System locks up after 100% CPU usage

[Cycicle]

So yes, as the topic says, my system locks up after maybe 5 or 10 minutes of 100% CPU usage.

At first it happened with VMware while installing a OS...so i thought it was either VMware or my CPU was overheating. Then it happened when a was ziping a large file with WinRAR...first time it got about 60% complete; second time it got about 11% complete (the ziping process). Thus meaning it's completly random and not VMware.

After the first time it locked up during the ziping process, i was getting upset naturally, so i installed a program to moniter my CPU temp (MBM). And lo and behold, it's not my CPU. It stayed a constant 78F (Duron) during the entire process, from start of ziping to lockup.

So what am i left with? The only thing i can think of is the problem exists because of XP. I cant think of a hardware problem other then CPU that would do this "out of the blue" (ive had this system for a long time, and this is the first time its done anything like this...i thought it was the CPU because it is a hot day out and i figured the processor was taking a beating ((it's hotter in my room then on the CPU - HA! ))).

Anyways, any one out there got any idea? System specs below:

AMD Duron @ 700MHz
576MBs RAM - PC133
WindowsXP Pro SP1
40GB WD HDD @ 7200 RPM
3DFX Voodoo 3 2000 PCI
FCI AZ11 mobo

ask for anymore info needed, thanks!

[Jsun]

i know this doesnt help but just a thought.
the cpu cant be cooler than the room coz room air is
whats cooling off the system.

lots of mobos and progs. read the temps wrong, so dont
count on them too much.

[Cycicle]

Originally posted by Jsun
i know this doesnt help but just a thought.
the cpu cant be cooler than the room coz room air is
whats cooling off the system.

Yeah...but Durons DO run naturally low temps.....and the processor has a big ass fan and heatsink on it. There aint no fan or heatsink for my room (well, now it's different, we have the A/C on, lol) so its about 74F in here