odd computer prblem

[stubate]

how old is it, what cpu, what mboard?
there was an issue a few years ago where "soft" modems that used part of the cpu processing power could cause similar probs. 256 mb ram will work okish with xp, you will hear the hard drive clicking as the system uses the hd to swop data to and from the ram.
i would take the modem out and run it trying to use ram to make it swop data to the hard drive, if it still locks then change the ram. my guess it is the modem, but only a guess.
stu

 

[Birdseye]

I'm pretty sure it isnt overheating because the PC will sit for hours without locking up if off line. Funnily enough, it will download for an hour without a problem. Difficulties always seem to arise when on line and with a few programs running so my best suspect is the memory or possibly the modem driver.

The puter is a BEEP (a cheapo spanish machine) and the modem is a creative modem blaster d15733. no modem driver updates available.

have downloaded the memory test so will try that

an e bay pc isnt an option - F-I-L is in Tenerife and I am just visiting for a few days doing overdue jobs from sorting the PC to changing tap washers etc. he isnt at all computer literate so I have to sort him out best as I can in the next day or so.

thanks everyone for the help so far.

 

[Steve Clayton]

Laptops (nay, they are now called notebooks) do have a tendency to overheat over time and just close down (self-protection). HP have problems with their machines but to be fair so do most suppliers. Here's an HP thread, and there are many more re thermal overload ( and yes, dust balls do play a major part in causing these problems)
http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/bizsupport/questionanswer.do?threadId=1090361