Freezing issue with Windows 7 - Usually when Chrome is open

Hi,

This is a pretty vague problem that I can't really pinpoint but everybody on Techspot has been so helpful in the past, I'm wondering if there is any genius out there who can help me.

Occasionally, and very sporadically my computer freezes when I am using Chrome. This could just be a coincidence (as about 90% of the time I spend on the computer, chrome is open) but the entire system freezes and the sound repeats the last second on loop (in a very jarring way).This has happened maybe 10-15 times since I got my computer (which I've had for about a year). Forcing shut down and restarting it solves the problem (although I lose all open documents etc. in the process).

Today I also experienced a new symptom which may/may not be related. During start up, I experienced abnormal severe lag. I'd move my mouse and I would see the pointer skip across the screen as though it was running at 0fps on a game or something. I then opened chrome and my computer crashed. Since it is quite early in the morning and I live in communal halls, I quickly jumped towards my laptop knocking it over which temporarily fixed it (the sound stopped looping and continued) but I forced shut down (held the power button) because I just wanted the loud jarring sound to stop.

This is pure speculation on my part as I'm not that good with hardware, but could this point to a problem with my memory? Maybe it's loose or faulty? I originally thought it could be a heat problem but it has been happening equally when browsing vs other cpu-demanding processes. Likewise for minutes after start-up vs hours after using my laptop.

I understand that a solution is probably unlikely but any suggestions, speculation or points of information that I could further investigate would be much appreciated. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this.

Regards,

Kelevra

This does sound like a possible RAM fault. Follow this guide:

Power off the PC and remove the mains connection, always touch the metal of the case with your hands to avoid any static electricity from causing component damage. (On laptops ALWAYS remove the battery before removing or replacing memory modules). Remove all your memory modules. Clean the contacts with a soft rubber (up and down not from end to end) then insert just one module and reboot to test for any change in performance. Repeat this for every module one at a time and run for at least 24 hours (or until an error occurs) with memory intensive programs, playing games or a video. Obviously if you only have one module this cannot be done, but you should still remove and clean the module and reseat it and test.

If you only have one stick download this to test it. http://www.memtest.org/

You need to scroll down the page until you see the three blue screenshots. Just below is the list of downloads for Memtest86+ V4.10. Click on Download - Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO (.zip)and save to your desktop, When the download is complete right click the file and select Extract Here and burn the image to a CD. In windows 7 right click the extracted file, select Open With, then select Windows Disc Image Burning Tool then follow the prompts. For all other versions of windows (if you do not have an ISO burner) download this free software. http://www.isoimageburner.com/

Boot the PC into the Bios setup and set the CD/DVD drive to 1st in the boot sequence. Insert the disk in the drive then reboot and the disc will load into dos. Leave the test to run through at least 8 cycles.

The memtest will not be 100% accurate but should easily detect any major faults.

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