More clues from the Scene of the crime..;)

OK. got up this afternoon (hey, went to bed at 4 in the moaning..;), just ran Microsoft's memory test that (natrually) didn't find anything. However, I was able to create the pic with no problems.

This leads me to believe that it's a thermal problem with the memory, since I have a bad habit of cruising here first, then making piccys'..;)

All of the above selections have merit. The hard drive, that could be a possibility because of the OS using HD 'memory' when it's used up all the 'real' kind. I've done a defrag on it about a month or so ago.

The fans could be a possibility, I'll check that. A good roundup of dust puppies wouldn't hurt either (cheap trailer carpet..;)

I originally got the memory from a local chain of DIY computer stores, sort of place where people get parts for home builts (called Intrex, but noone outside of NC is going to know who they are..;) they're pretty reasonable folks, and I've had no real problems exchanging things that don't work, as long as they're in warranty. Alas, the chip is 4 years old. My challenge is to find out if the DIMMs they used 4 years ago haven't changed their form factor (which means I'm stuck with it, I've tried used memory once.....once..:| I'll also have to check into equivalent replacements. And hope they haven't stopped making 512's because the minimum now is 1 gig..;)

Hopefully, 512 meg chips have come down in price, so it won't bankrupt me. I'll just have to change my habits for awhile.

NOTE- I'm not sure which, but one of those spyware checkers mentioned actually turned out to be Spyware itself, so you might check. CWShredder stopped making free checkers almost a year ago, but as long as I use Firefox, I'm good to go. Sheesh, if'n it ain't one thing, it's another.

Thanks for the help everyone, it's appreciated. I've been fixing PC's since the late 80's, but nowadays, if you don't check back every 3 months, the whole architecture, parts lists, etc., have either become obsolete or unavailable..what a world..;)

I wish I'd said that.. The Staircase Wit

anahl nathrak uth vas betude doth yel dyenvey..;)