Computer Restarts Randomly when I do anything that actually matters...
bekka:
Since the hardrive and Windows XP installation are new (within 24 hours) I'm hoping those of you in the know (which emphatically does not include me) could help me. My computer is 4 years old so I'm not even sure what I put in it, but the motherboard and graphics card are Nvidia (nforce 2 and geforce fx 5200 respectively). AMD 4something chip.
Problem is this: restarting Windows is random, I can be on the internet for hours, but try to install Sims and it resets. Also restarted when copying files from old hard drive to new one. This problem started when I came back from two week holiday and computer refused to start at all. I turned off the power supply and turned it back on and it started, but hours later restarted and windows claimed missing file. I tried to repair using installation disk but computer constantly restarted in the middle of installation (a total of 18 times before I gave up). New drive allows windows to work but still restarts at inopportune times.
I could install Norton Systemworks, but the Sims will not install, it keeps restarting. I have limited funds and fear a hardware problem. Any help with either how to diagnose the problem or educated guesses as to the problem component would be greatfully acknowledged.
Hegelian:
Spontaneous reboots are usually (although not always) the result of power-supply problems. If your PC is four years old and came with a standard no-name low grade power supply, it may be that you're not getting enough clean power to your components. It would surprise me some if the new hard drive alone was drawing so much more power to make this manifest, but odder things have happened.
At the least, I would open up the case and make sure all the power connections are tight, including the ones to the motherboard.
KatEnigma:
It could also be a heat problem. Get a can of compressed air and blow out all the dust from the inside of the case, and make sure there's plenty of airflow around it. Also, make sure the fans are all working. It's probably power, though. Especially since it restarted while trying to copy over to the new HD. If you were running close to the limit of what your PSU can handle, the HD would be enough to make it start crashing.
bekka:
@Hegelian: I had been thinking along those lines, so I'm glad to have my musings confirmed. I checked the things I could see easily and they don't appear loose, but I read the side of the power supply and it appears to only be 150W. I'm guessing that is in the pathetic range, it came with the case and I don't even know if it can be removed. I'll actually take a better look tomorrow since even with the light from the ceiling light its very dim in here at night.
@KatEnigma: When the hard drive was replaced my tech (read Dad) blew it out with his compressor so dust may have been a problem before, but can no longer take the blame. I have two fans, one larger than the other but they may still be inadequate. I usually run with the case closed, but have not put the side back on since new hard drive just because it is still acting so odd.
Thanks for somewhere to look for a start, further suggestions welcome always.
KatEnigma:
150w? :o Wow. Just Wow.
I had more than that on my old machine with the Radeon 7000 in it.
That is definitely one of those scenarios where just having added the new HD would be too much for it, poor thing. ;)
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