Win98,reboots itself,while surfing only

I've got a customers machine that's giving me trouble, appreciate any ideas. Problem is it just shuts off and reboots itself (Win98SE clean install w/AV/Firewall/Adware), ONLY while actively surfing the web. It runs and works fine offline, as well can be connected to the internet without surfing works fine. The first time I went out to look at it, worked fine, connected to the internet surfed diff sites, no problems, only thing I found was power cord was "BARELY" plugged into UPS. Thought maybe they were kicking it while using. The 2nd time I went out, got it to shut down after about 30 mins of surfing, screen goes black and reboots. After some troubleshooting found the telephone cable (DSL) was run thru the aluminum window and squashed into "W" I straightened the cable/left window open and surfed for an hour (using her sites) with no problem. She has since called said problem is still there after they had the cable repaired (homeowner repaired)?? Anything come to mind?? The PPoE drivers are not up to date, ISP said should work, but need to updated, will do that next trip out. TIA, Joe.

 

Suggestion

Hi Joe...

Just a suggestion (or 2) ......

You might try letting DrWatson running in the back ground ....at least you would have a log of what was going on ...

Also.....the process of elimination, which is a more time consuming ....go into internet options and try turning things off one at a time like sounds, videos, animations etc ....

Cheers
Jake

 

Hi Joe

ONLY while actively surfing the web

Assuming "w/AV/Firewall/Adware" are tools that are being updated and used on a timely basis... I'm going towards a hardware problem. Swap out all the memory stick(s), let her run it for a week or so. Years back, had a box that ONLY failed when I was actively using it, it was the memory .... unfortunately PS can display a similar problem.


only thing I found was power cord was "BARELY" plugged into UPS.

Is she running "auto-shutdown" software. Any chance power management settings / shutdown software are not playing nice?

 

Computer hangs after running a while

Hi
I can agree that it is probably hardware--usually memory or power. I am just working on one now...fails once in a while but not reliably.
First I had to change the power supply as the thing would not power on regularly. New PS fixed that quickly.
Then, I had to deal with it resetting itself and/or hanging up. Did all the usual--memory, cables, cleaned CPU/fan of dust and debris....updated all MS via CD......still hung up.

Figured I would defragment the thing as it was really working hard and added to my bench time. Well, defrag needed the requisite scan disk...so I ran it...hung up reliably at about the same spot... Ghosted the hard drive to another and, presto, all was OK.....for a while! Rreinstalled windows98 to the original hard drive which I formatted first---again, worked for a while.

Too much time...so, I swapped in a used Mobo with running AMD and memory --used the same video card. and reformatted & reinstalled. Went to the web to install MS Updates..
I am just completing the 2nd or 3rd set up Windows updates....so far, so good--probably should not have said that. BTW, I also replaced all IDE/FDD cables along the way.

No matter the outcome, this one will cost me money!!

These always seem to be the MOBO if the memory and power supply do not work. I have always also tried different video cards as that AGP connector situation lends itself to some movement. All jumpers on the MOBO have to be checked also, esp the Multiplier and Power requirments.

This stuff can drive one nuts and wind up as a losing proposition, dollar wise, but it seems like they have to happen once in a while.. It always amazes me that I take so long to get to swap the MOBO! Probably the hard $$ facts that I have to tell the customer.

Anyway, that is my story ... so far.

Joe