[CAfantom]

Hello,

I have a Dell Inspiron 1501 laptop that came with Windows Vista Premium. At random, unexpected times when I am on it, the whole computer locks up and the screen freezes. The mouse pointer doesn't move. The keyboard locks up. Like I said, it happens unexpectedly and I have no idea why. But here are some things I noticed when this has happened and hopefully you can analyze what I should do to fix this problem. First off, I notice, and I'm not sure the technical name for it, that the outlined cylinder icon that is in line with the power icon and battery icon in the bottom right hand corner of the physical, monitor boarder, does not flash green in spurts like it normally does (which I'm guessing the reason it does is because programs are running in the background). In does not highlight at all, although the power icon is still outlined green. So it is like the lights are on but nobody's home. The second thing I notice is that many times after this happens, the internal fan kicks on to high speed. This I feel is because the internal components are overheated. Is this true? If so, how do I fix this problem or the overall problem of this lockup, if you have any idea what might be it's cause. Thanks very much.

-Tom

[DaveBurnett]

Try http://www.diefer.de/i8kfan/index.html which is a fan/temperature monitor designed for Inspiron and Latitudes.

You can display things like fan speeds, various temperatures and CPU speed/load

[CAfantom]

Hey,

Thanks for the advice. But it seems that that program is not supported by my type of computer or version of Vista. But let me just add one more deduction I noticed. This problem does not seem to happen when I am in Safe Mode. Is there any reason for that?

[DaveBurnett]

You have to use Run as Administrator when installing it otherwise it doesn't work.
It Does run under Vista - I'm using it.
I have yet to find a Latitude or Inspiron that doesn't support it. (I see your model is not listed - but try it)

Yes, safe mode doesn't do much in the way of stressing the machine.

It is definitely getting warm, but whether that is because the CPU is running at 100% - which is in effect locked out, .....or is it getting warm first and then locking.


Also try Process Explorer which also has to be run as Administrator - and is handy as it doesn't need to be installed (I keep it on my tools CD)
It will tell you what is running and how much CPU each task is using - amongst lots of other things.

[CAfantom]

Hello,

Actually, here is the message I get with that fan control download. "The version of this file is not compatible with the version of Windows you're running. Check your computer's system information to see whether you need an x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) version of the program, and then contact the software publisher." Also, isn't the process explorer just like the process tab in task manager. And how will that program get rid of my problem? Thanks.

[CAfantom]

Ooopsie. My bad. Nevermind. It works. I did what the message said and download the other version. Sorry about that