XP with SP2 Resets Randomly

[jdwood]

If I run Windows either Windows x64 or Windows XP SP2 from a fresh
install on a clean, formatted hard drive, within about 20 minutes after
installing I get problems with the computer resetting itself.

Windows XP SP1 works completely fine, never had a single problem. Would
really prefer not to have to switch back to that unless I have to as I
would like to use IIS 6...

I have the latest BIOS installed. The problem is not related to my RAM
-- though I understand that bad RAM seems to be a common problem, it's
not may RAM.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[Plato]

If I run Windows either Windows x64 or Windows XP SP2 from a fresh
install on a clean, formatted hard drive, within about 20 minutes after
installing I get problems with the computer resetting itself.

Windows XP SP1 works completely fine, never had a single problem. Would
really prefer not to have to switch back to that unless I have to as I
would like to use IIS 6...

I have the latest BIOS installed. The problem is not related to my RAM
-- though I understand that bad RAM seems to be a common problem, it's
not may RAM.

A pc may run win98 just fine. But not run XP due to the ram. It doesn't
mean the ram is bad. It may just be XP does not like the ram. The same
argument can be made for MS OS's higher then XP on the same PC. So, it
still may be a RAM thinggy.

 

[Peter Foldes]

It can also mean a power fluctuation. Could be your Power Supply or the electric circuit in the house or outside. If there is any fluctuation in the continuous supply of power it can possibly create your issue.

 

[abscissa]

I don't think it would be this. I didn't mention, but it seems to
happen when I try to browse the "C" drive, or configure folders, etc.

 

[frodo]

random resets are almost always one of three things: RAM, Heat, or Power
Supply. And yes, it's possible that a W98 installation will work fine,
and an XP installation won't; they tax the system differently.

get memtest86+ and test the ram (from a boot floppy). It should run for
at least 1 hour w/ ZERO errors - even a single error is BAD BAD BAD.
If it's an AMD processor, test #5 is often the weak-link.

make sure your box isn't too hot; it you have Motherboard Montior or a
similar tool for your specific motherboard then use it and keep and eye on
the temps. High CPU temps, or power-regulator-area temps are bad.
If it's an older P4 or an AMD processor, 55 degrees C is about the max I
would expect; if it's a Prescott then just over 70 is "normal". Power reg
area and northbridge should be a lot less, in upper 40's typically.

is your power supply a "good" brand? many "no-names" are pure junk.
Modern motherboards require a good 12 volt rail, and older supplies just
don't have it. A high end video card also draws a lot of 12V, demanding a
good PS. Don't just go by the watts; 350 watts w/ 30 amps on the 12v rail
is ok, less than that on the 12v and you're asking for trouble.

-------

it would help if we knew your setup: motherboard, processor, number of
drives, etc.

good luck.

 

[paul]

is your power supply a "good" brand? many "no-names" are pure junk.
Modern motherboards require a good 12 volt rail, and older supplies just
don't have it. A high end video card also draws a lot of 12V, demanding a
good PS. Don't just go by the watts; 350 watts w/ 30 amps on the 12v rail
is ok, less than that on the 12v and you're asking for trouble.

Can anyone suggest a brand and model of power supply with a 30 amp 12v rail?
I need one and I haven't found anything yet with a 30 amp 12v rail.

 

[frodo]

Can anyone suggest a brand and model of power supply with a 30 amp 12v rail?
I need one and I haven't found anything yet with a 30 amp 12v rail.

30 amp TOTAL (sorry for being unclear). Most modern PS's have multiple
12v rails, 2 is typical, 3 on an SLI certified. 10 to 15 amps on two
rails would be fine in non-sli applications, w/ a typical video card and a
couple of drives; a $500 video card may need more!

this one is typical, 10+15 amps:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103935

this one has 16+16 amps for a few dollars more:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103927

Both are less than $60us.

Antec and Enermax are good names, mainstream, and often avail at stores
like Best Buy (tho Newegg is tops). PC Power and Cooling are
top-of-the-line (and top dollar) supplies.

-----------------

many "enthusiast" motherboards have a bios page where the voltages and
temps are listed; and many can tweak the voltages. bumping ram volts from
2.5 up to 2.6 can often stabilize things. same for adding 0.1 to the cpu.
enthusiasts bump these up when over-clocking. just take good notes (so
you can put things back if necessary) and adjust only ONE ITEM AT A TIME
so you can be sure that it has a real effect; if it seems to not make a
difference then put it back to its default.

 

[paul]

Thanks for the clarification.
My Asus P5GD2 Premium MB and P4 Prescott put quite a demand on the PS.
So far two PS's I've tried were insufficient to even power the mobo up past
the BIOS screen.

BTW Antec TPII-430 solved this problem. Thanks for the advice.