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System Interrups Go Up, Win 7 crashes.

The "System Interrupts" category in MS Resource Manager start to spike and the OS shuts down. I took the computer into the Geeks they say no harware issues but did detect a virus. They removed the virus, did an OS repair and gave the computer back. Two days after I got it back the Systems Interrupts spiked an Windows crashed. Windows re-started and no problem. "SIs" are running normal. Help?

Update

Well here's the latest. It seems that the problem is under control (knock on wood). I'm not sure why though. Last week I had a couple of days when I didn't start the computer. The day after a day off went with no problems. Then this weekend I turned the computer on on consecutive days and the interrupts are under control.

The only possible explanation is the update I installed from MS. One day last week I was prompted to download and install Windows service pack 1 for x64 based systems. I'd swear I had the interrupts issue after doing so, at least once, but... In any case it ain't happening now.

When was service pack 1 issued? If it was a while ago, how come I didn't get the download prompt before??? This is enough to give me gray hair. Okay more gray hair.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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hi Jeff, you stated that "Windows re-started and no problem." Does that mean that it now functioned without problem or that it Windows did not find a problem?

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No, the problem recurs after a random amount of time even after a re-start.

No one has found a problem. I had a "professional" look at the issue and he/they said they "couldn't replicate the problem". I guess it's like when you take the car into the garage and tell them what the problem is and they can't duplicate it or hear the noise etc. etc.

Frustrated!

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Have you tried running memtest on your machine? Maybe the memory modules are corrupt.

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Haven't tried that and don't know how to do that.

I'd say I'm an "advanced novice" when it comes to this stuff.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

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You can download memtest here http://www.memtest.org/. Put it on a USB stick and run it when booting your PC. Let is run for 24h. If erros, you should replace 1 or more of the memory modules.

I don't know if the Geeks did this while testing but you can do it yourself just to be sure.

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Hi, Belarc does a complete scan of your computer and id's what is installed--its id number and other data--what Microsoft updates you have installed and which ones you need to install and a whole host of data about your machine. I always recommend running Belarc on a Windows machine and printing the results. That way you have all the data to assist a tech in repairing your computer.

Getting back to your original problem I think you have a software problem. You can try to isolate it by running one program at a time to see if you can isolate it. The other cure is one that needs to be made at least once a year with Windows machines and that is a complete format and reinstall of the OS. Over time the registry and dll's become corrupted and need to be redone. I need to state this is my opinion from years as a service tech and probably many would disagree with this advice. If you decide to reformat be sure to back up your data first and make sure you have disk and activation codes for all your software. You may decide to continue with your workaround--its your choice and I wish you good luck with whatever you decide.

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+ Even so I do use Windows I agree that it does turn into an overweight hog after while. I always found Windows half Bulemic...only binges, never purges

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What is Belarc going to tell me?

I looked at the www.msfn.org etc. etc. link and I'm not sure my technical abilities are up to what's described there.

One other note: Recently I've noticed that, unlike what I said above, the system Interrupts do not seem to be a problem after I re-start the computer. I noticed this the other day when I downloaded an installed Malware Bytes so I've been watching it. When the interrupts start to go up I re-start and I've been able to work for hours without a problem. Anyone???

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I am certain that you could follow the instructions on msfn.org just would have to take your time with each step :) Like I said before, I do not believe that it is a hardware issue but strictly software, in particular windows. I do still think that windows is trying to access either a service or a piece of hardware that is missing the appropriate driver. Did you check your startup programs to make sure nothing useless or dangerous is loading :-)

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The thing with trying to monitor this situation while it's happening is I usually don't have that much time. Once the interrupts start to spike they seem to build quickly to the point of a Windows crash. I'll give it a try but may or may not be able to complete the task.

The other question is, why after these things start to spike and I re-start windows does the problem not come back? After I re-boot I can work for hours and the interrupts are minimal. I don't get it.

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It will depend which service your particular programs are calling and which service are running in the background. You'd be amazed to see all the things that are going on "behind the scenes" :) keep investigating.

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Make sure that you system has all the necessary new drivers for your hardware otherwise it will increase your interrupt usage. Install and run a free system inventory program like Belarc Advisor or System Information for Windows.

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html - Belarc Advisor

http://www.gtopala.com/ - System Information for Windows there is an excellent guide at http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/140263-h... That should help you to determine what is going on with your system. I do not think that it is a hardware issue. Good Luck and let us know how it is going.

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Right on -- I'm a firm believer in Belarc Advisor +

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I was told by Gateway my drivers were up to date but at this point I ain't taking anyone's word for it.

I'll see what happens with your suggestions.

Thanks

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Jeff will be eternally grateful.
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