My computer keeps restarting out of the blue?

Question

My computer just restarts randomly when i'm doing stuff...i tink it mostly happens when im on the net. Is this is a virus or somthing else?

What should i do about this?

Tanx for ur help!

Answer 1

Unfortunately there are 101 reasons for this.

It could be a virus. A good test is to start in safe mode and leave it running to see if it still happens. If not then it is most likely a virus but it could also be a corrupted device driver.

Make sure the virus definitions are up-to-date and run a full scan - which should still work in safe mode. If you don't have one, tut tut! :-) Get yourself to http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5 and download AVG Free - it is a very good piece of anti-virus software and is 100% free. I have seen it find viruses that Norton ignored.

If it isn't that then I would first try re-installing Windows which I assume you are using. If your computer fails to reset anymore then it was the classic syndrome of Windows slowly destroying itself until bits of it fail to function - don't forget to re-download the critical updates. There is another possible Windows related cause. Some Windows sceptics (of which I am one though I continue to use it) claim that ripped-off copies of Windows XP will deliberately destroy themselves so the above situation happens quicker. They say Windows Genuine Advantage is an example of this overtly instead of covertly. If you are using a ripped-off copy of XP try installing 2000 Second Edition instead (I use it with no problems) and see if that solves it.

The third, and least desirable, possibility is malfunctioning hardware. It could be as simple as over-heating - computers function better the cooler they are and most CPUs now contain a safety shut-down if it gets to hot - you get no warning! Next time it happens, when the computer starts up press F8 (or possibly another key but it will say on the screen) to enter the setup options in the bios. There should be an option to show the system and CPU temperature - if either of these show over 50 degrees C then this is probably your problem. Causes of over-heating are many but include non-functioning fans, poor seating of the CPU fan, or poorly applied thermal paste, on the CPU, too much cabling preventing free airflow round the inside of the case or a power supply not powerful enough to satisy the system requirements. If the temperatures are OK then other hardware problems include dry solder joints, physical damage, electrostatic damage (you haven't been handling the circuit boards without discharging static electricity from your body first have you?) or just plain old hardware death. If you feel brave enough you could try removing PCI or graphics cards one at a time and checking if the problem disappears but you should really uninstall the device first and re-install it once you put it back in. It could just be the fuse in the plug for your computer - try swapping the power leads for your computer and monitor first before opening the computer up!

Do you have any computer geek mates? Ask them for some help. Failing that take it to a repair shop but be prepared for the possibility of spending money to be told you have a dying motherboard or CPU.

If none of my tips work then you can also ask the real experts against whom my PC skills are as nothing. These people only exist in expert forums and are rarely seen in the physical world :-o

I recommend geeks-to-go who have helped me out on a number of occassions. It is easy and free to register.

This is the registration page link: http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/index.php?act=Reg&CODE=00

Make sure you tell them EVERYTHING. Start with a basic summary as you have above, then list as much detail as you can about when it happens most, how long does it usually stay on for. And make a list of the exact specific names for as many of the parts of your computer as you can. Take the side off and read the makes and models from the components themselves if you have to. The more info you give the better answer you will get.

I hope you have luck.

Answer 2

Could be a virus, run a scan with your antivirus.

Could also be a hardware problem If the processor in your Pc overheats it tends to shut down to prevent damage. Make sure any fans on your PC are working and clean out any air intakes. Check everything in your PC is plugged in firmly (only open PC if out of warranty and you feel confident. Make sure the power cable of your PC is plugged in firmly.

If your Pc is still under warranty give them a call

Answer 3

In other words check for a virus.

http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/ActiveScan.htm

If you don't have a virus you're best off going to a repair shop unless you have the experience to fix it yourself.

I had the same problem with the Blaster virus a couple years ago and this free virus scan fixed it - unless of course you have your own antivirus software installed.

Answer 4

You may want to remove any software that was recently installed, that may be causing this issue. If no software has been installed, try performing any Windows updates: www.windowsupdate.com You could also try a system restore.

If it doesn't seem to be a software-related issue, you may want to have a technician look at it. It could be anything from the motherboard capacitors (very possible with some newer Dells) to the power supply.

Answer 5

There are around 200 blue screen diagnostics... Please note that there is a line in the blue screen in UPPERCASE stating the reason for the crash, as IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL. Also a number like 0x0A... Could you please note this line and also the windows version you are using and write back this info? Help us to help you ;) As Tim W pointed out, most of the time BSODs (this is how many people call them, Blue Screens of Death) are related to hardware failures, sometimes software like device drivers. I need to add to Tim´s list that hard disk errors can also generate BSODs and that this is very common... [Antonio Feitosa]

Answer 6

ya i had the same virus i would reccomend doing a system restore I also reccomend doing a destructive restore or a restore that results in the permanent deletion of all files. thats pretty much the only option. If you plan on using ur computer from now on.

Answer 7

always worth a virus/adwaare/spyware check but these are unlikely to cause a BSOD!

run any 'maintenance' software to check for windows errors, notably in the registry

Answer 8

have you got broadband?
because this sounds like the lsass virus that was about for the broadband systems a few yrs back.

Answer 9

check your motherboard bios and check the tempertures out could be your proccesor overheathing and the thermal throttle cutting in to protect it..if thats the case check your fan is working ok , get your vacuum cleaner and clean all the dust around it .

Answer 10

sounds like your processer is getting to hot open your case and check your fan on it is not full of dust because this belive it or not this will cause it to shut down when it's gets to hot just use you home vacum cleaner hope this helps