Windows Lockups etc.

[CobraTekMax]

I go through my normal routine - check for duplicate devices in safe mode, look for known offensive or problem programs and drivers, and do a burn in overnight. Failing that, I then inform the customer that I couldn't reproduce the error, and that if they can't give me a specific instance of when it locks up, I'm gonna have to format and re-install. If they refuse, I make sure they read the disclaimer at the bottom of our shop tickets - in a nutshell it says that by signing this, you understand and are satisfied with the diagnosis/repairs done on your machine. That way, they can't come whining to me a week later that their computer is still locking up.

[3fingersalute]

Originally posted by COBRATEKMAX:
I go through my normal routine - check for duplicate devices in safe mode, look for known offensive or problem programs and drivers, and do a burn in overnight. Failing that, I then inform the customer that I couldn't reproduce the error, and that if they can't give me a specific instance of when it locks up, I'm gonna have to format and re-install. If they refuse, I make sure they read the disclaimer at the bottom of our shop tickets - in a nutshell it says that by signing this, you understand and are satisfied with the diagnosis/repairs done on your machine. That way, they can't come whining to me a week later that their computer is still locking up.

Ditto here....I do not have the time to spend hours trying to reproduce an error!

[ShAzAm]

We run into these "mystery problems" all the time. The very first thing I do is run Norton Systemworks (The WinDoctor prog), from the CD and let it fix all the Win and Reg errors. Then I burn it in for a while. Only after this fails do I dig any deeper. Honestly, Norton Systemworks used in this way has made many a call less than an hour time spent! I highly reccommend you use it as a first line of attack.