As noted this could be related to a virus like Sasser. It will generally
give you a warning that the computer is about to shutdown. Is there a box
popping up that informs you about this before the computer reboots? If so
then follow the advice here
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/sasser.htm
You could also try doing a decent spyware scan and disk cleanup. See here
http://aumha.org/win5/a/parasite.htm
It could also be caused by heat, flaky RAM or power supply problems. Shut
the computer off and place it in a position where you can lie it on it's
right side (unless it is a desktop version). Remove the left side cover and
locate the CPU Fan. Is it full of dust? If so use compressed air to clean
it. Turn the computer on and watch how the fan turns. It must turn very fast
and should be free of dust to do it's job. A dirty or slow or non
functioning fan can't keep the cpu cool enough to run. If the fan is not
running or is running very slowly replace it immediately or you risk frying
the processor!
While the case is still open check to see if the power supply is clogged
with dust. Blow it out. Also check to ensure air is flowing through the
power supply. Check the fan at the back of the case next to the power plug
to ensure it is turning. If there is no air passing through the power supply
it could be overheating. This too must be replace immediately. Computer's
have been known to cause fires due to overheating power supplies.
Ensure the computer is turned off. Check to ensure your RAM is properly
seated. Blow the dust out of the case with short bursts of compressed air.
Static can kill RAM or fry a motherboard. Make certain you either wear a
static band or you ground yourself on the computer case (simply touch an
outer metal part of the case) before you touch anything inside the case.
Remove each RAM module carefully. Carefully press then back into place.
Restart the computer and run it for awhile to see if that resolves the
problem. If you have more than one RAM stick try running the computer with
only one stick to see if there is a flaky module. If the problems persists
then swap the RAM for the other module and so forth. If you have access to
compatible RAM from a known working system then try swapping that in.
If the problem is persisting you could try disconnecting everything except
the most necessary hardware and see if you can eliminate possible problems
with hardware. Finally you might try a clean install of the OS but if the
problem is hardware that will not help. In my experience spontaneous reboots
are generally related to hardware problems especially if your system is
properly patched.
Unfortunately your recourse might be to take the system to a qualified
computer service to see if they can help you. Ask them for a list of
satisfied customers that you can call before you allow them inside the box.
--
Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp
| hi
| my pc is constantly rebooting itself these days and
| whenever it does restart it gives an error report when the windows starts
| asking whether to send the error report or not...it is really annoying
since
| it does it 10~20 times a day
| at first i thought it was because of the game but then i realized it is
not
| since
| the computer restarts automatically when i'm using the internet exploror
or
| listening to music or even if i'm not doing anything
| i know there might be several reasons for this problem but can you tell me
| any solutions or the reasons for this problem
| thankyou very much
