Playback (potentially recording) Problem

Happens randomly and leaves no traces (that I'm aware of - event viewer or something). Terrible crackling during playback (not even crackling - the whole playback is totally screwed up and changed into some kind of noise where one can't recognize what's being played back at all). Was always happening on single tracks, only, not a whole project. Then, I got something like (got this only once and this was happening very often):"...if playback or recording is going on, please stop it ..." Unfortunately, that's all that I remembered, but what I'm sure about is that no solution was offered. (I just though what would have happened if I was tracking mine or much worse, someone else's great take ..." Luckily it still hasn't happened while tracking. So, people, anyone with a similar problem? Tnx. Cheers, Alex P.S. I haven't try to solve this because I really don't know where to start. The only thing I tried was a fresh install (I had crashing on exit in the previous version (again) and surprisingly reinstalling solved it, so I thought why not try. It did nothing, unfortunately.

O.K., I managed to replicate this behavior by running out of computer juice (doesn't matter which plugs I use to accomplish that). The problem is still there, tho - even on my main machine (which is not a monster), the performance meter usually shows up to 30-35% when I'm working. I don't know, I haven't paid attention and maybe it's more when the problem happens. I'll try to see what's really happening there and report back. Cheers, Alex

disclaimer: I do not know much about this stuff. that said........ if you are using a usb connection, how is the connection? is it tight, or is it loose in the jack? I had a problem a while back with a laptop. I never found out for sure if this was the cause. but, I stopped using that laptop for recording, because I don't trust it's usb jacks.

thanks Fex. I wonder if there's a market for making usb connectors that are a little oversized. they would make a tight connection in the usb jacks/ports that are wearing out and loose.

The Chinese probably have it covered! I think I'd rather replace the loose ports, but it's a bit too much like major surgery for my taste. I get nervous just putting RAM in.

gotcha. lol I successfully installed an SSD into an hp laptop. that was fun. and surprisingly easy.