So i finished building my first desktop computer early last week. And everything was great until i loaded up Windows 7 Pro 64 bit Operating System. But within 15 minutes of installing Windows, my computer crashed. I thought it was a problem with the fact that i upgraded to the 64 bit version of windows but i checked with my CPU and it says its compatible. So i didnt know what the problem was. So ive only been able to boot up and use the computer for 15 minutes at a time. Can anyone help?

Could you be a bit more specific when you "crashed"? What specifically did it do?

I will be using google, or running skype and then the screen will freeze and either it will be completely non responsive ( while the computer itsself is still running / the fans are on) or it will automatically reboot and say that it couldnt load windows and that i have to reboot from a previous system restore point. Both of which negate everything i have been working on and for the most part completely erase any programs i have installed ( Winscp, Pokerstars, Dr.Java...Etc.). I havent turned on the computer in about a day because im sick of everything crashing

Sounds like either there's a heat issue going on or there's a problem with one of your drivers.

The computer is running pretty cool, could it be a problem when it is too cold, because it is right under an open window and it gets to just about freezing in my room. Also should i just update all of my drivers? or just some of them?

I doubt that being too cold would be an issue. Normally it would be too hot.

Wouldn't hurt if you updated all of your drivers.

Also, have you run MemTest86+ to make sure your RAM is all good?

Memtest+86 ran fine. the strange thing is that the computer doesnt shut off when i run off of hirens for hours on end, it will run all night. I think i have a problem with my OS. do you know how to completely erase my hard drive so i can restart downloading windows 7

I looked through the post.. And yes..

It appears that the reason might be as you suspected, 64 bit windows, in a 32 bit formatted disc.

Use softwares like DBAN or Activekill disk to reset the whole drive , then allow Windows 7 to format it to 64 bit using the CD itself.

...then allow Windows 7 to format it to 64 bit using the CD itself. I understand what you are saying i just dont know how to do that. i downloaded the 64 bit version the first time. did i not do it right?

Even though during the installation of the 64 bit Windows, it may have appeared to do a format but if you choose quick format, it does not actually reformat the whole disc but only writes a note at the beginning of the drive to say this drive is now certified empty. But the rest of the clusters are all actually 32 bit formatted.

Therefore, it may cause some issues, [ I have not used 64 bit myself, so I have to guess ]

That's why I recommend that you use softwares like Dban to reset the clusters of the drive to " 0 "s . Then the data will be written in 64 bit without the possibility of conflict.