I've searched the forum for problems like mine and this is the closest but non of the solutions worked for me. Problem: Random freezing events that need a reset to get back to windows. They can come at anytime, everything from notepad open to PS, AI, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Browser. So it is obviously nothing to do with the load on the computer. It can happen anytime. I sometimes have my computer on for 3-4 days without any problems. Othertimes it can freeze within 10-15 minutes of startup. System: Windows 7 RC x86 (7100) Intel Core 2 Duo 6700 (2.66Ghz) Gigabyte P45-DS4P Motherboard 4.00Gb ram (3.25Gb usable) Gigabyte 8800GTX Dual displays 1000W power supply ASUS DRW-1608P3S (DVD-RW drive) Things I've already tried: Tried to see if some program in particular caused the crash. Can crash with any program running. Installed 'speedfan' to look at temperatures. Everything was fine (below 40oC) except my videocard (8800GTX @ 65oC on load) but it has always run hot and I've never had a problem. Reset bios settings. No change. Prevented all unnecessary programs from running on start up. No change. Updateing drives (particularly DVD-RW), Win 7 says they're all up to date. Looked at event viewer. The only thing that preceeds freezes is the following: Event[7452]: Log Name: System Source: cdrom Date: 2009-06-01T21:46:55.538 Event ID: 11 Task: N/A Level: Error Opcode: N/A Keyword: Classic User: N/A User Name: N/A Computer: Blake-PC Description: The driver detected a controller error on \Device\CdRom0. Event[7453]: Log Name: System Source: cdrom Date: 2009-06-01T21:46:57.541 Event ID: 11 Task: N/A Level: Error Opcode: N/A Keyword: Classic User: N/A User Name: N/A Computer: Blake-PC Description: The driver detected a controller error on \Device\CdRom0. Event[7454]: Log Name: System Source: cdrom Date: 2009-06-01T21:46:59.542 Event ID: 11 Task: N/A Level: Error Opcode: N/A Keyword: Classic User: N/A User Name: N/A Computer: Blake-PC Description: The driver detected a controller error on \Device\CdRom0. Event[7455]: Log Name: System Source: EventLog Date: 2009-06-01T21:52:05.000 Event ID: 6008 Task: N/A Level: Error Opcode: N/A Keyword: Classic User: N/A User Name: N/A Computer: Blake-PC Description: The previous system shutdown at 9:47:10 PM on ?1/?06/?2009 was unexpected. Event[7456]: Log Name: System Source: Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-Power Date: 2009-06-01T21:51:46.937 Event ID: 41 Task: N/A Level: Critical Opcode: Info Keyword: N/A User: S-1-5-18 User Name: NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM Computer: Blake-PC Description: The system has rebooted without cleanly shutting down first. This error could be caused if the system stopped responding, crashed, or lost power unexpectedly. Please help me Obi-wan, you're my only hope!

I would first try updating your motherboard/chipset drivers to see if that fixes the CD-ROM errors. If they don't have Win7 drivers for it, use Windows Vista drivers. Run the installer in compatibility mode for Windows Vista and as an administrator - FOR ALL USERS - John

MADTurnUP,Usasma is correct, there is a new Intel Matrix driver out that should fix your issues.

Thanks for the quick replies. But the only drivers I can find on the Gigabyte website are Vista 32 divers and they're from October last year. Is there anywhere else I could find newer drivers or are these the ones you mean? Thanks, MADTurnUP

Hello MADTurnUP,It would be best to get the drivers directly from Intel.-Scott

I have struggled a lot with the Windows 7 random freezing problems. After several clean installations I now think have resolved my problem. Maybe the reasons of random freezes could be much more complicated but I think my experience is interesting. As no message is displayed when Windows 7 hangs I suspected a problem of power management, so I decided to disable the “Power Service”. To do so I ran msconfig (in safe mode) and unselected the Power Service (all other services selected). When restarting Windows 7 (normal mode) the Audio Service will not work anymore. To restart the Audio Service I enabled (not started) the Power Service (run services.msc) and started the Control Panel with the menu “Hardware and Sound” where I was told that “ No Audio Service running. Do you want Windows to start the Audio Service ?” (reply YES). After this step the Audio Service worked correctly (apparently there is a relationship between the Power and Audio Services). When looking at “Power Option” (submenu of “Hardware and Sound”) I found that High performance was selected instead of Balanced (recommended) and if this option was selected all freezing problems started again.