Computer freezes/hangs while using Shred.

[beatheintern]

Hey all.

I'm using the "shred" command to clear off computers before they are donated, but I've been having trouble with one of the desktops. I'm using a live boot disc of Knoppix, as most of the computers I've been working with don't have a usable OS installed.

The computer in question is an old Dell Precision Workstation 360. Everything seems to check out find, hardware wise, but when I use Shred, the computer freezes at exactly 45% (or there abouts). I haven't completely ruled out a hardware issue, but I was wondering if anyone has any idea of where to start? Freezing is a fairly broad problem (it seems to me).

Thanks!

[OErjan]

first thought is "memory is acting up" so memtest and check of /var/log for any hints