Community Newsletter: Q&A: Help! My PC keeps rebooting every 10 to 20 minutes!
- 5/9/08 1:48 PM
Your problem is not a software or driver issue
by wmarr - 5/3/08 11:23 AM In reply to: rebooting PC by jds112scottI have read a few replys to your problem, and they are right, the first reply covered all the issues.
Now, if it were me ( and yes I do fix computers - and even if I won't boot, I CAN boot it up -trust me on this one).
Here is my own solution (which is a generality of what has already been stated).
1. if you can get your hands on a known good working and compatible power supply. Try installing that first.
2. if your computer still wants to keep rebooting, remove the new ram (please turn off the computer first before doing this - it is a good idea to also unplug the computer due to what I call residual power still being filtered through the power supply unit )
3. Now since you have already formatted your computer, there should not be any "bugs" which would cause this. So.. after you have tried steps one and two, and it still has a mind of its own (rebooting), you most likely have a bios issue. In my esperience it is sometimes hard to figure out why due to how the bios is configured and written from the factory, but just the same an "undectible bug" in the bios will have detrimental effects and therefore needs to be dealt with.
So, if you computer is one of the "newer models" and it most likely is, you can go to your computer manufacturers website (on another computer of course), go to the support site for your computer, look up the model number etc, and look for the bios that came preinstalled in your computer. Down load it, and burn to a Disk.
Soon as you turn on your "problem computer" insert the disk and see if the "wizard" that comes with the new bios will open up the bios writing program. This is called flashing the bios.
Note: Be carefull about doing this, you use the wrong bios flash or firmware, and you may be looking at replacing the mother board.
But before you go to all the trouble of step 3.you should do this.
There is usually a jumper not far from the battery (little round one) on the mother board.
Turn off the computer, pull off the jumper, replace it onto pins 2 and 3 (if it was on pins one and two to start with) this will usually erase any bios setting changes that were made using "plug and play".
Start the computer. count to 20. Turn it off. Put the jumper back where it was.
Start the computer. Enter the bios setup. and reset everything. Disk drives set to auto, plug and play OS etc.
Save changes and exit let it boot up, (make a take a bit longer the first time).
Now,if your problem is solved, install the old power supply unit. keep undoing what you did to see which item started this problem. Once booted up, and it stays on without rebooting on its own, connect your old power supply, see if it still works ok, check out the ram, and possibley install it in alternate slots. (swap the ram chips in the slots) and it if still works ok, your problem is solved.
And finally, if it is not solved, you most likely need a new board.
But just before you replace the board, try replacing the Hard drive with another known working one. It will not matter what os is on the replacement hard drive. Sometimes a bad circuit on the HD can send an error to the system and cause an immediate reboot. Or you can contact me, and have it shipped to me and I will fix it.
Troubleshooting - System reboots automatically
by Ankit B. - 4/26/08 9:23 AM In reply to: Help! My PC keeps rebooting every 10 to 20 minutes! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Troubleshooting
Here are three basic sources of automatic reboot problems:
• Recovery settings
• Software incompatibilities, including driver issues
• BIOS problems
• Overheating
• Weak Memory Module
• Bad Power Supply
• Bad Motherboard
Software incompatibilities can be omitted in your case as you have already reinstalled windows. But they are still worth mentioning.
1. Recovery Settings
One of the things that is quite different about Windows XP compared to Windows 9x (9x is shorthand for Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Me in all their various versions), is that one can control how it responds to certain critical errors—those that cause the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). In Windows XP, the default setting is for the computer to reboot automatically when a fatal error occurs. Simplified, if a fatal error occurs the system will reboots automatically.
If you haven't changed any of the system failure settings, you should be able to see the error by looking in the Event Log. But a better long-term solution is to turn off the automatic reboot so you can actually see the error when it happens—chances are it will tell you enough about itself to let you troubleshoot further. To change the recovery settings to disable automatic rebooting:
1. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Advanced tab.
3. Under Startup and Recovery, click Settings to open the Startup and Recovery dialog box.
4. Clear the Automatically restart check box, and click OK the necessary number of times.
5. Restart your computer for the settings to take effect.
Now when a fatal error occurs, you'll at least see it and it won't cause an automatic reboot. You still have to sort out what's causing the problem.
2. Software Incompatibility
The most common cause of a fatal error or Automatically restart is a software or driver problem, and troubleshooting these can be tricky. The mechanism for troubleshooting, however, is pretty much the same for any problem on a PC. The first thing to look at is what's changed—what new software program or drivers have you added, usually just before the problem started. This sounds easy and it often is, but if it's something you've lived with for a while, you'll often have no idea what the proximate cause is. When you do, it's a lot easier. When you don't, you need to do a bit of research to find out if there is a specific cause for the particular error message you're getting (when you have one) or a known issue with certain programs or drivers that causes the behavior you're seeing. Also i would recommend updating your drivers and windows.
3. BIOS Problems
Finally, the last and often trickiest to troubleshoot source of reboot problems: your computer's BIOS. If there is a problem in your BIOS, or sometimes even in the firmware for one of the other pieces of hardware installed in your machine, it could cause an instability and lead to one of those automatic restarts that we talked about in the first section. Especially if the problem is in the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) portion. The good news is that these problems are much less common than they used to be in the bad old days. But it never hurts to check with your computer manufacturer to see if there's an updated BIOS available.
4. Overheating
Accumulating dust in a computers case can cause a great deal of problems with computer systems components. Dust acts as insulation and will keep the case and all of its components hot. Dust accumulating in fans and heat sinks is the major cause of overheating. Also, check your fans if they are working. I recommend a computer case be cleaned at least every 4 - 6 months.
Cleaning Tips:
• Before you clean a computer or any component, be sure to turn the power off and unplug it from the outlet.
• Use caution when cleaning inside the computers case not to disturb any plugs or jumpers. If you do, this will make for difficult troubleshooting when you turn the computer back on.|
• Avoid spraying any type of liquid directly on to a computer component. Spray the liquid on to a cloth, then apply it to the computer component.
• Never use a house vacuum cleaner to clean the dust out of your computer case. House vacuums generate a lot of static electricity that can damage your systems components. There are portable battery operated vacuums available that are designed for use in a computer environment. It is fine to use your house vacuum to suck up the dirt and dust around your computer or even to suck the dust out of your keyboard.
• Make sure that you never get any component inside your computer wet. It is not advisable to use any cleaning liquid inside the case. You can use some canned compressed air to remove any dust from the case and case fans. Be sure to take your computer to a different location when blowing the dust out.
• Be sure to visit your computer manufactures web site to find out what cleaning solvents are recommended for cleaning your computer. I recommend just using warm water for almost any computer cleaning task. But if you need a stronger cleaning solution, be sure that it is highly diluted.
5. Weak Memory Module
I know you have changed the RAM but it is important that any new RAM module(s) be fully compatible with both the motherboard and/or any other RAM module(s) already in the system (New RAM Could also be bad). Secondly, there are sometimes jumper switches on older motherboards that need to be reset for new RAM configurations. Consult your motherboard's manual or the manufacturer's web site for specific instructions and compatibility requirements. Additionally, Get a good memory test program and check your new and old RAM.
Here are a couple to choose from
http://hcidesign.com/memtest/
http://www.memtest86.com/
If you do not have your computer's manual and the manufacturer doesn't provide a support web site, you can use Crucial Memory's web site to determine the correct RAM and capacity for your specific make and model computer and/or motherboard.
If you turn on your computer and you hear a series of beeps, this behaviour usually indicates a hardware problem. The beeps that you hear are clues to what the problem could be.
6. Bad Power Supply
Your power supply could be going bad. It can be checked by using the following procedure:
ATX power supplies have a simple diagnostic circuit that you can use to determine if your power supply is good or bad. Here's how.
Tools needed: Voltmeter.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 5 minutes
1. Shut down your computer and open it up. Leave the power supply connected to the AC power cord.
2. Leave the power supply's master power switch on, if it has one.
3. Disconnect the ATX power connector from the motherboard. This is a wide, flat connector with two rows of pins and a locking tab.
4. Locate the pin connected to the gray wire. This is the PWR_OK pin.
5. Locate any pin connected to a black wire. These are the ground/earth pins.
6. Place the red (positive) probe of your voltmeter on the PWR_OK pin, and the black (negative) probe on any ground pin.
7. If the gray pin reads 2 volts or more, then the power supply passed its internal diagnostic. Your power supply is probably good.
8. If the gray pin reads much less than 1 volt, then the power supply is dead. Replace the power supply.
7. Bad Motherboard
Malfunctioning capacitors on a Motherboard can create a wide range of issues. It is even possible for capacitors to fail due to a bad Power Source. A leaking capacitor is a very easy visual check. Open your case and take a look at the Motherboard. If you see a leaking capacitor (Google it), then replacement of the Motherboard is necessary. Be sure to check if your system is still under warranty before spending your money.
Test your Motherboard. Many Motherboard manufactures have their own testing software, so try them first. Or, here are a couple listed below:
http://www.download.com/3120-20_4.html?tg=dl-20&qt=Motherboard%20Monitor&tag=srch
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,7309,00.asp
Rebooting PC (Bad Motherboard)
by kstenbch - 5/2/08 7:54 PM In reply to: Troubleshooting - System reboots automatically by Ankit B.I had this problem a couple of years ago. I had an AMD Athlon XP-1500 that I bought new in 2002. My younger step-brother who works on PCs came over my place & ran every test he could on it. Finally, he opened my tower & noticed that the capacitors on the motherboard were leaking very badly. He found out that around 2001-2003 a Chinese company that made the motherboards for HP-Compaq and other companies had had some batches with bad motherboards. He ordered a new one & installed it. He also recommended at least 512 MB of RAM. Nowadays, he'd recommend at least 1 GB & at least 2 GB if you're running Vista. This cleared up most of my problems. He also recommended McAfee Suite because I had ComCast (it is free) or AVG free, Spybot, Ad-Aware, and Zone Alarm free. These are pretty good as are Free versions of PC Tools, CCleaner, and other recommendations by CNET. I am no expert, but this was my experience, and if I bought my AMD Athlon XP-1500+ in 2002 (60 GB Hard Drive, 256 MB RAM, CDRW, then you could not have bought yours (new) too much longer after I did.
Rebooting pc bad motheboard
by allanclelland - 5/2/08 11:00 PM In reply to: Rebooting PC (Bad Motherboard) by kstenbchregarding bad batches of components.My experience was with a bad batch of caps ,installed on certain Dell boards.These were overfull with capacitor oil and once the machine was up to normal operatings temps the expanded oil had no where to go but out ..the cause of many a leaking capacitor.After a bit of investigation i found,it was a recall thing .My board was in a GX270 2.8 pentium Dell. I just replaced the board myself .The same symptoms as you though..rebooting hard every10 or 20mins.
We had 10 new pc's with the same problem
by ChristineWinters - 5/6/08 6:22 AM In reply to: Rebooting pc bad motheboard by allanclellandI purchased 10 PC's and one by one they all started having this same problem. After many different attempts to rectify this issue the last one worked. We replaced all the power supplies and motherboards. Finaly we figured out that it was the power supplies that were defective because one of them fried and filled the whole office with white smoke. So I would at the very least change the power supplies which is less than $100 if not both power supply and mother board.
Christine Winters
IT Administrator
Stern + Associates
Cranford NJ
Dell is the Key word
by ChristineWinters - 5/6/08 7:47 AM In reply to: Rebooting pc bad motheboard by allanclellandAll 10 pc's that spontaneously would reboot were just that Dell's! And like I said it was Power supplies and Mother boards with bad capacitors.
I second that.
by jb16ostos - 5/2/08 11:01 PM In reply to: Rebooting PC (Bad Motherboard) by kstenbchI believe very much in the power of leaky capacitors to "stump" people. This is kind of a generational issue with computers I think.
We got so used to software issues, and "reformatting" magically fixing all of our problems that we stopped to look for other stuff. Around the time of the 1700+ there was more than a few defective capacitors. This is why the new hoopla about "solid state" capacitors.
While it could be heat related, I think it's more likely that it's capacitors that are leaky. Visusally inspect the motherboard, any corrosion or the like on capacitors means they've leaked, if they are bloated up, they are defective as well.
Change the motherboard is the standard thing to do, once one capacitor goes bad, many go bad because they are "overloaded"(and alsofrom the same bad batch).
Two times I've been baffled by computer behavior, once on an eMac (Apple) and once a AMD 1500+ or so. They both had terrible and obvious capacitor leaks once I knew to look for them.
OK... enoughs enough buy quality comps. NOOBS READ THIS!
by cashn - 5/6/08 7:12 AM In reply to: I second that. by jb16ostosOk folks, I think that half of the computer guys that have posted here has determined that 1 we shouldnt buy motherboards with CHEAP chinese capacitors on them and 2 we shouldnt buy powersupplies that are not of name brand and NOT Made in china
So why dont we work on another problem and close this thread allready. I have 300+ spams about this and i think my post and about 100 more techies nailed it down where i am SURE it isnt going to blow away...
so again:
if your powersupply is not a Antec, Thermaltake, ULTRA, or other world class WARRANTY minded long life tested powersupply throw it out and go get one.
If your motherboard is not a premium, gamer tested, heavy duty engineeered one. Dont WINE when your crap doesnt work. if it costs less than 200 bucks it probably is garbage.
Gigabyte, ASUS, SHUTTLE, ABIT are good boards most of the time and dont get a cheaper featureless one. keep them making good boards by buying the loaded ones... THINK!
buy parts with lifetime warranty if possible
ULTRA products are great for that.
KINGSTON RAM has yet to be outlasted by many with a few other competitors coming up with lifetime warranties and better memory
Crucial comes down to second on the list.
Seagate is the only manufacturer to sell a RETAIL hard drive with a 5 year warranty.. They put their money where their mouth is . nuff said...
SO SHOP CAREFULLY.. not via the lowest price tag..
Hello
by chand_jk - 5/5/08 5:26 AM In reply to: Rebooting PC (Bad Motherboard) by kstenbchI am also using same configuration PC and experienced the same problem, solution is Replace ATX power supply.
Before replace check this.
1. When PC is rebooted check ATX 20 pin power supply connector which is connected to motherboard getting heated.
system not booting
by smithwmg1 - 5/2/08 11:33 PM In reply to: Troubleshooting - System reboots automatically by Ankit B.Thanks so much for all the suggestions. It's back up.
So what was the actual problem?
by jkotuby - 5/3/08 9:36 AM In reply to: system not booting by smithwmg1I did not see you mention which one of the suggestions helped you get the computer back up and running. Maybe you did mention it elsewhere, but I didn't see it. I am putting my money on over-heating or a bad fan, as you seem to have corrected the problem quickly.
My 2nd guess whould be that you obtained new drivers for your devices.
Am I close? If you did reply in length elsewhere just let me know and I will look for the answer. I am very busy at the moment but also interested in finding out what the fix was.
Thanks...
Help! My PC keeps rebooting every 10-20 minutes!
by rebeccaaward - 4/26/08 10:12 AM In reply to: Help! My PC keeps rebooting every 10 to 20 minutes! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have seen this happen with computers that are overheating. Have you tried opening the case and thoroughly cleaning it out? Perhaps there are dust bunnies in there blocking the air vents or preventing the fans from doing their jobs. Maybe the heatsink isn't properly seated (the machine got bumped and the heatsink is partially off-the CPU?)
Sounds like hardware
by mcgilbdd - 5/2/08 7:37 PM In reply to: Help! My PC keeps rebooting every 10-20 minutes! by rebeccaawardIt sounds like a heat related problem, probably in the power supply section of the motherboard, or the main powersupply itslef. I have expierenced both problems. I put a small fan on the capacitor bank of the motherboard powersupply, and it fixed that board. In another computer, I replaced the main power supply, and it fixed that computer. Drivers can be a problem also, but it usually develops a pattern associated with a program when that is the case. This sounds more like heat....and that usually comes from the power supply, or the processor. If you feel brave, try to hold your hand near some of the sections of the mainboard...you should be able to feel the heat without actually touching . Add a small fan to a hot area, and see if it helps.
GRAPHICS CARD
by STEVERI - 5/5/08 9:12 AM In reply to: Help! My PC keeps rebooting every 10-20 minutes! by rebeccaawardI had a similar problem, my computer would re-boot whenever I started a new game. I took out the 6800GS graphics card and put in another and the problem was resolved. I assume something went wrong with the graphics card, but under supply of power could also have been the problem. I did replace the 430w power supply with a 600w.
rebooting pc
by alone_chander - 5/6/08 7:07 AM In reply to: Help! My PC keeps rebooting every 10-20 minutes! by rebeccaawardmain problem of amd athlon processors is overheating,please conform that the heatsink of the processor is origional and its fan is working properly;
| Forum legend: | |
 |
Locked thread |
 |
Moderator |
 |
CNET staff |
 |
Samsung staff |
 |
Norton Authorized Support team |
 |
AVG staff |
 |
Windows Outreach team |
 |
Dell staff |
 |
Intel staff |
