Random times, off and on for 4 months or so. Doesn't seem to be tied to any one program or type of program etc. I thought maybe it was getting too hot, but this last week, took it apart, cleaned it thoroughly, replaced the thermal goop between cpu & heatsink etc. It is NOT overheating. Today and yesterday it has crashed more. I have wondered if it's a fault in the power supply or a switch on the case, because it USUALLY just stops cold or reboots. But today's crashes have been more weird. At one time today, I got a completely white screen with no discernable print on it, and the system is just frozen. Another time, I got the same kind of thing only the screen was red, and another with an aqua colored screen. In each of these cases, I had to manually restart the computer. I have a variety of .dmp's, but not much of an idea what to do with them. TIA for any help anyone can give! Judy Update, currently system won't even finish POST, so I've obviously got some hardware work to do. Will post another update if that problem is fixed and I'm then still having issues in Windows. Btw, I'm a fairly competent tech. This system is one I built when Windows 7 RC came out. I ran in on the RC until that expired, then immediately purchased and installed OEM Windows 7. It has been the most stable and enjoyable system I've ever personally experienced until about 6 months ago. I am also semi-literate in Ubuntu systems. *************** OK, back up and running with a HUNCH that the problem all along has been sata cables loosening from the MB. I have had this problem in the past with a different system, so I'm kind of thinking 'DOH! shoulda checked that early on', but I did think (apparently quite mistakenly) that MB mfrs would by this time made the connectors a little more clinching by now. (I AM using the locking type cables in as many places as possible, but the connectors are just crowded enough that there isn't room for 3 of them. Please advise if I do have random problems if I should post here or start a new thread, and thanks to everyone that posted help! J

You can analyze memory.dmp or minidumps using Debugging tools for Windows: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315263/en Debugging tools for Windows can analyze these dumps and provide information (often), what caused a reboot/bluescreen - you will get a filename. And you can use filename to identify a driver. In your case I would also recommend to check for memory errors (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/ff700221.aspx) and to update drivers/bios. M.

Please post a copy of your dumpfile as shared file to your Sky Drive with a link here. http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itproui/thread/4fc10639-02db-4665-993a-08d865088d65 For advice on how to configure your system to create dump files please read: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/254649 The dumpfile will be created at c:\windows\minidump. You may need to change your settings in Windows to be able to see the file. To show hidden files type Folder Options in the search box above the Start button and select View, Advanced Settings and verify that the box before "Show hidden files and folders" is checked and "Hide protected operating system files" is unchecked. You may need to scroll down to see the second item. You should also make certain that the box before "Hide extensions for known file types" is not checked. What is your computer make and model? If not a branded computer what is your motherboard make and model? Please download and run Driver View and upload a copy of the report it produces to your Sky Drive. http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/driverview.html Type System Information in the Search Box above the start Button and press the ENTER key. Select File, Export and give the file a name noting where it is located. Please upload to your Sky Drive, share and post a link here. Run the Windows 7 Memory diagnostic Tool http://www.sevenforums.com/performance-maintenance/104698-memory-diagnostic-tool.htmlHope this helps, Gerry

Random crashes are usually caused by: Overheating - If a desktop, open it up and clean the CPU fan/heatsink assembly with a can of compressed air. If a laptop, blow compressed air in all the cooling vents. Bad memory - Click on the start orb and type memory. Click on Windows Memory Diagnostic. Jerry

If you can get past the hardware issues, we can probably help you with software ones... -- Mike Burr Mike's Technology and Finance Blog Learn to Troubleshoot Windows BSODs