random restarts in WinXP Pro

[Wintermute76]

I"ve recently had some problems with mt PC randomly restarting. when it starts back up and I go thru all the stuff for the error report, it says that it was caused by a device driver. I haven't added anything new since I built it and got it running in mid-March, been rock stable until about 2 weeks ago. What should I look for in the event viewer to help me narrow this down?

 

[Mavtech]

I have the same problem sometimes. It happens about once or twice a week. I think it has to do with the power supply. It is either low quality PS or not enough power for all the drives you have installed on that particular system. I am going to replace mine pretty soon and see if that makes a difference.

 

[foxkm]

Sorry,

Thats bad news.. It could be ANYTHING in your PC. I have seen hard drives, memory, Motherboards, Video cards, PSU's
all cause the machine to be unstable and have problems. Start by obtaining anoterh hard drive and install XP on it and test. Then swap memory, video card.. etc until it stops acting up.
Good luck

 

[EeyoreX]

First thing I would do is to check your CPU temps. Try the BIOS or MBM5 and see if they are running high. If you are getting blue screens, I'd check your RAM with memtest86 and see if that is the problem. Personally, I'd save reinstalling your OS as a last resort, after I tried swapping parts to see if the problem goes away after you remove some RAM or change video cards. Though, again, I would start by checking my CPU temps, then move on to my RAM.

\Dan

 

[JokerJKNY]

i couldnt agree more.

usually, its a prob with temperature. get an easy temp guage for your CPU. if you've got an Asus board, dl their's on the website.

a quick fix would be to try underclocking, and seeing if it helps any. if not, then it could be a myriad of things. but, i'd start with your memory. try swapping out some sticks, and trying a fresh new set or a set from another comp.

 

[skyking]

memtest86 is free, easy, and my first check for random reboot issues. so far, it has always been the ram.

 

[calvink]

Yeah, my guess would be temps considering summer is around the corner.

 

[ShawnReeves]

Also disable the "Reboot on Error" (bug) under system tab. Make sure you have the latest updates also.

 

[Splork]

I was having the same problems awhile back. Basically, I fixed it by adjusting the airflow in my case lowering the temps greatly, and secondly, replacing the "dated" IDE cables I was using. Now she runs for days without a hitch. Goodluck.

-sp

 

[Wintermute76]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

My system temps are right around 32 and 34 C. I"m clocked at 166 x 10.5 right now. My PSU is an Antec Truepower 380 quiet version.

It hasn't done it now for the last 4 days I"ve had it up and running.

I"ll have to run memtest and see what it says.

Thanks again

 

[boyz]

I had that once i think i might be the irq conflicts try rearranging the cards

 

[Wintermute76]

Only the video card, nothing in the PCI slots at all

 

[Planetjewelry]

FYI - Memtest takes about 5 hours+ for the complete test. Just be prepared.

 

[skyking]

Originally posted by: Planetjewelry
FYI - Memtest takes about 5 hours+ for the complete test. Just be prepared.

Not true! If the mem is very crappy at all, it will toss out errors immediately and often. If it does not error in the first 45 minutes, it will likely not error. You can leave it overnight if you want to be sure, but a standard battery of 7 tests runs in 45 minutes on modern machines. each additional loop without errors is just assurance that the ram is good.

 

[CTho9305]

What specs take you 5 hours to memtest? 256mb pc100 and 512mb pc3200 each took well under an hour to do a pass (closer to 30 minutes), and you generally only need 1 pass.

 

[Wintermute76]

I started memtest before I came to work, was looking good with no errors at 75% done.

 

[Wintermute76]

I ran Memtest, no problems at all. I re-installed XP, and now it's doing it with a fresh installation, so I think that rules out the OS. What else should I be taking a look at? My Rig is the top one in my sig. Thanks in advance

 

[thebigbear]

 

[thebigbear]

I joined this form because of this problem. I have a Shuttle FNG2 with almost the same arrangement as yours - AMD 2100, dual 256 DDR RAM, onboard Nvidia, with Windows 2000 OS. Almost since the beginning it has had spontaneous restarts, maybe up to 4 times a day. It also has had trouble with a couple of the Microsoft Office programs. I've changed out memory, observed the CPU temps, reloaded the OS and surfed the other forms without much luck. I'm starting to suspect it is the Nforce 2 chip or the AMD 2100 to be the culprit. I did upgrade the BIOS with no effect. The next thing will be to try replacing the CPU with a different AMD unit, probably a 2600.

What I have read on other forums is that it could possibly be related to the OS itself. I've run Sandra on every possible component with no problems. Still keep kicking off every so often.