System locking up

[TODComp]

this computer is fine when I'm using it....I've got tons of stuff open and it runs fine. No matter what I leave open(usually nothing) when I leave it on for a few hours its locked up when I come back....I have all of the powere saving features turned off....I'm not sure what else it can be. Soemtimes I can get the close program box to come up but thats it, I can move the mouse at all, and no other keyboard command works.....
My specs are:

AMD Duron 700mhz
Windows ME
256meg of PC133 RAM
Maxtor 40gig hard drive
STB video rage 2 video card

Tell me if there is anything else you need....
Thanks for your help!

[Dputiger]

I hate to be so broad, but frankly, the fact that you are running WindowsME is a giant red flag. Its the OS from hell, and I'd recommend replacing it if at all possible and seeing if your problem goes away.

Its not that their can't be other causes--its that I've never seen a copy of Windows ME remain stable and well-functioning for any significant length of time.

[TODComp]

Yes, I agree with you, but I'd rather run that then 98 and I can't go windows XP becuse I have a special card I need to run that is ISA.....

[Pexster]

Heat can cause all kinds of odd things to happen, too. Have you tried it with the cover off and/or a fan helping air circulation?

I had a similar problem a while back and that solved it.

[dafanman]

TODComp
First thing, the problem is not that your o.s is windows ME
Regardless of the predjudiced feelings of others

I am currently running a dual boot of Win XP/Win ME, and from years of experience that is not a symptom of a particular o.s.

The problem that you describe is typically a heat or power supply problem, that is assuming that you are doing routine system maintnance and are having no specific o.s related issues.

How long you had this system?
Have you opened the case, make sure the hsf is turning properly?
What about the psu vents, blocked?

You might consider a good dusting and checking for adequate cooling and ventilation.

When was the last fresh o.s install?

There are alot of different things that it could be, but its not win me just because its win me.

[Dputiger]

No one said it was Windows ME "Just because it was Windows ME." What I said was that WinME is a red flag because that OS is so overwhelmingly known for its problems and issues. Frankly I would MUCH rather run Win 98SE than Win ME--and I don't think that's an uncommon opinion.

At any rate, back to discussing the problem:

If the system isn't locking up under heavy use, but only when left idle for a long period of time its highly unlikely that the problem is heat. The best way to determine this would be to leave a program like SETI, Folding, 3DMark 2001, or some other intensive app looping for a while to generate system heat.

If heat is causing the crash it should crash relatively quickly. On the other hand, if it loops flawlessly but only dies when left idle, then we know we have a different problem. You might also time how long it takes to lock up. 10 minutes? Two hours? etc. Taking the same amount of time every time would be further inidcation of where the issue might lie.

[Pexster]

I don't claim to have ANY expert knowledge on this, but I do know that my system would do screwy things, including the sound card shutting off and sometimes the system totally locking, after just being left alone doing nothing for long periods of time. It was in a fairly stuffy warm room, and when I removed the cover and left a fan near it, the problem went away.

So it may be very unlikely, I don't doubt you, but I have seen it happen.

[jmichna]

Look at your power saving features enabled in BIOS and turn them off. See if inactivity still causes issues.

If inactivity still causes problems, then... I guess... you can just NEVER leave the room