75]

Okay, so yesterday I go to watch a movie in windows XP, it locks up on me and I'm forced to reboot. Then I can't get into windows at all, it just freezes at the windows loading screen. I am then forced to reformat, because I can't even get into safe mode. I did not install any unusual programs ( other than gaim )or anything prior to this occurance.

So after I reformatted today, my computer randomly reboots itself and hangs at the loading screen again. I am now typing this problem to you guys, in debugging mode of windows XP SP2. The programs I have installed are:

-Nod 32 antivirus
-Spyware Doctor
-Alcohol 120%
-Divx player and codecs
-Gaim (Might be causing it?)

 

[Biohazard_2.0]

Gaim isnt the problem. Have you installed any new hadware? Where did you download Gaim From (List a Link)

 

[MrCoffee]

if you reformated and its still rendomly rebooting then it seems to me like a hardware problem.
Perhaps overheating or a dodgey PSU.

 

[madcat75]

Gaim isnt the problem. Have you installed any new hadware? Where did you download Gaim From (List a Link)

No I have not installed any new hardware. I downloaded Gaim from http://gaim.sourceforge.net

 

[madcat75]

if you reformated and its still rendomly rebooting then it seems to me like a hardware problem.
Perhaps overheating or a dodgey PSU.

I don't know. All I know is that everything was fine for months until I installed Gaim recently. And I don't think a dodgey PSU would cause it to not boot into windows XP, or hang at the loading screen.

 

[EricB]

check your ram

 

[madcat75]

check your ram

Ok, with what program?

 

[MrCoffee]

Yes use memtest86 to verify that your instability isnt ram based, if you do get into windows run prime95 to test you core system stability.
Check out your temps in your BIOS, might be worth blowing dust out of your heastsink with some canned air.

Whats your hardware setup?

 

[madcat75]

Whoever said it was my PSU was right, it's running much better now.