XPS 8960, new, freezes and won't respond

Need more info...

1. Which CPU?
2. How much RAM
3. What video card?
4. Is boot drive HDD or SSD?
5. Any other internal drives?
6. What external hardware was connected when PC crashed?
7. What apps were running when PC crashed? Was it the same ones the second time?
8. Any signs of overheating? 

Open Windows Event Viewer and look for errors that -hopefully- got logged around time of a crash.  They can help ID the culprit so post info about "Critical" crashes around a crash. Ignore Kernel 41 errors which are a generic error saying PC wasn't shut down properly (it crashed) but they don't tell you why it crashed.

You can also install WhoCrashed (free) and see if it can capture any useful info about the next crash, if it happens again.

Hello

pdoyle35,

It sounds like you're experiencing intermittent freezing on your XPS 8960, along with unusual fan behavior. Given that you've already run scans and installed updates, here are a few additional troubleshooting steps you can try to address the issue:

1. Check for Overheating:

• Even though the system is liquid-cooled, the fan behavior you described could indicate thermal issues. Ensure that your system is placed in a well-ventilated area and that the cooling system (liquid cooler and fans) is functioning properly.
• You can use a tool like HWMonitor or Core Temp to monitor the CPU and GPU temperatures. If temperatures are higher than expected, this could be causing the system to freeze.

2. Check the Event Viewer for Errors:

• Open Event Viewer (press Win + R, type eventvwr.msc, and hit Enter).
• Look under Windows Logs > System for any errors or warnings around the time of the freeze. This could provide insights into whether there’s a hardware or software conflict that’s triggering the freeze.

3. Update Device Drivers:

• Make sure that all of your drivers are up to date, particularly the graphics drivers and chipset drivers. Even if Windows Update reports everything as current, it’s worth checking directly on the Dell support website for the latest drivers for your specific model.
• Pay special attention to drivers for the audio, USB, and network adapters, as these can sometimes cause freezing or unresponsiveness when out of date.

4. Perform a System Stress Test:

• Run a stress test using software like Prime95 (for CPU) or FurMark (for GPU) to see if the system freezes under load. If it does, the issue could be related to hardware failure, overheating, or power delivery issues.

5. Check for BIOS and Firmware Updates:

• Make sure your system's BIOS and any firmware updates for the liquid cooling system are up to date. Dell often releases updates that address hardware compatibility or thermal management improvements.
• You can find BIOS updates for your model on the Dell Support website under your system's service tag.

6. Disable Fast Startup:

• Sometimes, the Fast Startup feature in Windows can cause issues with booting or system freezes. Try disabling this feature:
  • Open Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.
  • Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable and uncheck Turn on fast startup.
  • Save changes and restart your system.

7. Run Memory Diagnostics:

• Since freezing can sometimes be linked to faulty RAM, run Windows Memory Diagnostic to check for any memory-related issues.
  • Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and hit Enter. Choose to restart and check for problems.

8. Check the System Integrity:

• Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM to repair any corrupted system files that could be causing the freeze:
  • Open Command Prompt as administrator and type the following commands:
    • sfc /scannow
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Restart the system after the scans complete.

9. Test with External Peripherals Disconnected:

• Disconnect any unnecessary peripherals (USB devices, external monitors, etc.) to rule out conflicts caused by connected devices. Sometimes, external devices can cause the system to freeze due to driver or power issues.

10. Check for Malware or Corrupted Software:

• Perform a full system scan with your antivirus software to rule out malware or other software that might be interfering with your system's performance.

11. Consider a System Reset:

• If the issue persists after trying the above steps, consider performing a system reset (while keeping your files, if desired). This can help resolve underlying software issues that might be causing the freezes.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it could be a hardware failure, particularly related to the cooling system or internal components. In this case, it may be best to reach out to Dell Support for further assistance and possibly arrange for a hardware inspection or replacement if needed.

Please let me know if you need further assistance!

Best regards.