Computer locking up...

[Wing Nut]

Well ok, here's a new one on me.  My computer locks up when I use the 'Volume Up' key on my keyboard, when I visit certain web pages (Allmusic.com for one) for instance, and when I use certain programs.  I'm fairly certain it's not a virus or spyware, as I run both Eset and Adaware SE Pro, and keep them updated.  I thought it might be the keyboard, so I replaced that, to no effect.  I had heard dust can cause something like this, so I cleaned out my case, removed all the RAM and video card and blew the whole thing out (and it was a LOT of dust in there) including the fans and power supply.  All to no effect.

I'm fairly sure now it's a codec problem, but I haven't the faintest idea how to track it down.  I did install the Ace Mega codec pack, and the helped in a limited way, but it's still locking up.  It could have something to do with Flash, but I don't think so...

My rig is:

Gateway GT5082 AMD Dual core 3800 processors
2.0 Gigs Ram
2x250 Gb HD's
512 Mb Radeon video card


Anyone got any ideas?  :P

[Groundbound1]

If it's only happening when you adjust the volume from your keyboard, maybe it has something to do with the drivers for the keyboard itself? Usually keyboards don't require any extra software, but if you have a M$ multimedia keyboard for example,

[Wing Nut]

I went out and bought a Logitech keyboard just because of that.  No deal, it's still the same...

[dharris]

Mine occasionally locks up, and the sound will just be a single note till I reboot.  I think it is something to do with my creative sound card.  They are notorious for bad drivers, if you have one, check out the creative forum.  If you don't have a creative sound card, check to see how much ram your programs are using as well as the video card.

[NickN]

This is in fact an IRQ issue or driver conflict with the keyboard control

if this does not happen by using the mouse and adjusting the volume from the screen, its a conflict of some type. Typically a sound driver issue with the keyboard IRQ through ACPI

[Wing Nut]

Thanks guys, it turned out to be the keyboard drivers after all.  I don't know what happened, because I just removed and re-installed them like before...