Why does my computer keep freezing?

Ok guys I have tried everything and my computer keeps freezing, usually 5-10 minutes after startup, sometimes before windows loads.
My PC:
Athlon XP 3200+
Win XP Pro
512 Pc3200 DDR Ram
Geforce 5500 256 MB 8x AGP
n-Force 2 Mobo
Maxtor 160 GB HD
Maker: E-machine
Model #: T3256

Ok, it first started about a month ago. It would freeze and I would power down(by pressing the power button). When it would restart it would let me send Microsoft an Error report. So I finally sent one and it told me I had a Graphics Driver stuck in an Infinite loop and to update my graphics drivers or get a new graphics card,(At the time using the integraded Geforce 128mb Card). I updated my drivers multiple times, but would continue freezing. I ordered and installed my new Geforce 5500. It seemed ok, only freezing about twice the day it was installed. The next day it was just as bad or worse than before the new graphics card. After a restart now I don't get the option to send the error report to Microsoft, so I don't think it is the graphics card.Finally after running every virus/spyware check known to man, I decided to reformat my HD. I put Windows XP Pro on and it is still freezing. Thus leading me to the conclusion that it must be Hardware. I looked on badcaps.net, and it doesn't seem like that's the problem. So I "think" I have narrowed it down to RAM, HD, Processor, MoBo, or Power Supply. Anyone know any ways to check these components for errors (software or a physical test.) PLEASE HELP! I am currently going for my A+ certification, and I still can't figure it out. I tested the temperature with SpeedFan 4.25, usual range is between 30-40C. Any help?

I always start with the cheapest parts first, in hopes that I will be lucky ;

run memtest for a couple hours and see if any errors come up.

www.memtest86.com

Will do, Thanks!

www.memtest.org is newer.

ok guys I need help running Memtest. I made the boot disc and after starting up it brings me to a command prompt giving me options. I tried the options but it says that they are not commands. Any help?

Ok Guys I have rules out the following:
Video Card (Just Replaced)
RAM ( Ran Memtest & Passed)
HD( Ran a HD Diagnostic from Maxtor)

Anyone else!? I really need some help!

Someone else had mentioned the power supply, but it is a 300W. The 5500 says it needs a 300 or better. -_-
My CPU fan is working correctly, and my heatsink is cool. Don't want to tear my heatsink off because I don't have any thermal cream. Anyone know where I can get some? (BB?)
Here is my Speed Fan report:http://img361.imageshack.us/my.php?image=speedfan3ku.png

Thanks for the help

I would not rule out any component even though it may be brand new... i have been doing this long enough to see hardware failures occur at any time.
If the memory tested fine and the HDD passed diagnostics tests my next suspect would be the vid card...after that in regards to the symptoms it could be the power supply.
Borrow another vid card and see if the problems remain if they do i would invest in a new PSu. P.S. Don't buy the cheap ones, they are a waste of time.

patio.

Ok guys, thanks for the help. This is what I have tried so far:
Reformatted HD, Installed Windows XP Pro, DLed SP1a & SP2
Memtest86- Memory Checked out fine(only ran one test)
Hitachi HD Diagnostics Test- Ran both advanced and Basic test, no problems
Speed Fan 4.25- Heat only ranges between 30-40C
Updated all my drivers (Graphics & MoBo) from nVidia.com
Many people have said that I need a stronger PSU, and I don't have any friends with one bigger than mine.
I don't want to pull the cpu out if I can help it because I don't have any more thermal compound yet, probably won't be able to buy anything till Friday ($$)

Still can't find any problems... So Looks like I am down to PSU,MoBo, and CPU?

I drive my desktop around every once in a while, and was wondering if something inside the PSU could have a connection problem... I unplugged almost everything from the MoBo, and replugged it in for good connection, still freezing.

Thanks a ton guys

Any other Ideas?

I think patio's comment above is on track...

The only thing I would ad, is to try updating your bios and chipset drivers to see if that fixes the problem first (if you haven't already).

Ok guys, I think I figured it out. I went to a friends and hooked up his PSU(350w). Never froze. Opened up my PSU, and there is a bunch of gunk inside of it. It looks like maybe one of the caps inside it broke? The gunk looks a lot like glue. Well anyway I will be picking up a new powersupply. Anyone have any suggestions?

Here's A Start...

patio.

This should be enough for the system you have now:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103934

But if you have the bucks, consider going up to a 400ish watt supply. It would be overkill on your system, but overkill is better than....... kill. :approve:

Omg guys! My computer likes playing tricks on me. Well I had originally thought that by replacing my Video Card had fixed my comp, but later that night it started freezing again. So I went to my local computer shop and bought a new PSU(450W) and it seemed ok. I went to work, and returned home (Leaving my computer on) and it started freezing again! I Have tried everything!
Memtest86+, Passed 7 tests
Bought a new Graphics Card, and DL'd all the new drivers
Reformatted my HD, and reloaded Windows XP Pro, DL'd SP2
Bought and Replaced my 300W PSU with a 450W PSU.
Ran the Hitachi Diagnostic Check on my HD, Passed (the advanced and basic tests)
Dowloaded my MOBO drivers as well.

What else could it be!?!
Mobo- Any way of "checking" this?
Processor- Any way of "checking" this?

I don't know what else could be freezing it! Any more Ideas at all!?!

Just to let everyone know, it runs "better" in safe mode, but still freezes. It usually takes a lot longer to freeze in Safe mode. Any suggestions?

The only other issue we haven't discussed other than the MBoard and or the CPU is heat...
Find a small to medium size desk fan at any bargain store. Remove the side panels on the box and set the fan beside the case blowing on the lowest setting.

Run it through it's paces and see if it stops freezing. If so then you need to add some additional cooling solutions to that case.

patio.

just a thought

It might be the 3200+ CPU is an overclocked unit.
With age, specs are drifting. Try increasing your Vcore voltage in your BIOS menu. Maybe try 0.05V increase, then maybe go to 0.1V increase.

even if it is one of these problems why wouldn't they have surfaced sooner after I bought the computer?

Fans are mechanical devices. Mechanical devices wear out. It's worth a try instead of buying a new CPU and or MBoard to find out.

patio.

Ummm don't quote me but I think this did the trick. What exactly did this do? Does it affect my PC? I.e. Performance? Thanks sooo much, I'll let you know if it decides to freeze again!