FFXI/Computer locks up randomlyFollow

For the past few months, FFXI would randomly lock up on me while playing. The game would just stop entirely. When this happened, I could still hear the music (from FFXI or iTunes, whichever was playing), but I could not go to any other web pages or even open other programs (including Task Manager). If I let it sit for a few minutes, it'll say I was disconnected, and fail to reestablish a connection. For the past month or so, my computer was in another room, and it would still lock up every few hours (I did sometimes go days without any problems, though). However, I moved it back into my room about two weeks ago (where it used to be). Since then, I am constantly having to restart because it locks up. Sometimes it waits a few hours in between lockups, and twice it's locked up as soon as I got on my character.

My system specs: Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: INTEL_
System Model: D865GLC_
BIOS: BIOS Date: 01/22/04 09:53:47 Ver: 08.00.10
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 1022MB RAM
Page File: 293MB used, 1401MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode
Card name: RADEON 9600 SERIES
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip type: ATI Radeon Graphics Processor AGP (0x4150)
DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4150&SUBSYS_0200174B&REV_00
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6698 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 5/17/2007 18:57:53, 268288 bytes


To date, I have unsuccessfully tried the following to fix it: Opened the computer case; used external fans to blow into the case; cleaned out all the dust; opened the PSU and cleaned out the dust; put ice packs on the backside of the case to cool down the motherboard; swapped out my GFX card with the same type; swapped out of GFX card for an NVIDEA g-force 2mx; changed the GFX card's speed via BIOS menu; closed down all background programs; ran antivirus, which turned up clean; allowed the ports listed in the sticky at the top of the forum; played in full screen mode, 3rd-party windowed, and used the SE windowed mode; put a fan/icepack on my 2wire PCport internet adapter.

I tend to lock up more often in campaign battles and whitegate (My R is usually 1900-2300 there), but I have also locked up in the middle of nowhere.

On a side note, my computer sometimes loses internet when I'm not playing FFXI. However, when it does, I am still able to open programs and such. It's only when I lose internet while playing FFXI that the whole computer locks up.

I have a wireless card and receiver, but for some reason my computer won't even acknowledge it's existence (it still locks up with it in or out of my computer). If I could figure out how to get it to work, it might fix my problem (my guess is this whole thing is a problem with a wire?). The wireless card is a Liksys Wireless-N PCI Adapter, if anyone knows how to install it.

It sounds very much heat related. If your mainboard shipped with any kind of monitor software so you can see running temperatures, you might consider starting it and allowing it to log the information. You'll be able to go back right after a crash and see if your temperature spiked or if anything looks abnormal.