[Tfug] Memtest question

[Bexley Hall]

Hi Earl,

> >> The other is a P4 with DDR memory.  It doesn't
> >> indicate errors but only
> >> runs to 20% of the testing and locks.  I have uptimes
> >> of 4 or 5 days with
> >> this machine.  There is an occasional total lock up
> >> with DVDs using VLC;
> >> this is usually with a bad DVD.  Could this be the DDR
> >> memory?
> >
> > Does it lock up with any *other* apps?
> No, just Memtest and VLC with a bad DVD.  If I kill
> VLC immediately no lock up.  I'll change memory sticks and 
> see what happens.  I don't reach
> full memory or full CPU capacity in normal use.  I
> can't switch to a console to shutdown.

Can you *ping* the machine from another box?  I.e.,
telnet in and see what's going on (to see if it is
crashed or just spinning in a tight loop, etc)

> > If bad caps are found, unless you are terribly fond of the
> > machine, off to WT with it (recapping is just too much work
> > and far too easy to lift foils).
> 
> The machine that is locking up is a no-name P4 with an
> intel MoBo.

I.e., nothing special...

> The caps look OK.

If you really want to kill some time, dismantle the power
supply and look at the caps therein.  I've replaced a couple
of power supplies found to be flakey in this way.

> I brought it home to test; we have more at WC and I
> want to test before putting in the store.  A good
> vacation project and a chance to learn about servers.
> 
> I'll use my Sun machines when I get them out of
> storage.  It takes a while
> to empty a 10x5 storage shed with a my recumbent trike and
> trailer.

Naw... lash the machines together and glue some wheels
from a surplus "walker" onto the side and just tow it
behind you!