xp random restart problem

[karen]

my xp pro keeps randomly restarting, typically 2-4 times
per hour. I have done deep scans for viruses, all with
updated virus definitions and nothing is found. I've de-
checked the "automatically restart" option under my
computer>properties>advanced>startupshutdownsettings, and
no luck, it keeps restarting and no error messages are
displayed instead of restarting. I've made an error log
dump file, but I really don't know how to read an error
log file, I'm just a non-IT user. Can anyone help?
Thanks in advance.
Karen

 

[Nathan McNulty]

How hot is it inside your computer? It is possible that your computer
is overheating or maybe a faulty power supply. It could be software,
but you want to check the hardware first to make sure there is nothing
wrong there before you start looking through the software. Also, try
running Adaware from http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

Nathan McNulty

 

[Hilary Karp]

Go to the site for the manufacturer of the motherboard in your computer
and dowload and utility to check the temperature. Open the case and
blow out any dust. Are the fans working?

Could also be a failing power supply unit. You might need to take it to
a good, reputable repair shop if you don't feel confident it checking
these things out yoruself.

 

[Hilary Karp]

Karen, could also be bad memory (ram). Go to this site:

http://www.memtest86.com/

and dowload the memtest86 program. Put it on a bootable floppy and run
it overnight.