Can HD cause frequent lockups?

[zonk3939]

I have an IBM Deskstar 40 GB hard drive (model DTLA-305040)

I`ve had it about 3 years,and had it replaced once,about 3 months after installing it,as it wouldnt read.

Now I`m having problems with the computer just locking and not at any specific time.I thought I had it fixed by blowing dust out of the MB,but its back to doing it again.

Is it commonplace for the HD to malfunction and cause this problem?

[tony_j15]

It can be many things. Overheating components, bad hdd, bad programs, etc. What sort of lock ups are we talking about? BSOD? System restarts? Total power down crashes? Screen freeze?

[Foggy]

Download this http://www.hgst.com/hdd/support/download.htm
and check out your HDD.

Yes I know Hatachi but they bought IBMs HDDs

[zonk3939]

Sorry about the lack of info. The system just freezes.It "locks" up and the only way to get it working is to reboot.Sometimes it works awhile without problems,sometimes not long at all.It has minimal programs on it,and nothing extravagant.AOL IM,a few EA Sports games.

Thanks for the help.

[thegladiatorgy]

It could be the HD but it could be alot of other things aswell. You need to do some testing to see which component it is.

I had the same prob on a system and it was the HD. It took me days to figure out the prob because it wasn't showing any bad sectors on a scan till about a week later. I just replaced it and it was smooth sailing from there.

[Dax_Brandy]

yes, it could be a lot of other things. if your memory is faulty, you'll get lock up problems also. try to do this, remove the memory sticks from the slot and inspect the contact pins(?). check if there are rusts or any oxidations.

[zonk3939]

I put the memory into another machine and it worked fine.I also used the other memory in this particular machine and it still locked.

[Dax_Brandy]

so now, your variables are down by 1. check if your registry is clean or there are no corrupt/invalid entries. use system mechanic or regcleaner to do that for you.