Machine freezing

[uncle al]

I have a pc , less than a year old with AMD XP 1700+, 512 mg ram, which keeps freezing or completely turning off and re-booting when I am doing simple things like ripping in media player.

The error messages are: services.exe and/or ls ass.exe.

Does this look like a hardware or software problem?

[QmunkE]

lasass and services are part of the Windows OS so I'd say software, probably. Do a spyware/adware/virus scan, go to Start/Run and type msconfig, then check under the startup tab for any suspicious looking programs.

It could be a hardware fault I suppose, but it seems unlikely. Check your processor temperature in the BIOS, overheating can cause system crashes.

[Magic1]

I do not wish to be too pessimistic but when I had a new computer AMD XP reputable maker, it gave me precisely the same problem. Eventually the supplier changed every single item in the processor that could be changed over a period of three months, but to no avail. I was beginning to think it was something I was doing and rang them continuously; I finally stated with the support of their visiting service engineer that I needed a replacement new computer which I then received in about three days !!  and just before the Warranty ran out!  Moral. If you need a new computer on the Warranty say so immediately. Since then in 18 months I have never needed a technical helpline. The software versus hardware argument went on for a considerable time.  Just a delaying tactic.  Maybe I am too cynical ?

[uncle al]

Thanks for the info

I'll try the software route tonight, hoping that this will suffice.

Did a google on it and it seems the sasser worm could be something to do with it but I have fully subscribed virus updates so I don't think it's this.

[Mobius1]

"Eventually the supplier changed every single item in the processor that could be changed over a period of three months."

As far as I'm aware, there are very few "items" or rather components of a CPU that can actually be changed, at least on the chip itself. As a component made from literally nanoscopic compnents (in this case something like 0.18u) it's often more cost-effective to simply scrap a busted processor unless it's something that can be fixed through very skillful soldering techniques.

So either you're referring to the actual PC itself as the "processor" rather than the CPU or you were indeed taken for a ride.

[QmunkE]

After hearing several anecdotes from a friend who worked at a large PC retailer, I would trust technical support about as far as I could throw them i.e. not an inch.

First eliminate all software problems, then go back for a hardware exchange if it is under warranty. And as Magic1 says, go the whole hog - get as much of the machine replaced as possible.

PS who was this "reputable maker" Magic1?

[Magic1]

QmunkE  I don't think it would be wise to reveal the maker. I have said enough as there are always experts in this game who are willing to shoot you down !

[Magic1]

Thank you 10 ClarionSt.  I was an absolute beginner but soon became a very fast learner.  Actually a strong letter to the UK MD did the trick