Dear D-A-L:

I recently bought a new desktop from Frys, here are the specs:

Gateway FX 6800-01e
Intel i7 quad core 2.66Ghz
3 GB DDR3
Windows Vista 64bits

I have just noticed that it freeze up sometimes (frequently) when I am doing multiple things with multiple windows or game opened at once, and it freezes completely, not even the mouse can move; so I have to do a force shut down.

I have also noticed that sometimes right after the Vista logo pops (not the vista loading bar), and the music ends, the screen suddenly changes into blank with the ending music frozen there. I have noticed that sometimes it's blank screen or sometimes its blue'ish vertical bars along with white/blue, just like if the screen color has been distorted. I have to force shut down and if I choose to "Start Windows Normally" from the selection screen after I reboot it, it will freeze again at the same point. Everytime I need to choose going on to safe mode first and then restart it to solve that issue and get into windows normally.

Does that has to do with my hardware? or is it the Vista? I don't know whats wrong with it, it's a brand new branded Computer (not even custom-built) and its giving me troubles, I hope is not something really bad cuz I hate dealing with returns/exchange with customer support.

Please HELP me DAL and many many thanks in advance

On the surface it sounds like your graphics card.

I would advise returning it although it may be inconvenient.

A new computer should not have such issues.

We can suggest things to try but again I would return it and demand another.

All that being said you could look at your Event Viewer however freezing does not usually throws errors as the system simple stops working.

Working with Vista’s new Event Viewer

Hello Jeph and thanks for your quick reply (as always )

Well on the bright side is that, once the PC "settles down" (like no more freeze ups, windows loaded), all the games I played so far seems to be running smooth and fine (I tested World of Warcraft, and Counter Strike: Source all on high) There was no freeze ups or shut down while playing them. Once I been on WoW for more than 5 hours and everything went smooth. (Although the next day when I turn on the PC same problem happened as I previously mentioned)

So do you still think its the vid card giving me troubles? :S Let me know your opinion, thnx!

I can only second:

A new computer should not have such issues.

...or not any issues for that matter.

I third that and I am a strong supported for using a warranty if it is determined that that is best. After all you do have the right. What are the specs on the graphics? Is it integrated or on board? Are you sure that it is sufficient to play the games you are playing? Vista has a higher hardware requirements than XP especially when it comes to graphics. Do something for me, right click on computer --> properties --> Windows Experience Index. Please tell use the score for you graphics and gaming graphics. If it tells you that you need to refresh it or that the test hasn't never been run then take the time to run it. It doesn't take long.

Also if you are only using integrated graphics [which is a chip that is built into the board] graphic cards are typically better that those especially for playing games so instead of returning the computer you can just buy a card if you have the money.