Why would a computer keep re-booting itself? How do I go about resolving that without loosing any of my files?

Answer 1

There can be four reasons for this happening. The first one is after a Windows Update. Every so often, when Microsoft release a "Critical Patch", it corrupts the system. This is usually corrected soon after (within one or two weeks) when Microsoft release a fix for the problem. The second cause can be down to a virus. This is solved much easier by simply scanning your Hard Drive with a good Anti Virus Application. The third possibility is that it may be caused by a corrupt Boot Sector or corrupt Sys. (System) files. If that is the cause, you may need to reinstall Windows. However, before reinstalling, you should run chkdsk. From the Start menu, select "Run" and type chkdsk in the dialogue box. Depending on the version of Windows, you can try chkdsk\f. Chkdsk will scan your system and registry for problems. If you can use the \f this will automatically fix any problems. If you are using an OS earlier than Windows XP (2000, 98 etc.) you will need to type "scandisk" in the dialogue box. Windows versions earlier than XP will allow you to use DOS at Start Up. You can use Scandisk from DOS. The final possible cause is a "serious" System Error and / or a Hardware problem. To get around this, you will have to disable the "Automatic Restart on Errors". To do this, go to "Start" then "Settings". Next, select "Control Panel" then "System". In the "System" folder, select "System Properties" then select the "Advanced" tab. Now select the "Settings" button for "Startup and Recovery". Under "System Restart" make sure the box in unticked. This will allow the PC to continue booting with errors. You should now Boot in "Safe Mode" and do both an Anti Virus scan and an error scan (in My Computer, right click on C Drive and select Properties. Select "Tools" and then click on "Check Now"). If none of these solutions work, you will need to put you Windows CD in an optical drive and hopefully, it may give you the option to "Repair", if not you will have to select "Install". By ReInstalling, your files and programs should be saved as Windows will only replace the System Files. By Repairing, Windows will just overwrite any corrupt files and install any missing System files. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Sounds like your Windows is corrupt or your missing an important boot file. You could get a new harddrive and clean install Windows on that, then stick you original drive in place of your optical drive temporarily to access the data and transfer it to the new drive..

Answer 3

You don't have to reinstall windows to fix a boot sector problem.