PC keeps rebooting itself

HI
I'm having problems with my pc as it keep rebooting itself. I will just to say get it up and running to desktop or even connect to the net for a few minutes and it will shut down and reboot.sometimes its a few minutes sometimes 20 mins, it is also not retaining memmory, I have reformatted the HDD and started installing programs again but each time it shuts down and restarts it asks me to imput same information over and over again.
I was wondering if this was a HDD failure or some other hardware problem, i'v checked all connections inside and nothing is loose,
Any Ideas????
It gives no warning of shuttingdown or any messages when rebooting.
Stitch

 

Whilst there are many hardware problems that can cause this, I suggest you run a thorough malware check if you can, perhaps by putting the hard disk in another PC since you only get a few minutes of up-time.

Could you be a bit more specific about what you mean by "it is also not retaining memmory" [sic] and "it asks me to imput same information over and over again" [sic]. What information?

 

HI
Tha HDD has just been re formatted so there is nothing on it but windows but i did do virus check and other malware checks anyway as a matter of course. I have just booted the PC up after being out all day and it went straight into the bios and is on the advanced screen which deals with cpu speed frequency and Vcore setting, It has come up with.......During last boot up your system hung for an impropper CPU speed setting. Your system is now working in safe mode. To optimize the system performance and reliability make sure your CPU speed conforms to the specifications of your CPU. As far as i know this has never been changed as i tend to leave the bios alone due to not knowing anything more about it other than the boot sequence.... The CPU is on 1600MHz which is as far as i know correct. Vcore setting is on Auto, Could the CPU be getting to hot and is shutting down?
Would lowering the speed to 1200 help, I dont mind the pc being a tad slower as anything is faster than my lap top which i am on at moment.
Stitch

 

Hi,
have you patched up your system with "all latest patches and hotfix" , have you install buffer over run patch !? , have you tried *shutdown /a* ?


Regards

 

It's certainly possible the CPU could be overheating (check the fan runs and the heatsink hasn't been dislodged). If it resets whilst in the BIOS screen you could monitor the CPU temperature from there. If it does reset outside of Windows that would allow you to eliminate the possibility ghemant raises, though note that *not* resetting outside of Windows doesn't mean Windows is the problem, as Windows makes the processor work harder than the BIOS screen does.

It's also always worth unplugging everything and plugging it back in again to clean contacts before condemning anything.

I'm intrigued by that BIOS message. I would certainly want to take a close look at the BIOS settings, perhaps starting by setting everything to the safe set of options and seeing what happens. Make sure you set to it dangerous first and then back to safe, to ensure the settings changing software actually runs.

I wonder if there is a problem with the CMOS battery. Might be worth changing, just so you can eliminate it.

 

HI Brummig
Right I have checked all the connections, unplugging anr replugging them , that never hellped, both the cpu fan and case fan are running ok, i cant feel any exceptional heat anywhere but tthen i dont know how warm it should feel, could you explain a bit more on how to change the settings for the cpu from dangerous to safe, Thanks

Ghemant,
the system was all up todate with all patches and such i just had to much rubish on it so decided to reformat so it was a clean install with only windows, sp2, firewall and antivirus running . the system was shuting down before the reformat and is still doing it afterwards.
buffer over run patch and shutdown/a i dont understand

Stitch

 

Sorry - just my weird sense of humour. This varies from BIOS to BIOS, but usually, somewhere in the BIOS screen you can switch between two preset sets of settings. One is generally called something like "safe ", whilst the other is called something like "optimal ". First pick "optimal ", save settings, reboot, and go back to the BIOS screen. Then pick "safe ", save settings, reboot, and let Windows run. If it reboots itself, go back to the BIOS and see if you get that message again. If you do, to me that would suggest something is going wrong in the BIOS somehow. But let's progress one step at a time.

Regarding CPU temperature, the CPU will survive temperatures that will cause you significant discomfort. However, you really need to use the CPU temperature readout in the BIOS screen. The temperature should rise and then stabilise. If it carries on rising and then the PC reboots, we need to look into that.

 

hi
well i changed the battery, pinched the one out of the kids pc to start with as its newer than mine but only by 6 months,
i have turned the clock speed down to 1200 mhz from 1600 though it does say it should handle a maximum of 2250mhz,
my processor is an AMD athlon(TM) XP1900+ motherboard is AsusTek A7V8X-X.
Is there a program that i can download that will tell me the temperature that things are running at at the time it reboots, i know i have AIDA32 but as far as i can see this only tells me the temp of the motherboard at the present time, i was wondering if there was one that shows the CPU temperature, weather it fluctuates or anything????

Saying that so far because of the battery change the clock reset and it has now been running for just over an hour without shutting down, fingers crossed on that one but i would still like to see the cpu temp if i could

Stitch

 

HI Guys
Pc has been running now for just over 4 hours without shutting down, so far all i have done is unplug all internal conections and reseat them, change the battery and turn the cpu speed down a bit, im sure this cant be it though but will keep my fingets crossed.
Stitch

 

It is most likely that it was your battery. Especially with the bios message it was probably the weak battery that was causing corruption in the CMOS for the bios. By changeing the battery you reset the CMOS and it loaded clean. Now, with a good battery it stays intact.

Since you are already in the thing and there is only 6 months difference in the batteries I would go get two new ones.

The max. speed for an AMD Athalon XP 1900 is 1600MHz.. I would try to go back to 1600. If it shuts down, try 1500 and so on. I think it was the battery but sometimes a faulty processor will run just fine at a lower speed.

 

Perhaps it just a driver problem and you're getting a stop error. Unless you've changed it, windows will reboot by default if a stop error occurs. To change this right click on my computer>properties>advanced and click the settings button under startup and recovery. Under system failure, remove the checkmark next to the line that says automatically restart. Now, if it's a stop error that's causing it to reboot it'll stop at a blue screen with an error message.

You can also have a look at your event log and see if there's any errors in there that reference this. If it is a stop error that's causing it to reboot, by default windows will write an event to the event log. To view the event log, click start>run and type eventvwr.msc. Double click on an event to see it's contents. When you view an event, in the upper right hand corner of the window you'll see two black arrows. One pointing up and one down. Just beneath them you'll see a button with what looks like two pieces of paper on it. You can click on that button to copy the contents of the event to the clipboard and then paste it in to your replies here if you want.

 

Hi Zander

Changing the battery hasnt worked, yes it stayed on for over 4 hours last night but this morning it got as far as desk top befor rebooting itself. I have unchecked the box that you mentioned about automatically restarting in the computer properties, I have also looked at the event log, no errors or warnings came up for todays shutdown, there are plenty of them over past 2 days but none i would have said important, they are something like......
the general purpose usb driver (adidr.sys) faild to start due to the following error...... this service cannot start, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it......

The following are errors and warnings from the application even viewer. there are no logs under security and the system one is as i said it goes on about usb and such...
Stitch

Event Type: Error
Event Source: EventSystem
Event Category: (50)
Event ID: 4609
Date: 01/01/2002
Time: 12:52:19
User: N/A
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
The COM+ Event System detected a bad return code during its internal processing.
HRESULT was C0000005 from line 44 of d:\qxp_slp\com\com1x\src\events\tier1\eventsystemobj.cpp. Please contact Microsoft Product Support Services to report this error.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.


Event Type: Warning
Event Source: Userenv
Event Category: None
Event ID: 1517
Date: 04/01/2006
Time: 10:56:26
User: NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
Windows saved user MUMSPLACE\Administrator registry while an application or service was still using the registry during log off. The memory used by the user's registry has not been freed. The registry will be unloaded when it is no longer in use.

This is often caused by services running as a user account, try configuring the services to run in either the LocalService or NetworkService account.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.


Event Type: Warning
Event Source: Userenv
Event Category: None
Event ID: 1517
Date: 02/01/2006
Time: 20:44:10
User: NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
Windows saved user MUMSPLACE\Administrator registry while an application or service was still using the registry during log off. The memory used by the user's registry has not been freed. The registry will be unloaded when it is no longer in use.

This is often caused by services running as a user account, try configuring the services to run in either the LocalService or NetworkService account.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.



Event Type: Error
Event Source: TrueVector Service
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5003
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:48:24
User: N/A
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
TrueVector driver: Driver install or load failure: MarkNTDeviceDriver. Win32 error: Access is denied.



Event Type: Error
Event Source: TrueVector Service
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5003
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:48:24
User: N/A
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
TrueVector driver: Driver install or load failure: MarkNTDeviceDriver. Win32 error: Access is denied.



Event Type: Error
Event Source: TrueVector Service
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5003
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:48:23
User: N/A
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
TrueVector driver: Driver install or load failure: LoadNTDeviceDriver. Win32 error: Access is denied.


Event Type: Error
Event Source: TrueVector Service
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5011
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:48:23
User: N/A
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
TrueVector engine: [SAPI] 253 C:\WINDOWS\system32\vsdatant.sys



Event Type: Error
Event Source: TrueVector Service
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5011
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:48:23
User: N/A
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
TrueVector engine: [SAPI] 249 2



Event Type: Error
Event Source: TrueVector Service
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5003
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:48:21
User: N/A
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
TrueVector driver: Driver install or load failure: LoadNTDeviceDriver. Win32 error: Access is denied.



Event Type: Error
Event Source: TrueVector Service
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5011
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:48:21
User: N/A
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
TrueVector engine: [SAPI] 253 C:\WINDOWS\system32\vsdatant.sys



Event Type: Error
Event Source: TrueVector Service
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5011
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:48:21
User: N/A
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
TrueVector engine: [SAPI] 249 2



Event Type: Error
Event Source: TrueVector Service
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5003
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:48:21
User: N/A
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
TrueVector driver: Driver install or load failure: LoadNTDeviceDriver. Win32 error: Access is denied.



Event Type: Error
Event Source: TrueVector Service
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5011
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:48:21
User: N/A
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
TrueVector engine: [SAPI] 253 C:\WINDOWS\system32\vsdatant.sys



Event Type: Error
Event Source: TrueVector Service
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5011
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:48:21
User: N/A
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
TrueVector engine: [SAPI] 249 2



Event Type: Error
Event Source: TrueVector Service
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5003
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:48:21
User: N/A
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
TrueVector driver: Driver install or load failure: LoadNTDeviceDriver. Win32 error: Access is denied.



Event Type: Error
Event Source: TrueVector Service
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5011
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:48:21
User: N/A
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
TrueVector engine: [SAPI] 253 C:\WINDOWS\system32\vsdatant.sys



Event Type: Error
Event Source: TrueVector Service
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5011
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:48:21
User: N/A
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
TrueVector engine: [SAPI] 249 2



Event Type: Error
Event Source: TrueVector Service
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5003
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:48:21
User: N/A
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
TrueVector driver: Driver install or load failure: LoadNTDeviceDriver. Win32 error: Access is denied.



Event Type: Error
Event Source: TrueVector Service
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5011
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:48:21
User: N/A
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
TrueVector engine: [SAPI] 253 C:\WINDOWS\system32\vsdatant.sys




Event Type: Error
Event Source: TrueVector Service
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5011
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:48:21
User: N/A
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
TrueVector engine: [SAPI] 249 2



Event Type: Warning
Event Source: WinMgmt
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5603
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:34:03
User: NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
A provider, Rsop Planning Mode Provider, has been registered in the WMI namespace, root\RSOP, but did not specify the HostingModel property. This provider will be run using the LocalSystem account. This account is privileged and the provider may cause a security violation if it does not correctly impersonate user requests. Ensure that provider has been reviewed for security behavior and update the HostingModel property of the provider registration to an account with the least privileges possible for the required functionality.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.


Event Type: Warning
Event Source: WinMgmt
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5603
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:34:03
User: NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
A provider, Rsop Planning Mode Provider, has been registered in the WMI namespace, root\RSOP, but did not specify the HostingModel property. This provider will be run using the LocalSystem account. This account is privileged and the provider may cause a security violation if it does not correctly impersonate user requests. Ensure that provider has been reviewed for security behavior and update the HostingModel property of the provider registration to an account with the least privileges possible for the required functionality.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.


Event Type: Warning
Event Source: WinMgmt
Event Category: None
Event ID: 63
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:26:21
User: MUMSPLACE\Administrator
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
A provider, WMIProv, has been registered in the WMI namespace, Root\WMI, to use the LocalSystem account. This account is privileged and the provider may cause a security violation if it does not correctly impersonate user requests.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.



Event Type: Warning
Event Source: WinMgmt
Event Category: None
Event ID: 63
Date: 01/01/2006
Time: 20:26:21
User: MUMSPLACE\Administrator
Computer: MUMSPLACE
Description:
A provider, HiPerfCooker_v1, has been registered in the WMI namespace, Root\WMI, to use the LocalSystem account. This account is privileged and the provider may cause a security violation if it does not correctly impersonate user requests.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.

 

Buffer Overrun

Hi,
please install the patch listed here , see if it helps

Buffer Over Run

or copy paste
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=823980


HTH
Regards.

 

I don't know of anything that records CPU temperature, but that doesn't mean to say there isn't such software out there.

I still think you have a problem with the BIOS, so as both myself and jaylach have suggested, start my making sure it isn't simply the battery. The battery can have dramatic effects, so you need to minimise the chance that it is the problem by getting a brand new one. That will also help if the problem is excessive drain on the battery.

There is something else I would like you to do. Could borrow or create a DOS system floppy disk? On the disk make sure the following line is in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file:

pause​

Instead of running XP, put the floppy disk in the drive and boot from the floppy (you may need to change the boot order in the BIOS). Press any key when prompted, and then leave the PC and see what happens. If it reboots, you'll see it displaying Press any key to continue . . . with no DOS prompt below it. We'll then know for certain it's a hardware problem.

Edit: Just to add that you could create a DOS system disk by diskcopy'ing a Win98 install floppy, deleting CONFIG.SYS from it, and editing AUTOEXEC.BAT so it only contains that pause line. You can edit AUTOEXEC.BAT with Windows Notepad.

 

HI Brummig
I have downloaded the win98 boot disk from bootdisk.com but it doestn have the autoexec.bat file on it, and i dont have my old disks anymore, can you tell me where i can download the files from please. Thanks.
I have just been to town to get a new battery and some floppys to try your suggestion.

Sorry ghemant I cant even keep the pc on long enough to get to the internet to down load the patch. thanks anyway
stitch

 

All you need to do is use Windows Notepad to create a file called AUTOEXEC.TXT with one line in it:

pause

Don't forget to press Return after typing pause!

Shut down Notepad, and rename the file AUTOEXEC.BAT. It should go in the root directory of your boot disk.

If creating the file is difficult, you're doing it wrong!

 

If you didn't get a blue screen when it rebooted then it's more than likely a hardware problem of some type. For a temp monitor you can try MBM. Also, you might check the website of your motherboards manufacturer. It's possible they may have software available that you can download for it. One thing you can do if you think it may be a heat related problem is to open the case and set a room fan next to it so that it blows into the case. Run it a bit that way and see if it still shuts down.

This could also be a ram related problem. You might try downloading and running Microsoft's Windows Memory Diagnostic and see if it comes up with any errors in your ram.

Another possibility is a bad power supply. I couldn't begin to tell you which leads should have how many volts or how to go about testing it but if the power supply doesn't supply enough voltage or if the voltage it supplies fluctuates a lot, it can cause problems. Do you know how large your power supply is? You can try this online calculator to get some idea of how large your power supply should be. If you happen to have an extra one laying around you might try swapping it with the one in your computer.

 

Something is tinkering with the BIOS, and I would like to know what. XP is very complicated, so I think it wise to take it out of the loop and see what happens.

I have all the info needed about PSU voltages if we need to tread that path. I also have the tools, but most people don't and I can't post a link to them on the forum .

It's worth saying that problems like this can be real swines to fix, as there are so many potential causes.

 

OK first thing first, i made the boot disk ok no prob, i didnt have to change the boot order as when i went into do it it was already done, this might be because i never had the power supply attached to the floppy cos i never use it and as soon as i attached it it did it by default i dont know. when it rebooted it went to the 3 options which are restart with cd support, start without cd support and view help file.

I now have brand new battery in the pc.

I have looked at my book for the motherboard and have AIDA32 running and as far as i can see the MB is ok for temperature.
Stitch

 

Hi Zander
No blue screen of death with booting with boot disk just the options i mentioned in last post,

I ran the memory diagnostic and nothing, everything was ok there.

And yes i do by chance have a spare power supply lying around in my handbag lol, dont we women carry the kitchen sink in there all the time,
I have replaced that to.

Also the side of the case is off and i will now put a fan next to it to try that one.

Stitch