Ad: Manage updates with the Download App
ie8 fix

Computer help forum: Testing desktop hardware/Ramdom reboot.

by: lsl November 12, 2009 7:13 AM PST

Like this

0 people like this thread

Staff pick

Testing desktop hardware/Ramdom reboot.

by lsl - 11/12/09 7:13 AM

I have a Dell 4700 that has been randomly restarting during boot-up. I say randomly because it is not always at the same point during startup. Sometimes it reboots at the Windows startup screen, sometimes when Im go to login.

If I let it sit for about 10 minutes in whatever state its in, I can reboot and everything is fine. Almost seems like the computer needs to warm-up.

It started happening with WinXP. I thought it was maybe a corrupted sys file, so I removed the drive, did a low-level format and installed Windows 7. No-change.

Now Im leaning towards a hardware issue, but dont know how to test it. I dont want to put the money into a new processor or motherboard unless I can be sure that is the problems.

The BIOS is up to date so Im at a complete loss. I have enabled the system error reporting, but nothing is there.

Any ideas would greatly be appreciated. Thanks in advance.


Reply
Report offensive post
Email to friend

That's a symptom of a known issue.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 11/12/09 7:26 AM

In Reply to: Testing desktop hardware/Ramdom reboot. by lsl

Google BAD CAPS and you find a common cause of this symptom. There are kits with replacement caps but I find it too expensive to replace these. Instead I replace the motherboard and the power supply.

Those that are not familiar with this issue will spend weeks, months or longer reloading the OS, running memory tests and more.
Bob


Was this reply helpful? (0)   (0)

Staff pick

Reply
Report offensive post
Email to friend

Perfect Answer

by lsl - 11/12/09 9:22 AM

In Reply to: That's a symptom of a known issue. by R. Proffitt Moderator

Thanks so much... You are totally correct. I recall reading something out this before.

This computer is more-less a test machine, so I am going to check out the cost of replacing the caps myself before buying a new mb.

After receiving a quote of $150, to replace a Dell latop power connector, I was able to by a new one on ebay for under $4.00 and did the replacement myself in under a few hours.

Thanks again.


Was this reply helpful? (0)   (0)

Staff pick

Reply
Report offensive post
Email to friend

Forum Icon Legend

  • UnreadUnread
  • ReadRead
  • Locked threadLocked thread
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  • ModeratorModerator
  • CNET StaffCNET Staff
  • Samsung StaffSamsung Staff
  • Norton Authorized Support TeamNorton Authorized Support Team
  • AVG StaffAVG Staff
  • avast! Staffavast! Staff
  • Webroot Support TeamWebroot Support Team
  • Acer Customer Experience TeamAcer Customer Experience Team
  • Windows Outreach TeamWindows Outreach Team
  • DISH staffDISH staff
  • Dell StaffDell Staff
  • Intel StaffIntel Staff
  • QuestionQuestion
  • Resolved questionResolved question
  • General discussionGeneral discussion
  • TipTip
  • Alert or warningAlert or warning
  • PraisePraise
  • RantRant

You are e-mailing the following post: Post Subject

Your e-mail address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the e-mail and in case of transmission error. Neither your address nor the recipient's address will be used for any other purpose.

Sorry, there was a problem emailing this post. Please try again.

Submit Email Cancel

Thank you. Sent email to

Close

Thank you. Sent email to

Close

You are reporting the following post: Post Subject

If you believe this post is offensive or violates the CNET Forums' Usage policies, you can report it below (this will not automatically remove the post). Once reported, our moderators will be notified and the post will be reviewed.

Offensive: Sexually explicit or offensive language

Spam: Advertisements or commercial links

Disruptive posting: Flaming or offending other users

Illegal activities: Promote cracked software, or other illegal content

Sorry, there was a problem submitting your post. Please try again.

Submit Report Cancel

Your message has been submitted and will be reviewed by our staff. Thank you for helping us maintain CNET's great community.

Close

Your message has been submitted and will be reviewed by our staff. Thank you for helping us maintain CNET's great community.

Close

You are posting a reply to: Post Subject

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited. Please refer to the CNET Forums policies for details. All submitted content is subject to CBS Interactive Site Terms of Use.

You are currently tracking this discussion. Click here to manage your tracked discussions.

If you're asking for technical help, please be sure to include all your system info, including operating system, model number, and any other specifics related to the problem. Also please exercise your best judgment when posting in the forums--revealing personal information such as your e-mail address, telephone number, and address is not recommended.

Sorry, there was a problem submitting your post. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem generating the preview. Please try again.

Duplicate posts are not allowed in the forums. Please edit your post and submit again.

Submit Reply Preview Cancel

Thank you, , your post has been submitted.

> Click here to view your post. > Manage your tracked discussions. > Track this discussion. Close

Thank you, , your post has been submitted and will appear on our site shortly.

Close