Reboot Problems (Unwanted reboots)

[djblade]

Hi all, my pc has developed a problem where it reboots then tells me i have had a serious error, when i check out this error, get bad driver diagnosis... dont think i've changed any hardware, or added software, the problem seems to occur when ever i do anything intense, like encode a dvd backup, no probs if just lightly using the pc, any idea's on how to track down the fault ??

thanks in advance.......

P.S. Had the same exact problem before, this was caused by overheating....... but for a fact, this is not the cause, as things are running pretty much on the cool side, could i of caused damage with the earlier over heating problems (even though things seemed fine for a while after the fix)

[Xylob the Destroyer]

I have had this exact same problem for almost 2 years now.
There is no pattern to it -- I can run intensive programs like an encode or back-up for a week straight with no problem.
Turn the PC off for a couple days and when I come back to it, it just keep rebooting and gives me that web-page that says the "error was caused bya a device driver".
WHICH ONE?!?!?!!?
sooooooo annoying.
device manager says everything is just fine.

if you figure it out, let me know!

[Vanster]

I had a similar problem a couple of years ago. Mine also acted up moreso when I was doing something processor intensive. Turns out I had a bad RAM module. I had two 512 modules so I removed them one at a time and used the computer. Turns out the computer ran like a charm when I removed he second one. I returned the chip to Kingston and they replaced it free of charge.

You too might have some bad RAM.

[Morse2]

Hi djblade;

I concur on the tentative "bad ram" diagnosis. To (for free!) test if this is the case, google "memtest 86" and download the latest version. Burn it as an isoimage on CD and boot off that. If a memory module can run overnight without producing a single error, I usually treat it as 'passing', though if time allows I like to run a 48 hour test. Even a single error in 48 hours is too many.

BTW, if the system hangs or reboots during a memtest run, you generally have some spectacularly bad ram - I just RMA'd a pair of pricey name brand modules for just that reason.....

Good luck and all the best,
Morse

[HAMP]

Could also be a bad power supply. They can act really wierd and often have you thinking it's something else, like overheating!

[jimmalenko]

The telltale sign IMHO is that it's when you do "heavy" processing tasks. This pretty much points to a problem with the CPU and/or the RAM IMO. However you say you're running pretty cool so the RAM would probably be the most likely culprit given the evidence I think.

[Doramius]

I agree with a possible RAM module problem. When you overheated that first time, it may not have caused damage to your CPU, but very few people think about their RAM. Problems of that nature can cause damage to RAM as well, but is often overlooked. On occasion there's permanent damage to the MoBo itself.

[djblade]

Ok, thanks for the replys, i've decided to build a new pc, as my case is knackered, and due to the probs, decided starting out afreash....... I've ordered a new case, 300gb maxtor HD, and 1GB of Crucial Ram....... Gonna stick my current MOBO and CPU in, and if the same problems continue, get a new MOBO and CPU (will come back for advice on possible componants if needed)

[Doramius]

I think you'll end up much happier in the end building a whole new system. I always am.

When it comes to building new computers I'm like a Hilton girl at the mall.