Member Avatar for hanakawhia

I have been having trouble with my computer for the past week. I can be in the middle of something and all of a sudden it shuts itself down and restarts, any help or ideas how to fix this would be great. :confused:

  • 8 Contributors
  • 8 Replies
  • 413 Views
  • 6 Years Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by debugger09

Dani AI

Generated

Random shutdowns that immediately reboot an XP system almost always point to either an unhandled system crash or an abrupt loss of power. Likely categories are failing power delivery, thermal shutdowns, bad RAM, faulty kernel‑mode drivers, or malware. As noted, hardware and running processes are relevant; and raised malware; and mentioned power/heat; mentioned firewall settings and asked about blue screens. The short goal is: capture diagnostic evidence first, then isolate hardware versus software.

First priorities: stop automatic reboot so any BSOD can be read (My Computer → Properties → Advanced → Startup and Recovery → Settings → uncheck “Automatically restart”). Reproduce the failure and note the STOP code and any driver name shown. Check the System log in Event Viewer (Control Panel → Administrative Tools → Event Viewer) for entries at the failure time — unexpected‑shutdown, bugcheck or driver errors are the most useful clues. Ensure crash dumps will be written (Startup and Recovery → Write debugging information) so a memory dump is available for later analysis.

Next, run basic diagnostics and isolation steps: bootable memory testing (Memtest86+ for multiple passes); disk and system‑file checks; reseat or test RAM sticks one at a time; remove nonessential cards/peripherals and test on minimal hardware. From an elevated command prompt on XP:

chkdsk C: /f
sfc /scannow

For desktops, try a known‑good PSU or measure voltages. For laptops, verify fan operation, clean dust from vents/heatsinks and check thermal interface material. Crashes that only occur under heavy 3D/game load usually indicate thermal or power‑delivery issues.

If malware is still suspected, isolate the machine from networks and scan from an offline/bootable rescue medium. Back up important files before intensive repairs. Opening PSUs or replacing components carries risk; a qualified technician is recommended when hardware work is unfamiliar. Recording STOP codes and the corresponding Event Viewer messages will greatly narrow the next troubleshooting steps.

Recommended Answers

All 8 Replies

Member Avatar for Slade

Could you tell me what hardware you have? and what processes are running.

Member Avatar for condorcanqui

Are you playing a game when it restarts?


IT could be your power supply

Member Avatar for DMR

Sounds like you may have Sasser Virus

I'll second that possiblility. Get the most current updates for your anti-virus program, restart in Safe mode, and do a full system scan.

Member Avatar for sana319

u have to do one thing
and that is . go to ur inter net connection properties advance and chick ur firewall option then u will never have this problum...

Member Avatar for aquarius

u have to do one thing
and that is . go to ur inter net connection properties advance and chick ur firewall option then u will never have this problum...

I agree this is a sound thing to do before you get infected, but if you are already infected, you may need to get this download which will help you dissinfect:-

save it locally and run it to dissinfect sasser.

After that patch your pc from the following location, so you will not be re-infected:-

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS04-011.mspx

Good luck
Aquarius
:)

Member Avatar for dustbunny2

I know what works for me:

Well, I get this problem all the time--but ONLY when I play a game that is not run in a Window. jewel Quest, Sid Meyer's Pirates, Half-Life (I just re-bought the Orange Box), and Tom Clancy's game. I have an ACER laptop, and it is a heat issue. Ho I solved it was to take a box of watercolor paints (plastic box about 1/2 inch high, and about 12" wide) and set it under the very back of my laptop. That REALLY helped cool off my computer--even though I cannot see any kind of difference, my computer is much happier.

If you are having a problem with your laptop, try that. If you are using a tower, remove the case, clean the fan, maybe move your computer to a more airy location. My specs:

ACER laptop, Windows XP, games listed above--basically anything that takes you OUT of Windows.

Member Avatar for debugger09

do you get a blue screen showing memory error before it shuts down

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.