Windows Vista crashes within 2 minutes of startup?

Question

I have a Dell 1525 Inspiron laptop which came with 3GB RAM. I have had it for over a year now and no problems. But all of a sudden Windows Vista crashes.

Now windows crashes within 2 minutes of the startup. If I remove the 1GB RAM chip it still crashes. If I remove the 2GB RAM chip, it doesn't crash at all. I purchased 2 x new 2GB RAM chips and installed them and it crashes again. So I have gone back to the 1GB chip and is running fine again, but obviously really slow.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Check for the latest drivers here:

http://supportapj.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspx?c=nz&cs=nzdhs1&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=GuidedPathHomePage

Clean up with Ccleaner including registry. Disable unnecessary programs from starting.

http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/

Scan for viruses preferably in safe mode.

Test ram with this tool:

http://www.memtest86.com/download.html

Good luck, hope it helps.

Answer 2

Does restoring Vista wipe all your files as well? If it does and the computer still plays up it could be bad RAM. If restoring/repair keeps your files and settings then perhaps a virus is to blame. You could copy all your important files to an external harddrive using a linux live cd - Ubuntu is as good as any other - then do a clean reinstall. If the live cd plays up and displays lots of errors then you know you've got a hardware problem. If it doesn't, and the fresh reinstall of Vista doesn't play up then the problem was probably the result of a virus. Test the fresh install in its virgin state - don't copy your files back across or open dodgy websites or emails until your sure it's free from bluescreens and error messages. Install an antivirus app and scan your backed up data *before* you open any of it. If you're not getting anywhere, but have managed to back your important data up to an external device, then try installing Mint onto the harddrive and use that as your operating system. It has more preinstalled (flash, java, codecs) out of the box than windows, and is similar to macOSX in its limitations. You may actually prefer it to windows, as it is nice to use, and has all the functionality (except the msn clients don't support video, and no pc games). Big upside is all the viruses, trojans, rootkits and other malware have no effect, and you will never get your computer trashed because of these things. Surf without fear of being infected, or having your browser hijacked. And it's completely free. Just an idea.

Answer 3

your first problem is dell, your second problem is windows, your third problem is vista... but that's another story...



the default ram package is 2GB, so if you got 3GB, they likely just put a 1GB chip in. the reason you have problems is because ram chips need to match size or the computer will get angry and shut off in 2 minutes. either buy 2x 2GB chips and install both (taking out the 1GB) or stick with the 1GB. if 1GB is not enough, upgrade.



note: computers do not actually get angry, and the shutting down may not even be associated with the ram problem.

Answer 4

as for the idiot above this is not a Vista issue, its hardware!!! you laptop doesnt like something and i agree with the 1st post, maybe u have purchased the wrong sort of Ram. i would say that the original 2gb stick just had enough and died (lol) you then purchased 2 x 2GB or ram but maybe you got the wrong sort for the laptop or that the motherboard can only handle upto 3GB of ram and thats why it crashes with 4GB.

Answer 5

Your RAM doesn't seem to be compatible or you have a bad stick. Does your computer POST beep when you start it up. I think it would be two quick beeps after or during the BIOS screen.

Answer 6

Windows Vista extremely sucks, I advise you to migrate to windows 7, Its wonderful and nice to work with and outperforms Vista in nearly every aspect.. The only reason I'm not using windows 7 currently is because I run a certain software that has compatibility issues with windows 7.. thus, and until a new version of it is released I downgraded to XP in the mean time and skipped the ugly Vista.. So Unless your case is like mine, don't hesitate to upgrade to windows 7.