A very peculiar problem – hard to classify

[ReuvenNY]

In the past several weeks I have experienced a very peculiar problem with my Windows XP pro machine.

All of a sudden, my icons (shortcuts) on the desktop stop functioning. I click – nothing happens. After the first reboot it works for a while and then stops again. When that happens again, the computer doesn’t boot at all – not even in safe mode.

I boot the machine using a CD ROM - David’s Ultimate Boot CD, and then I can access the hard drives, internet etc. as if everything is OK. At this point my only recourse is to reinstall Windows, which I did.

The same thing happens again, normally after a week or so. So far I had to reinstall Windows 3 times.

In between, the computer in a sudden manner freezes completely- even the mouse and the clock. I then must turn off the machine.

The computer is about 2.5 years old, and worked fine until about a couple of months ago.

Computer details

Asus K8v SE Deluxe MB, AMD Athlon 64 3200+ CPU, 1.5 Gig RAM

Actions I took

When it happened the first time, I first thoroughly cleaned the machine, removing several viruses, spyware and other pests. I used several different Anti Virus and Spyware Removal programs.

I also updated various device drivers, particularly the video driver (nVidia GeForce FX 5200) as I am aware that the video controller could be responsible. It didn’t help. Furthermore, the machine worked fine for an extended time when booted from the CD.

On every reinstall I reformatted the C drive. The first time it happened I also reformatted my other physical hard drive.

At this point I am at a complete loss. In the 25 years since I started using computer I never felt so helpless and lost. Did I overlook anything? Any ideas of what could be the problem and how to solve it?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.



Reuven

[Statica]

Have you checked the temps on your computer when you reboot from a freeze? It could be overheating. Check the fans (PS, CPU, video card and any other) and make sure that they aren't filled with dirt or stopped working. While you're at it also check the voltages on your power supply and make sure that it isn't failing.
Have you added any hardware recently, if so try removing it and checking.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by ReuvenNY The computer is about 2.5 years old, and worked fine until about a couple of months ago.

Did you open up the case to see if it needs a good cleaning?

What brand power supply are you using? 2.5 years is about how long a cheap low quality power supply would last.

Cricket