Computer reboots on its own when left in idle for too long.

[Jenna]

I've recently had a problem with my computer. When its
left inactive for so long, my computer shuts down and
reboots for no reason. But everything is fine if I stay
on the computer and i'm doing stuff. I've removed all
screensavers, it doesnt go into hibrinate, I've turned
off everything. It only does this when I stop using the
computer and its left along for lets say 30 - 45
minutes. It shuts down and restarts, doesnt do a normal
shutdown where it saves my settings and logs me off of XP
Pro. Its skips over this. Can you help? Whats causing
this and what can I do to correct this, so I dont have to
feel like I have to do a fresh reformat. I'd appreciate
it if someone could email me.

Jenna

 

[davetest]

I've recently had a problem with my computer. When its
left inactive for so long, my computer shuts down and
reboots for no reason. But everything is fine if I stay
on the computer and i'm doing stuff. I've removed all
screensavers, it doesnt go into hibrinate, I've turned
off everything. It only does this when I stop using the
computer and its left along for lets say 30 - 45
minutes. It shuts down and restarts, doesnt do a normal
shutdown where it saves my settings and logs me off of XP
Pro. Its skips over this. Can you help? Whats causing
this and what can I do to correct this, so I dont have to
feel like I have to do a fresh reformat. I'd appreciate
it if someone could email me.

Jenna

It sounds like the PC experienced a STOP condition, and
rebooted, since XP's default practice is to restart
upon any errors like this.
Open up the event viewer, and there should be an item
with the details. A STop error code and further
parameters. From the RUN box type
eventvwr.msc and review the SYSTEM messages.
Dave