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Novus · Sep 15, 2006, 08:40 AM

I just bought an HP a1560n Pavilion Media Center. It will freeze up randomly without any errors, blue screens, or anything, it simply stops responding. The only way to unfreeze it is to power it off. When I say it freezes randomly, I mean completely randomly. Sometimes it will freeze 10 seconds after loading the desktop before I've even touched it, other times I can use it for up to 30 minutes before it locks up.

I haven't been able to isolate it. I'm unable to determine if it's a software or hardware problem. On the hardware side, I've checked to make sure all power cables are plugged in tightly, I've reseated the memory, and made sure the fans are running properly. On the software side, I've disabled just about everything I can that isn't essential. I'm thinking next of starting it up in Safe Mode and seeing if it locks up then. The computer is brand new, and it has Norton Internet Security which has been updated and scanned, so I'm doubting the cause is any sort of virus/spyware.

The system specs are 2.8 GHz Intel dual processor, 2 GB ram, 300 GB hard drive, 945G chipset, Intel GMA 950 graphics card, and an integrated sound card (unsure of the model). It's running Windows XP Media Center.

I suppose the obvious next step is to call tech support, but I wanted to run this by you folks and see if you've ever encountered something similar, and if you have any insight. So thanks in advance!

ScottGem · Sep 15, 2006, 10:15 AM

Frankly, if you just bought it take it back and get an AMD X2 model.

LTheobald · Sep 15, 2006, 10:30 AM

I'm with Scott - if you just brought it, get a refund.

It might be worth giving it a wipe and reinstalling Windows to see if it's a software issue.

ScottGem · Sep 15, 2006, 11:04 AM

You can use the Restore functionality to reset the machine to factory settings. You can access the restore functionality during power up. I wouldn't do a complete wipe however as that might affect the warranty.

Novus · Sep 15, 2006, 12:08 PM

Hm. Well I did go into setup last night and reset it to factory settings. Didn't change anything. On further thought, I definitely am going to contact tech support. It's 3 days old, still under warranty, no reason it shouldn't be working. I guess the reason I tried fixing it myself first was that I didn't want to have them say I have to send it in and then wait weeks to get my computer back...

Thanks for the replies

ScottGem · Sep 15, 2006, 12:17 PM

Where did you purchase it from? After three days you should be able to return it for an exchange.

With a problem like this, the tech will walk you through various things to try, but if its hardware (machine gets too hot could cause this) then it would have to go back for repair unless you purchased a store warranty.

Novus · Sep 15, 2006, 01:56 PM

Ordered it through Newegg.com

If it's a hardware problem, I'm definitely replacing it. I have 30 days supposedly

Novus · Sep 16, 2006, 08:13 PM

Well, I finally narrowed it down. It had to do with my network card of all things. Anytime it was connected, there was a good chance the whole computer would freeze up. Updated the drivers, and it isn't doing that anymore.

Except now it knocks me offline for a minute or two every half hour or so.

My network card is a TRENDnet 108Mbps. The odd thing is, when I updated the driver automatically through windows, the device name changed in the hardware list to say "Atheros Wireless Adapter". After doing a little digging, I found out that that's the name of the chip on the TRENDnet wireless card. Anyone ever heard of a device changing names like that? Or a card kicking you off periodically?

ScottGem · Sep 17, 2006, 03:28 AM

Yes, actually. Many peripherals are generic. They just slap their brand on an OEM mfg's product. So the drivers are also generic and show a generic name.

So it appears you added a wireless card to your machine, because that definitely didn't come with the 1560. Not sure why its knocking you off line, could be your broadband provider, not the card.

kunnu8 · Sep 18, 2006, 10:01 AM

I guess there is a hardware compatibility issue with your PC. Its quite strange for a HP machine to do that. Generally assembled PCs face this problem. Like you said about the network card, try replacing it with another one may be from your friend and see if it still gives you the problem.

For more information on compatibility see http://testedproducts.windowsmarketplace.com/

Novus · Sep 19, 2006, 05:26 AM

Okay, I think I've solved the problem. Yes, this card was an addition to the computer, but one that should have worked. Even going to that testedproducts website, I found my card and it says it should be compatible with the OS.

Scouring the internet, I came across a forum where someone said they were having this same problem with a different card. Being desperate, I figured I'd try their solution, and it worked! (So far at least, needs more testing)

So apparently, with some systems, the installation utility that comes with the card doesn't work somehow, and installs the driver wrong. The solution was to uninstall everything with the card, and put the installation CD in, but don't run it. Then when Windows asks you to install a driver for this new hardware, you tell it you want to install it manually, and point it to the exact folder on the CD where the driver is.

Very strange problem, considering the card worked flawlessly on my other computer. Guess this is one fix you guys can add to your toolbelt. I can't believe I've spent countless hours working on this thing, just to have a dumb little issue like that be the problem. Computers can be so cruel sometimes.

I appreciate the replies. I got more feedback on here than anywhere else I tried.

ScottGem · Sep 19, 2006, 06:06 AM

Sounds like the OEM who made the card screwed up on the disk.

Glad you got it fixed and thanks for passing along the solution.

P.S. Still think you would have been better with a 1540 instead of the 1560.