Acer Aspire One - Keeps Crashing / Freezing

[dec]

Bought this a couple of months back and is driving me nuts... Keeps crashing/freezing if you attempt to do more than one thing at a time. Mrs has one as well which seems to be ok although she normally only has 1 or 2 internet pages open.... I am running windows 7 pro and she has windows home, going to take it back to shop today but wondering if it would be better to install Windows 7 Home opposed to Pro ?....or is it a waste of time re-installing windows and this is just the way these things work ?. Anyone else have same issues with these 'mini' books ? specs seem decent enough CPU is Atom 1.86 ghz with 2 gb memory ?

[bobl]

I've had one for years, I still keep it because it's the 3g version which is handy for travelling. Well at least it used to be, it's not 850MHz only 900 so it's pretty useless in Thailand unless I get an AIS chip for it... (No AIS 3g round this neck of the woods, yet).

Never had much of an issue with it and I pushed it quite hard - still use it as my "handy" machine when I can't be bothered lugging a 19" Toshiba around...

I never dared to "upgrade" it to Windows 7 though, I left mine on XP. So no, not really had the same issues - seems yours is one out of three, so far, which would suggest maybe a fresh install in case something's messed up...

[PattayaParent]

Daughter's Asus netbook with W7 Pro does the same thing.

I just press the on-off button a few times and it frees it up.

[Darrel]

"Keeps crashing/freezing if you attempt to do more than one thing at a time. Mrs has one as well which seems to be ok although she normally only has 1 or 2 internet pages open.... I am running windows 7 pro and she has windows home, going to take it back to shop today but wondering if it would be better to install Windows 7 Home opposed to Pro ?"

The version of Windows7 is irrelevant.

Your machine possibly has a faulty memory chip. Run a diagnostic test.

[JB7]

Very simple solution, really. Just buy an Apple computer and your troubles are over. Easy to use, never crash, and never get viruses. Simplicity at its best.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Pirated Windows? How has it been activated?

[rakman]

I'd agree with the memory, especially the hint that opening more than one thing causes a crash. Sounds a lot like memory.

Run x86Mem test on Win CD or download burn to cd.. runs on it's own.

If wife's laptop has same memory, swap with her.. then prepare for death..

[Darrel]

Just buy an Apple computer and your troubles are over. Easy to use, never crash, and never get viruses.

The old jokes are always the best.

[sirchai]

Looks like a low memory, could also be Trojans etc....check your memory first. The pirated software could also be the problem. Windows can just switch you off when you always install all updates on a copy.

Cheers-

[NHJ]

just to clarify things, windows will never kick you because you are using a pirated version, it will only display a message and change the background to black.

for the OP, first check your memory as others suggested.

2) make sure the heatspreader is clean(fan should not be spinning fast when idling and airflow should be good wen CPU is used at 100%) you can use prime95 to do a burn test.

3) update all your drivers using the latest ones on the chipset maker's website do NOT use acer as the drivers there are totally outdated.

4) last thing flash your bios but only if you can do it outside of windows(if your laptop is still freezing).

if none of this solves the problem, you have to send it back to RMA as it'll be a faultly hardware that you can't repair/exchange by yourself.

[Darrel]

windows will never kick you because you are using a pirated version, it will only display a message and change the background to black.

True, but a pirated version of Windows could contain a real virus/malware that might cause such freezing/crashing.

The comment about heat dissipation and checking the fan is indeed valid as the thing could just be overheating. If so it would normally crash after being on for a while rather than soon after starting from cold.

[lopburi3]

2 gig memory is not enough to do much multi tasking on any computer using Windows 7 (it is lowest to do basic functions) so believe change to 4gb (if possible) would be your must productive investment. You can turn off functions in Windows 7 to help but increase in RAM would be best.

[Lite Beer]

I bought an Aspire One Netbook a few weeks ago and got them to upgrade from 2G to 4G.

It cost around 900 Baht for the extra 2G

They actually took the 2G out and replaced it with 4G

Running Windows7 Ultimate and works well.

[PattayaParent]

2 gig memory is not enough to do much multi tasking on any computer using Windows 7 (it is lowest to do basic functions) so believe change to 4gb (if possible) would be your must productive investment. You can turn off functions in Windows 7 to help but increase in RAM would be best.

Being new to W7 and not really having looked at it properly yet as it's on my daughters machine where would I find the place to turn off the functions, and what functions should I be looking to turn off.

In my case RAM cannot be upgraded as it's welded in.

[lopburi3]

Aero seems to be the recommended removal for low memory machines as I recall. Not sure how you do anymore (did on a preview version) and was easy.

Google turn off aero windows 7

[dec]

just picked it up from shop with Win 7 home premium, seems to be running alot better, just copied 14 gb from a usb stick without any probs, would definately have jammed up with the last version... He also cut back on all the addtional programs he installed last time so maybe this also helps although no anti-virus installed either.. will download one later..

cheers for replys !

[Jiu-Jitsu]

2 gig memory is not enough to do much multi tasking on any computer using Windows 7 (it is lowest to do basic functions) so believe change to 4gb (if possible) would be your must productive investment. You can turn off functions in Windows 7 to help but increase in RAM would be best.

Being new to W7 and not really having looked at it properly yet as it's on my daughters machine where would I find the place to turn off the functions, and what functions should I be looking to turn off.

In my case RAM cannot be upgraded as it's welded in.

Are you sure? Full model number?

[Jiu-Jitsu]

just picked it up from shop with Win 7 home premium, seems to be running alot better, just copied 14 gb from a usb stick without any probs, would definately have jammed up with the last version... He also cut back on all the addtional programs he installed last time so maybe this also helps although no anti-virus installed either.. will download one later..

cheers for replys !

Seriously, are you happy to have all of this hacked software running on your PC? Especially when you have no idea as to how it has been installed and activated.

[PattayaParent]

Aero seems to be the recommended removal for low memory machines as I recall. Not sure how you do anymore (did on a preview version) and was easy.

Google turn off aero windows 7

Thanks

Edit: Machine is Asus 1025CE.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

2 gig memory is not enough to do much multi tasking on any computer using Windows 7 (it is lowest to do basic functions) so believe change to 4gb (if possible) would be your must productive investment. You can turn off functions in Windows 7 to help but increase in RAM would be best.

Being new to W7 and not really having looked at it properly yet as it's on my daughters machine where would I find the place to turn off the functions, and what functions should I be looking to turn off.

In my case RAM cannot be upgraded as it's welded in.

I don't know who told you that it is welded in. It isn't, but it is a pain in the arse to get to it.

Best to take it to the ASUS service centre to get it done,

ASUS Authorized Service Center

Address:

202/230 - 231 Moo 9 , T.Nongprue , Muang Banglamung , Chonburi

Business Hours:

8.30 - 17.30 Mon-Sat.

Phone:

6638-429374-5

Perhaps just a few hundred baht for the fitting if you take your own RAM module with you.

Look here

[PattayaParent]

Thanks for the info JJ, I'll look into it when the warranty has expired.

I have the Asus 1025C with the N2800 processor and Windows 7 Professional

I asked the question about upgrading before http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/556209-technical-question-about-ram/page__hl__+asus#entry5319041

and was given a link to the technical specs http://www.asus.com/Eee/Eee_PC/Eee_PC_1025C/#specifications which state "The memory is fixed on the motherboard and there is no SO-DIMM on the motherboard. The On Board Memory is unable to be removed or replaced for extending."

[Darrel]

"The memory is fixed on the motherboard and there is no SO-DIMM on the motherboard. The On Board Memory is unable to be removed or replaced for extending."

As far as I know this is correct, at least as far as the end-user is concerned. But it isnt important anyway.

2GB is enough RAM for Win7 to function correctly and many machines are sold with this amount. OK, it may be a little slow when running multiple apps but the swapfile is there to take care of the extra memory requirements and it will do so quite happily. Running several apps (within reason) in 2GB will not of itself make Win7 crash. Obviously if you open dozens of different apps then it may all get a bit flaky, but there is no need to do this in real life.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Thanks for the info JJ, I'll look into it when the warranty has expired.

I have the Asus 1025C with the N2800 processor and Windows 7 Professional

I asked the question about upgrading before http://www.thaivisa....us#entry5319041

and was given a link to the technical specs http://www.asus.com/...#specifications which state "The memory is fixed on the motherboard and there is no SO-DIMM on the motherboard. The On Board Memory is unable to be removed or replaced for extending."

That model can take a 4GB RAM module. It's just not meant to be user-changeable. As you can see, you have to dismantle the thing to fit it. Similar to an ACER I have. The ACER Service Centre in Chonburi had it done in fifteen minutes. 321 baht inc VAT for the fitting.

[PattayaParent]

"Keeps crashing/freezing if you attempt to do more than one thing at a time. Mrs has one as well which seems to be ok although she normally only has 1 or 2 internet pages open.... I am running windows 7 pro and she has windows home, going to take it back to shop today but wondering if it would be better to install Windows 7 Home opposed to Pro ?"

The version of Windows7 is irrelevant.

Your machine possibly has a faulty memory chip. Run a diagnostic test.

Just ran the memory test and no problems reported.

Turns out the machine has W7 Ultimate not Pro.

[Darrel]

Try downloading Ubuntu and creating a "Live CD" (misnomer) boot flash drive. Boot from it selecting "try without installing". It will not affect your hard drive in any way. If it also freezes you will know there must be some mechanical issue somewhere. If it works fine then backup your documents, wipe the hard drive and reinstall Windows from official media.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Thanks for the info JJ, I'll look into it when the warranty has expired.

I have the Asus 1025C with the N2800 processor and Windows 7 Professional

I asked the question about upgrading before http://www.thaivisa....us#entry5319041

and was given a link to the technical specs http://www.asus.com/...#specifications which state "The memory is fixed on the motherboard and there is no SO-DIMM on the motherboard. The On Board Memory is unable to be removed or replaced for extending."

Thanks for the info JJ, I'll look into it when the warranty has expired.

I have the Asus 1025C with the N2800 processor and Windows 7 Professional

I asked the question about upgrading before http://www.thaivisa....us#entry5319041

and was given a link to the technical specs http://www.asus.com/...#specifications which state "The memory is fixed on the motherboard and there is no SO-DIMM on the motherboard. The On Board Memory is unable to be removed or replaced for extending."

If ASUS fit the RAM, then it should not affect the Warranty. But 2GB RAM should be adequate. Perhaps you have other rubbish installed. Also look in to how Windows 7 Ultimate has been activated on the ASUS(if you didn't actually pay for a licence). You should learn how to do these things for yourself, to prevent others from loading crap on to your machines.

[PattayaParent]

If ASUS fit the RAM, then it should not affect the Warranty. But 2GB RAM should be adequate. Perhaps you have other rubbish installed. Also look in to how Windows 7 Ultimate has been activated on the ASUS(if you didn't actually pay for a licence). You should learn how to do these things for yourself, to prevent others from loading crap on to your machines.

How do I do that?

I've been gradually removing some of the generic crap that's been installed.

[Darrel]

Did you actually buy an official MS Win7 Ultimate box with an activation key?

If not you probably have a pirated copy. It would be very unusual (and very expensive) to install Windows Ultimate on a netboook. Indeed the software would cost nearly as much as the netbook!

So it's probably pirated and they have probably introduced some sort of dodgy programme to get round the activation, and this may be causing the freezing.

Try the Ubuntu Live CD. Or if you dont have the original Windows media and activation key just buy a copy of Win7 Home SEAsia and install it after wiping the drive completely.

[JimShortz]

Did you actually buy an official MS Win7 Ultimate box with an activation key?

If not you probably have a pirated copy. It would be very unusual (and very expensive) to install Windows Ultimate on a netboook. Indeed the software would cost nearly as much as the netbook!

So it's probably pirated and they have probably introduced some sort of dodgy programme to get round the activation, and this may be causing the freezing.

I am not encouraging piracy, but lets be honest Windows piracy is so easy and so common that you have to think that MS allow it to happen for "most" home users in the world in order to retain dominance and make their money from businesses. Aiming to perhaps make it difficult enough that the more well-off will choose to buy it, whilst everyone else finds other ways to use it for free. Spreading a few rumours about real problems with pirated copies would also be good for sales; if you can get a few suckers to believe it...

I have worked with literally hundreds of machines running non-paid-for Windows and never experienced this as a cause of Freezing; this is a complete RED HERRING... The advice to test the hardware with an Ubuntu live CD is excellent advice, as is a complete reinstall of Windows (paid for or otherwise) if everything is fine with Ubuntu. This is often the easiest solution overall and has the advantage of getting our machine back up to it's best possible speed.

[Darrel]

I have worked with literally hundreds of machines running non-paid-for Windows and never experienced this as a cause of Freezing; this is a complete RED HERRING...

The problem with a pirated copy of Windows (or anything else for that matter) is that you never know what may have been introduced at the time of installation or to bypass the activation. Malware can be included that doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the activation bypass.

For this reason those who dont understand computers well should stay away from pirated software in general and pirated operating system software in particular.