Windows 10: Computer crashes when I'm *not* running a game?

I tried to solve this problem a while back, thought I had it fixed, but alas, it did not work, and now I'm basically starting from scratch.The problem presents as such: - I turn on the computer, and log into my account admin account - I usually open Firefox, and Discord. - If I do not open a game any, Minecraft and FFXIV both work, and are very different games, the computer will crash within 15-30 minutes - no blue screen, no shutdown screen, nothing, just crash - computer will then try and restart - depending on my luck, apparently, and the position of the moon, it will either go into a f

:)

 

all games crash!

I suggest you run rthdribl > http://www.daionet.gr.jp/~masa/archives/rthdribl_1_2.zip
Increase the window size step by step and watch your vga temps permanently.
What happens?
If it crashes, run at stock speeds as suggested before and retry.

P.S.: When your system locks, does the display signal turn off after a time?
Stuttering sound or no sound at all when freezing?
What X1800XT model do you own exactly?

 

all games crash!

ive watch my temps and both the cpu and gpu are within normal ranges. when it freezes it simply freezes the image and stops the sound. i must reboot to get back to windows.

 

Wanting to run old games

Hi Jameson,

Welcome to Microsoft Community. Your interest in Windows 10 is much appreciated.

I would suggest you to refer the below link and check the compatibility of the game with Windows 10.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compatibility/CompatCenter/Home

You may also try installing the game in compatibility mode.
Follow these steps to install the game software in compatibility mode and check if that helps.

• • • • 
        Right-click on the game setup file and click on
        ‘properties’.
        
      • 
        Click on the ‘compatibility’ tab and check the box
        ‘Run this program in compatibility mode for’ and select Windows 8 operating system from the drop down menu and proceed with the installation. Once this is done, restart the computer and check if the issue persists.
        

If the issue still persists, I would suggest you to get in touch with the game manufacturer if it’s specific to that particular game.

Keep us posted if you face any issues on windows in future. We will be glad to help you.