XPS 8300 Keeps freezing, have to hard reset

Jay4726,

This error message indicates the computer received an SSL fatal alert message from the server ( It is not a bug in the Schannel or the application that uses Schannel). Sometimes is caused by the installation of third party web browser (other than Internet Explorer).

Click the link below for information on the Schannel 36887

MS14-066: Vulnerability in SChannel could allow remote code execution: November 11, 2014

I just had another freeze and in the event viewer there was nothing about Schannel. 

There was event 41, Kernel power at 2:48:01 and an unexpected shutdown at 2:48:09 which might have been me hard resetting but no info on why the freeze happened in the first place.

Look for "red marked" errors in Reliability Monitor report.

There should be zero, so any listed needs attention.

Lockups without an error here (or BSOD or crash-report) is 90% of the time a hardware problem. ePSA is good but not 100% telling.

Random freezes can be hard to figure out, especially to know if they're hardware or software...

• Are you always doing the same thing when a freeze occurs, eg using a particular app, searching the net, watching a vid, have apps open and running in multiple windows...?
• Are you always using the same peripheral when a freeze occurs, eg printing something, scanning, writing to a USB drive...?
• Any signs/symptoms of overheating?
• Are you using Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection?
• When was last time you replaced motherboard battery?
• Are you using a power strip, surge protector or uninterruptable power supply?

You can start with hardware:

1. Reboot and immediately press F2 to open BIOS setup
2. Copy down all current settings, to be safe
3. Power off, unplug
4. Press/hold power button for ~15 sec
5. Open case and carefully reseat RAM modules and PCI-e cards in their slots
6. Reseat all cable connections to motherboard and drives, etc
7. Check that all fans turn freely
8. Use canned air to clean out dust bunnies
9. Close up and connect only mouse, monitor and keyboard
10. Reboot and immediately press F12. Look for option to run diagnostics, including RAM and extended hard drive tests. This may take a while depending on amount of RAM and size of hard drive. Copy error messages - if any

You'll probably have to use the PC for a while afterwards to see if the freezing has been fixed, but back up your personal files on external media ASAP, and save open files regularly while you're working so you don't lose data if the PC suddenly freezes again.  

Diagnostics froze during ram tests before reaching thorough test opportunities.

My 8300 runs the latest windows 10 home and I took out the 4 ram sticks. I put only 2 of the larger size ones in the white connector slots only. So far no lock up. (fingers crossed)