Best way to determine reason for crashes

**MJM** · #1 23rd May 2008, 09:41

So, recently my computer decided crashin constantly (more specificly freezing) would be a great idea and a gift to me.
Like it isn't already bad enough.
Typically I would just format, but I don't have my Windows CD and no way to get at one.

So, is there any diagnostic tool I can run or such that records things so I can look at a log just before the crash?
Or anything else, monitor temperatures on a laptop I have no real specs of (nor can they be found)?

Just something to help me find the error and rid me of it.

**Hybr!d** · #2 23rd May 2008, 09:42

Freezing it almost always overheating.

Crashing is a different term altogether and could be many things.

**serverguy** · #3 23rd May 2008, 11:58

Try cleaning the fans, giving the PC a general clean inside. A vacuum cleaner is quite good if used carefully.

**slipend** · #4 24th May 2008, 10:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by serverguy

Try cleaning the fans, giving the PC a general clean inside. A vacuum cleaner is quite good if used carefully.

Yeah, agreed. However I wouldn't recommend using a vacuum. Just get yourself a can of compressed air from your local computer store, much more effective way of cleaning all that dust stuck to your fans.

**MJM** · #5 25th May 2008, 05:18

I feared it was the heat.
Well, it's a laptop so it's not easy to clean out the fans. There are barely any slots on the laptop to actually get at the fans.
I've tried various temp/fan monitoring software, but none that works can be found.
Only for the hard drive and I know that's not getting very hot.
There's a pretty central spot on the bottom side of the laptop most heat seems to come from.
If I could I would do something to stop that. I've tried everything, even stuff to transfer the heat away, but to no avail. I guess I will just have to live with the freezing.
I'm planning to get a new laptop, but I was hoping this one could hold me over water until I get the cash together.

**Desertfish** · #6 31st May 2008, 09:57

To be fairly honest MJM, opening up your laptop in order to clean it inside is not all that hard to do. I done it a few monts back to clean it with a can of compressed air and also reapply the thermal paste on the CPU and it has been running fine since.

Cheers:
Chris.

**serverguy** · #7 8th Jun 2008, 03:17

You can try putting a vacuum cleaner to the slots on the side and giving it a good suck out. You would be surprised how much dust will come out. Thats what I normally do.

Or, just Google for some instructions on how to disassemble the laptop and give it a really good clean. You may also find other problems, like a broken fan.