T420s problems solved by switching to 32-bit Win7

[Edward Mendelson]

I bought a T420s a few weeks ago, with 4GB RAM and 64-bit Windows 7. Using any browser (IE, Firefox, Chrome, Safari), the machine froze briefly when playing YouTube videos or playing music in iTunes; the freeze typically occurred after about a minute or less of viewing or listening. The machine passed the Windows memory diagnostic. I tried downloading the latest version of Flash; this reduced the video problem but didn't eliminate it.

So I ordered the 32-bit Windows 7 preload from EZserv, installed it (the whole process took two and a half hours), and all these problems disappeared.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? And if you're having problems like these, it's time to get the 32-bit preload.

[Colonel O'Neill]

Could it have just been an over-protective APS?

[Edward Mendelson]

Could it have just been an over-protective APS?

Possible, I suppose. But improbable. The machine was on a desk, plugged into a dock. And why only with songs and videos. The protection system wouldn't have been confused by motion on a video, presumably?

[dr_st]

A rogue driver most likely was causing it. Glad you got it fixed, although I wouldn't go as far as saying that the 64bit OS was the culprit.

[Edward Mendelson]

A rogue driver most likely was causing it. Glad you got it fixed, although I wouldn't go as far as saying that the 64bit OS was the culprit.

I imagine you're right, but it's hard to guess what it was. All I installed on the machine were Firefox, iTunes, and Chrome. I installed then removed Symantec Endpoint Protection (an AV product they make available through colleges and corporations), and it didn't make any difference. If I had had more time, I probably would have experimented more, but I bought the machine for a family member who needed it now.

[jvarszegi]

Has anyone else had a similar experience? And if you're having problems like these, it's time to get the 32-bit preload.

No. That's like saying that if the brakes on your Corvette are occasionally locking up under load, the solution is not to have a mechanic fix the brakes, but to swap out the engine with a Ford Escrot four-banger.