RonindeBeatrice

Okay, here's one for you.

I have a copy of Vista Premium 64 OEM that I've been using for 30 days at a time since I picked it up (a few months back). I've never used the key and have just reinstalled when my 30 days would run out. My reasoning for doing this is that I forsaw having to reinstall many times anyway to sort out problems as they sprang up (and they have) and I wanted to avoid having to call Microsoft each time... Anyway, after the recent rumors that microsoft was going to hose pirated Vista installs I've started to experience lockups (consistent). Is it possible that Vista is leaving files on my HD between reformats that it's later finding and disabling my compy? Do you believe that if I just entered my key and was done with it that I would cease experiencing problems?

I originally believed my HDs were the cause of my problems, but after a full disk scan with western digital diagnostics (running from within XP on another partition), they were given a clear bill of health. I have considered possible problems with my other hardware, but don't believe it to be the case.

Bottom line, all the hardware is fine, driver conflicts/problems are not likely, and I've reformatted (full) between each install of my Vista. I don't know what the problem could be. Tonight I'll try the diagnostics again from a bootable CD, and will probably surrender and enter the friggin' key. Tell me what you think.

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shiarua

Just activate it.

I have reinstalled and activated Vista Ultimate 64-bit (OEM) about 4 times so far (without having to call MS - no hassles thus far)

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kneeki

Hmm, I don't think M$ would lock up someone's PC.

PC lockups are due to many causes however. Like heat, HDD corruption, or memory (to name a few).

Try running MemTest86 & checking the temps of your PC next time a lockup occurs. I doubt you have HDD corruption though, but it's a good idea to do a scandisk/defrag anyway.

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RonindeBeatrice

I'm going to try to take out my addon cards this evening to see if it makes a bit of difference, but IDK. It's not heat from any other components, I turned everything to stock settings, my components stay very cool.

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antesignani

i really doubt vista would leave files after a format..a format is like an H-bomb to your HDD. ive reinstalled vista i dont know how many times, and it seems to be ok..i think something else is the issue

kneeki

Try a MemTest86 when you get home then also. If you have another HDD (one you have lying around) try that also?

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RonindeBeatrice

My rig is otherwise bulletproof... I have XP on another partition and have resorted to booting from/using it exclusively since this began happening, and am absolutely fail free inside XP. I was running all the same hardware as before the crashes began and haven't changed any drivers. The more I think about it though, the more I'm leaning towards my TV tuner card causing the lockups (improbable, but possible). The thing gets hot enough to be extremely hot to the touch, I installed a Silenx on it yesterday, but I'll try a couple of these if I take it out and the problems cease.

I just went to performance-pcs to buy those sinks and before all was said and done I'd spent $100... Beware of that site.

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1337guy

I think it leaves files in/on the other partition!!Maybe the "System Volume Info" folder?
Try a complete HDD next time then see if it happens again!

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ENTERPRISE

Format the HDD using FDISK then have another try.

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RonindeBeatrice

I have tried a full reformat from the XP installer, next thing I'll try is writing 0's to the entire volume from western digital's tools.

That is if I can't find another problem first. My rig's going under the microscope.

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