Why does my computer restart itself...?

Question

I am running a PIII Intel Celeron 1.7ghz. CPU, with 1 gig ddr. 2 dvd drives, ati radeon 9550 agp with 256mg.ram on video card. when I play Sacred offline single player, the system will exit the game, and restart by itself...all temps are running normal, and with cooling fans. Just freshly installed XP SP2 Edition. seems to only do this when playing this game mostly. Please help?

Answer 1

First of all are you running Sacred SP with your Firewall and Anti-Virus on? I have found that with many games of this sort, you will need to disable both before playing and enable afterward. If you are running both and Sacred SP, these programs will interfere with this game and cause system crashes and restarts just like you are having. You are offline, so you are safe while playing, just remember to reengage the malware protection!
**********************************************************************
If this is not the case....

I would advise running the Windows Direct x Diagnostic Tool which gives information about the DirectX application programming interface (API) components and drivers on your system. It enables you to test sound and graphics output and Microsoft DirectPlay service providers. It also enables you to disable some hardware acceleration features.

This will determine which drivers need to be For instance, you can use this diagnostic tool to gather information for a technician during a support call. You can save the information gathered by the tool and paste it into an e-mail message.

How to run DxDiag and obtain a report...

1.Click Start --> Run
2. Type dxdiag and click OK. This will launch dxdiag. Click Next.
Check that there are no warnings on the DirectX Files tab. If there are it could be that you have corrupt/out-of-date/non WHQL drivers.
Click Next
Run all the display tests. Note any errors. (if you have two monitors you'll need to run tests for each one)
Click Next
Run all the sound tests. Note any problems or errors
Save the report to your desktop.

Attach the report to an email and send it to the provided support address of the game (Sacred) http://forum.sacredeng.ascaron-net.com/forumdisplay.php?f=85 you are experiencing problems with (normally found in the manual or on the official website).
***********************************************************
Then I would ask you to post the dxdiag results to the Sacred & Underworld Tech Support Forum where the fantastic people there will assist you further, but they request the diagnostic information from your PC first, so I'm just cutting through the

***********************************************************
Also, Sacred is a known real RAM and CPU hog and can show up faults with these components whereas other programs won't. Random restarts and system crashes like you explained are certainly not uncommon.

Here is a free memory diagnostic tool that you can use to determine if your RAM is faulty - not affliated with any RAM dealer. Instructions on site.
http://www.memtest86.com/

Answer 2

It is probably an activex control causing the problem. Games, graphics, sounds, anything that uses directx can cause an error that results in your computer restarting. I would make sure you have the latest version of directx (think its 9.0c), and drivers for your graphics card are up to date. If that doesn't seem to be the problem. Then click run and type dxdiag. That opens the directx panel there you can run tests to help you diagnose the problem.

Answer 3

There are several reasons a computer will sporadically reboot.. the application caused an error (Sacred may be the issue in and of itself); hardware malfunction (overheating CPU, PSU failure); or, if you have set overclocking, it may need to be knocked back some...

I have Sacred and while I don't actively play it anymore, I don't recall it ever causing a reboot and I am on XP Sp2 as well...

Also check your video card settings and drivers... there may be a conflict in there...

can't think of anything else that would help... hope you get this resolved soon

Answer 4

UR laptop desires a sturdy cleansing, by way of fact the temp is extreme.. Open ur cupboard and sparkling utilising a sturdy vaccum purifier/blower to do away with all t dirt over the CPU cooling fan n warmth sink and additionally the SMPS fan and the different paths have been dirt is gathered..this could desire to severely cut back the temp. of ur processor. additionally examine the RAM for any project of heating.. this could desire to help u... :)

Answer 5

may be the game have some problem with ur graphic card. try to find an updated version for u graphic card. at www.amd.com. u click on download and choose the spec according to ur pc

Answer 6

check if your pc has met the minimum system requirements of the game. if your pc is capable of running the game, try uninstalling the game then observe your pc while running other programs...

if it still crashes... you may have a virus infection... i suggest a complete system scan...

Answer 7

Usually when a computer restarts itself is not good,and is usually a hardware issue.
It definitely has something to do with the game.,maybe drivers.
check it out..let us know what happens.
Good luck!
N.

Answer 8

Try re-installing the game. Uninstall and then re-install..


If problem still persists...re-format your hard drive.

If problem still persists, take you pc to some IT support center.

Answer 9

if you get a message conting down from 59 seconds, then you have a virus. call Sasser, if that is the case contact me i have the tools.

Answer 10

probably because your hard drives are positioned too close on top of one another...yes you may have your cooling devices on, but it may not help if your hard drives are positioned in such a way...do check it out before things get worsened...