Computer help.

[CaramonLS]

Strange computer problem.

Windows XP boots up normally, well, maybe it takes a little longer than it used to, but it isn't a big deal. Computer works just fine.

But the problems start when I go idle from the PC.

Frequently (lets say I'm away from the computer for 2-4 hours), I come back, try to move the mouse and it instead shows a flashing blue screen - it keeps flashing over and over again.

I have to press the power button to reboot it. I can't Crtl + Alt + Del out of it either.

Any suggestions on how to fix this?

This Dell is probably 2.5 years old. nVidia aftermarket graphics card... system is not really outdated (can play the latest games and such). I've run virus scans and everything. Can't find any software problems or bugs.

[Hack&Lube]

Possibly crashed over time due to system instability or heat.

Run Prime95 in the blend test mode which maximizes your components and builds up heat and see if that reproduces the flashing blue screen or other crash much faster.

http://files.extremeoverclocking.com/file.php?f=103

[sclitheroe]

Is the machine set to sleep or hibernate after a certain period of inactivity (or more correctly, did it before the problem started occuring)?

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by sclitheroe

Is the machine set to sleep or hibernate after a certain period of inactivity (or more correctly, did it before the problem started occuring)?

That's a good point, the computer might be trying to go into sleep or hibernate mode and failing.

Goto control panel, and then power options to check that out.

[CokeMachineGlow]

if your computer is trying to sleep/hibernate, ensure that you turn it off or unplug any USB or other devices that will "wake" it up while your in sleep mode. this causes errors. Also, check the heat. I doubt its a heat issue tho as most computers will turn themselves off or restart when the heat is getting too high.

If all else fails, do the thing that solves 99% of PC issues... format/restore your computer

[CaramonLS]

Originally Posted by sclitheroe

Is the machine set to sleep or hibernate after a certain period of inactivity (or more correctly, did it before the problem started occuring)?

The settings have been the exact same, before and after the problem occured. I never have it go into sleep mode, the only thing is that after 30 minutes, the monitor shuts off via power saver. That hasn't been changed since the system was purchased.

Just to be safe, I turned that off yesterday. I'll see if it happens again.

Gonna try Hack's thing today.