systems reboots all the time too

  • Thread starter Thread starter amy
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amy

my comp reboots suddenly too.. just like leigh's problem..
isn't there anyone who can help? i haven't the slightest
clue what's going on.. help!
 
amy said:
my comp reboots suddenly too.. just like leigh's problem..
isn't there anyone who can help? i haven't the slightest
clue what's going on.. help!
Click to expand...

Check out your hardware:

1. Make sure your CPU and case temperatures are OK, and
that the CPU fan, case fans, and any other fans are
working.

2. Shut down your computer and turn off power *at the
surge protector* (which cuts off standby power while
leaving your computer grounded) or unplug it. Take
the standard protections against static electricity
(wear a wrist strap or keep one hand grounded at all
times).

3. Open up your computer and dust it out. *Do not use a
vacuum cleaner* - it might cause static discharge.
Get some dust remover spray (RadioShack has it) and
a dust mask, and take your computer outside and spray
out the dust. Keep the end of the spray straw at least
six inches from any components and keep it moving so as
to avoid excessive thermal shock to the components.

4. Reseat all the modules and cables inside your computer.

5. Run "memtest86" (download from http://www.memtest86.com)
to thoroughly check out your memory. You should get
zero errors.

6. Run a full set of hardware diagnostics. ("diag378.exe",
downloadable from ftp://ftp1.dell.com/diags, after a few
complaints, will run on most non-Dell computers.)
You should get zero errors.

-- Bob Day
 
I agree with Bob. When a computer keeps rebooting it's
generally either the CPU fan or power supply failing.
Generally I replace both to be on the safe side.
 
First step is to collect facts. Facts such as what is
stored in system (event) logs. What does Device Manager say?
And then the most important fact that requires the so
inexpensive and so ubiquitous 3.5 digit multimeter. Measure
DC voltages from that power supply as listed in the chart in:
http://www.hardwaresite.net/faqpowersupply.html

Bob Day has also provided system diagnostics and memory
test. Notice that better machines provide full system
diagnostics.

Memory test should be performed with a hair dryer blowing
high heat - so that memory is uncomfortable to touch but does
not remove skin. That is normal operating temperature that
will also make memory intermittents easier to locate.

Not listed - which type of processor? If Intel, then heat
will not crash the machine - only make it run slower.

Do not change anything until basic facts have been
obtained. Above is the first information obtained to locate
the intermittent. Don't try to fix it until you have first
identified it. Above is how one identifies reason for failure.
 
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