Computer restarting at random

[Guest]

My computer has recently began restarting randomly, and i haven't been able
to isolate the problem or find a way to fix it, if anyone has an idea please
help.

 

[mucko]

could be a virus / trojans etc or a faulty hardware device most likely your
power supply is buggered

Mucko

 

[Guest]

could be a virus / trojans etc

Install anti-virus software, like AVG, Norton, PC-Cillin, etc...

or a faulty hardware device most likely your

power supply is buggered

Unplug any recent hardware you installed, also unplug any recent devices
(even something like a lamp) from the power outlet you have your computer
running from.

Also... it could be that one (or more) of your computer fans has broken, or
is blocked. Make sure your fans have good airflow. Most computers only need
to worry about two fans, the one on your CPU (inside the computer case) and
the one at the back of the computer (were you attach the power cable). Just
put your had beside both of these fans while your computer is running... if
they turn, then it's probably not the fans... If one of them isn't turning,
go buy a new one :/

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

First, be sure your antivirus software has the latest definitions and run a
virus scan.

Second, download, install and run Ad Aware:
www.lavasoftusa.com
Note: you should always be well backed up before running an application of
this type.

If your system is clear of viruses, open Control Panel, open System, go to
the Advanced tab, click Settings under Startup and Recovery, remove the
check from "Automatically Restart" under System Failure. This will cause
the system to blue screen instead of restarting on errors and the
information on the blue screen may give a clue as to the source of the
issue.

Open Control Panel, open Administrative Tools, open Event Viewer, look for
errors corresponding to the crash, double click the error, the information
contained within may give a clue as to the
source of the problem. If you don't understand the information inside, the
third button down in that dialog box will copy the information,
you can then paste it into a message and post it here and maybe we can
figure out what is going on.

Assuming you have an XP CD and not a recovery CD, place the XP CD in the
drive, when the setup screen appears, select "Check System Compatibility,"
the report it generates may point to problem hardware or software on your
system. If you do not have an XP CD, you can download this application
known as the Upgrade Advisor from the following site:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/upgrading/advisor.asp
Note: If you have access to a broadband connection it might be best to
download using that as this is a rather large download.

Check for the latest drivers for your hardware, especially your graphics
card and soundcard and all peripherals connected to your system. Do not use
Windows Update for this, go to the device manufacturer's web sites and if
you install updated drivers, ignore the message about drivers being unsigned
by Microsoft. *Before installing any drivers, be sure you are well backed
up and it's probably a good idea to manually create a restore point in
System Restore in case you have problems as a result of the driver update
and note, System Restore is not a substitute for a backup. Start\All
Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore

 

[ras]

Right-click on 'My Computer' and select 'Properties'. Then go to the
'Advanced' tab. Under 'Startup and Recovery'....hit 'Settings' and uncheck
'Automatically restart'. Then go to 'Control Panel' and 'Administrative
Tools' and 'Event Viewer'. Look under both 'Application' and 'System' to
get an idea of what may be causing the problem.

 

[Guest]

Sounds like a virus to me. Can't recall which one it is but, there is a
virus which is randomly switching off PCs. Run your virus on checker on all
drives.

 

[Interrogative]

My computer has recently began restarting randomly, and i haven't been
able
to isolate the problem or find a way to fix it, if anyone has an idea
please
help.

There are a couple of things you should consider:

1) Your power from the wall may not be up to scratch or if you use a UPS it
may be dying. Your PSU may also be dying.

2) Some firewalls can suffer overload from a concerted attack and cause your
computer to do that. If you note it appears you are under attack, drop the
line before you get a restart.