Hardware⏱️ 3 min readπŸ“… 2026-06-19

How to Fix: Games locking up every few hours, can't find an error

Computer hardware issue with intermittent game locking up.

Quick Answer: Check GPU drivers and temperatures, consider updating BIOS or replacing the GPU.

The issue described is a recurring problem where games on the computer lock up every few hours, causing the system to shut down unexpectedly. This affects the user's gaming experience and can be frustrating.

This error can be challenging to diagnose and fix, as it seems to occur randomly while playing games. However, by following a step-by-step troubleshooting guide, we can identify potential causes and implement solutions to resolve the issue.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The primary cause of this error is likely related to driver issues or compatibility problems with the graphics card. The Radeon R9 200 series is an older GPU that may not be compatible with newer games or drivers, leading to instability and crashes.
  • Another possible reason for this issue could be overheating, although the temperatures seem normal under load. However, it's essential to note that high temperatures can still cause system instability, especially when gaming.

πŸ”§ Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Update Graphics Drivers

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Download and install the latest graphics drivers for the Radeon R9 200 series from the official AMD website or a reputable third-party source. Ensure that all drivers are up-to-date, including the GPU-specific driver.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: After installing the new drivers, restart the computer and launch a gaming session to test if the issue persists. If it does, proceed to Step 3.

Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type 'sfc /scannow' to run the System File Checker. This will scan for corrupted system files and replace them if necessary.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: After running SFC, type 'dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth' to run the DISM tool. This will scan for corruption in the Windows installation and repair or replace any damaged files.

πŸ’‘ Conclusion

To resolve the issue of games locking up every few hours, it's recommended to update the graphics drivers first. If that doesn't work, running System File Checker (SFC) and DISM can help identify and fix corrupted system files. If none of these steps resolve the issue, further troubleshooting may be necessary to determine the root cause and implement a more specific solution.

Did this fix your problem?

If not, try searching for specific error codes.

πŸ” Search Error Database

❓ Frequently Asked Questions