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Computer resets for no reason

C

cc72

Junior Member

I am having some problems with my new computer resetting for no apparent reason and I was hoping that someone might be able to shed some light on the matter.

My computer is relatively new and I have noticed that it sometimes performs a warm reboot without warning when I close a number of windows in succession. My configuration is as follows:

Windows XP Professional
AMD 1800XP
Thermaltake 6CU
Gigabyte GA-7VRXP
2x256MB PC2100 (Nanya)
Leadtek A170 GF4MX440
Seagate 80G 7200rpm
LG 40x40x12
Creative DVD 6x
Onboard sound
Onboard LAN

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Colin
 
the exact same thing was happening to me. it is normal. the default setting for windows xp is to not show you a blue screen and instead automatically restart when there is a system failure. if you want to turn blue screens back on so you know why the failure is happening (or you just like to know).

go to System Properties > Advanced > Startup and Recover - Settings > System Failure - uncheck automatically restart.
you can get system properties by right clicking on my computer in the Start Menu.

hope this helps
 
You could have a weak power supply. What's the wattage rating, and is it AMD approved?
 
Suggestion #1: Weak Powersupply. Get 300W+ PS if you don't have one already
Suggestion #2: Faulty RAM, are you running at 133/133. Try running at 100/100
Suggestion #3: How hot is your CPU running?
-- mrcodedude
 

I have an AOpen H600A case which comes with an AMD approved 300W power supply. My CPU temperature varies between 42 degrees C (idle) and 46 degrees C (under load) which is pretty normal judging from other people's experience.

The strange thing about it all is that the system doesn't crash when I am running multiple applications - only when I start shutting them down!

My RAM is rated at PC2100 CAS 2.0. Nevertheless, I will try running it at 100Mhz to see if that helps.

Still not sure whether it is a hardware or a software problem. Is it worthwhile updating my BIOS and video drivers (the versions that I am using are less than 6 months old)?

Cheers,
Colin
 
I would guess a weak PSU. Same thing happened to me on a computer I have. It just sat there idling and then it rebooted. Changed out the psu and everything works fine now.
 
Here is where i found out about XP rebooting. im posting this because no one acknowledged my post 🙁 and i want to feel clever. 🙂

"Windows 2000 and Windows XP have a feature, that is enabled by default, which automatically reboots the computer when a BSOD ("Blue Screen of Death") is encountered. If your computer is automatically rebooting disabling this feature will allow to see the error message on the BSOD.

To disable this feature, open System Properties by right clicking on My Computer and selecting Properties. Alternatively you can hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and press Pause/Break.

Once you have System Properties open click on the Advanced tab, then click on the Startup and Recovery button at the bottom. When the Startup and Recovery panel opens simply uncheck Automatically Reboot. Then select OK twice. Now the next time your computer encounters the problem you will be presented with a screen that will help you track down the issue you are having.

For help in diagnosing the error message you may want to reference Demystifying the 'Blue Screen of Death' in the TechNet section of Microsoft's website. " - Psychoholic



The Anandtech Article on This

though im not dismissing that it might be the power supply. it just seems that if he sees a pattern for when it crashes (like closing a bunch of windows), then it is probably a software issue.
 
Thanks Rayden - I have now disabled the auto reboot option. Hopefully, I will be able to more accurately diagnose the problem when the next BSOD occurs.

Cheers,
Colin
 
I had the same problem after installing a PCI Firewire card in my new computer. I had tried Rayden's fix, and my computer was still rebooting with no warning, etc... Finally changed the setting "Wake on PCI PME" in my BIOS, and the problem was solved.
 
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