Computer reboot frequently.

[hypeMarked]

Hi all,

Here's my freshly built computer:

ANTEC Performance Plus Case with 430W Power Supply, Model "PLUS1080AMG" -RETAIL
ASUS "P4P800-E Deluxe" i865PE Chipset Motherboard for Intel Socket 478 CPU -RETAIL
ATI RADEON 9800PRO Video Card, 128MB DDR, 256-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP -RETAIL
Intel Pentium 4/ 3.0C GHz 800MHz FSB, 512KB L2 Cache, Hyper Threading Technology - Retail
OCZ Enhanced Latency Series Dual Channel Kits 184 Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 - Retail
Western Digital 160GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model WD1600JD, OEM Drive Only
Western Digital Raptor 74GB 10,000RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model WD740GD, OEM Drive Only
NEC 8X Beige Dual Layer DVD+/-RW Drive, Model ND-2510A, OEM BULK
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 PCI Sound Card, Model "SB0244" -OEM

I am using the Raptor as a boot up drive. The raptor is a sata drive so I hook it up to the sata1 on the motherboard; motherboard recognizes it as 3rd primary master. The 1st primary master is hooked up with the DVD burner. The sata2 on the motherboard is hooked up with the 160 gig sata hdd. Here's my problem:

1) During the fresh installation of WinXP, where it's copying files from the cd to the hdd, the computer just rebooted:brokenheart:. It acts like I physically press the reset button. Second time around it installs fine.

2) After windows is loaded, I tried to copy files from a cd to the 160 gig hdd and it does the same thing like the first problem:frown:.

3) When I use WMP to play a video file, it does the same thing like the first problem:disgust:.

4) When I tried to do video editing, same thing happens:|.

5) When I install the driver for the sound card using the driver cd that comes with it, during the installation process, it does that same thing like the first problem:shocked:.

I didn't think I did anything wrong but please help me trouble shoot this problem. Thanks

 

[hypeMarked]

Help???

 

[Gurck]

The power supply should definitely be sufficient, so that leaves the two most likely suspects as bad ram and a virus/worm/spyware. To check the first download a memory tester or run the computer with just one 512 stick, see if you have problems, then the other & see if you have problems. To check for spyware, download the latest versions of AdAware and Spybot (both free), *update them online*, then run them. To check for viruses, if you don't already have a scanner and would like a free one, AVG free is a decent one, available at www.grisoft.com. Again, running a spyware or virus checker without updating it first to the latest definitions is pointless.

Iirc one symptom of the sasser worm is frequent & random reboots. Try enabling the firewall, then updating windows. You did update it right after the install, right? Either by going through windows update, or by opening Internet Explorer (no other browser works for this) and going to microsoft.com and following the links to update.

 

[hypeMarked]

I am behind a router, and it's a clean install. I am sure that there are no spyware or virus on the computer. I'll probably do the memtest86. Did sp2 for winxp out yet? Any other suggestion? Thanks

 

[Gurck]

I've read that you don't need to have run an .exe or opened a .doc for sasser and some other worms to affect your computer; that any computer with an internet connection and without the proper updates can be affected by it. If you haven't updated your install... I don't know what to say... just go update it. Asap.

Even if your problem turns out to simply be bad ram, it's a good idea to have all the latest critical updates.

Also, Antec makes great, high quality products... but nobody's perfect, I suppose a bad psu could have slipped through the cracks and ended up in your rig. I'll let someone else elaborate on testing it, as I haven't a clue in that area.