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So my problems all started a few days ago. Firstly, a blade broke off the fan that cools my processor. Then my computer starting freezing up after 5 minutes of startup. Then the next day my computer told me it was missing a file from the system32 folder. So I re-installed my XP Pro (I think) and for a few days I was good.

Then it started again. Same thing; a few freezes and then I am missing a system32 file (but this time a different system32 file). So finally I decided to install my Vista copy and then upgrade to Win7. The problem is that, during both the Vista and WinXP installs (even after deleting the partition on my C drive) my computer still freezes after being on for about 5 minutes. All my fans seem to be functioning, and the only thing I can think of is that something is overheating, but I have no idea what it is. Anyone got any ideas?

if a blade comes off your cooler that means you have to buy a new cooler also it can lead to every single blade braking off and that could do huge damage to your PC so its best to go out and buy a new cooler ASAP.
also try use a program to see what your temperatures are
everst free edition or speedfan which I use, not the best out there but it doesn't require any set up and temperatures are easily visible

Yeah, change the fan ASAP. And check if the CPU<->heatsink contact area has taken any damage.

Another free software for checking the temp is Speccy, really simple and nice. (Get the .ZIP and just run the EXE inside, no install needed)

Sorry to bump this thread, but I've got a bit of an update regarding my problem. Turns out, it wasn't my computer overheating at all. I first thought it was my PSU, since switching my between my two PCI-E cables gave me longer/shorter amounts of time between startup. So I ordered a new 750W PSU, and guess what. I still got the freeze problem.

Now I'm thinking its my mobo for two reasons. One, my bios was resetting by itself, and IIRC, the battery for the BIOS is on the mobo yes? Also, and more importantly, right when my computer freezes, the digital readout on my mobo gives me an 'FF' reading.

Now I've read that this 'FF' code is related to startup checks (or something like that) and that if something goes wrong when this code comes up, that it could point to a failed mobo. Now before I go ordering one from newegg.com, I just wanna make sure that this all sounds possible, in that a failed mobo could cause all this. Thanks.

azreal64 wrote:So my problems all started a few days ago. Firstly, a blade broke off the fan that cools my processor. Then my computer starting freezing up after 5 minutes of startup. Then the next day my computer told me it was missing a file from the system32 folder. So I re-installed my XP Pro (I think) and for a few days I was good.

Then it started again. Same thing; a few freezes and then I am missing a system32 file (but this time a different system32 file). So finally I decided to install my Vista copy and then upgrade to Win7. The problem is that, during both the Vista and WinXP installs (even after deleting the partition on my C drive) my computer still freezes after being on for about 5 minutes. All my fans seem to be functioning, and the only thing I can think of is that something is overheating, but I have no idea what it is. Anyone got any ideas?

DAMN...... how the hack did you brake off the cooler blade ???? xD

FF means it's all good,as far as PC is "concerned",you can check your temperature with something like Hardware monitor or Everest.Could be bad ram as well,it often causes the files to go "missing".

I'm thinking, broken fan blade=fan out of balance.

Fan vibrating like that might be wreaking havoc with the CPU connections.

SnipeHunt wrote:I'm thinking, broken fan blade=fan out of balance.

Fan vibrating like that might be wreaking havoc with the CPU connections.

this would be my thought.

the fan could be causing the CPU to gyrate in it's socket.

check your harddrive, i know it sounds like nothing should have happened to it, but if all else fails to fix ur prob try using your hardware (mobo, cpu, ram,and gfx) with another harddrive .

My question would be how the fan broke off in the first place? Impact?

The motherboard code, look it up in your motherboard manual or online on the vendors website.
If you have a nearby It-friend, you could try replacing memory and seeing if you still get a freeze + BIOS code.

Well lemme put it like this:

My computer started freezing up a few weeks ago, and when I started up the computer one morning (not a morning person) I hit my desk real hard, thus causing the fan blade to come off. This is why I believe that my problem lies not in the processor or fan blade.

@[R-COM]SocketMan: Yes FF is good, but when your computer freezes when that comes up, from what I've read, this is when it becomes bad.