XP shutting down by itself?

[Not Really Me]

One of my XP SP2 machines has started shutting down by itself. Sometime
within 30 seconds after boot, sometimes hours later. If I bring it up in
safe mode or safe mode w/networking the problem does not occur. There is no
"windows is shutting down message".

There is no indication in the event log of the shutdown, only the restart.
I have disabled all added services, utilities, etc. If I have the task
manager running I have seen that one of the svchost tasks becomes very busy,
99% immediately before the shutdown.

Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot this?

Scott
Validated Software

 

[Brian A.]

Run a full system virus scan with fully up to date definitions.
Check your hardware devices for corrupted drivers or defects in the device
itself.
Remove any/all devices and replace them one at a time until you get one that
causes the shutdown.
Check the memory modules for integrity, run a memory checker for at least 2
hours to be sure if they're good/bad:
http://www.memtest86.com/
http://www.memtest.org/
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

Check the inside of the case for any dust buildup, fans not working and loose
cables/connections.

 

[Not Really Me]

Antivirus passed fine.

I seem to remember a method of booting drivers one at a time from safe mode.
Is that still possible?

 

[Brian A.]

Antivirus passed fine.

I seem to remember a method of booting drivers one at a time from safe mode.
Is that still possible?

You must be thinking of a Step x Step boot which was done from the startup
menu for 98. Safe Mode only loads the minimul of drivers needed to boot and use
the OS.

You could try:
How to perform a clean boot in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353/en-us

How to perform advanced clean-boot troubleshooting in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316434/en-us

How to troubleshoot by using the System Configuration utility in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310560/en-us


--

Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/