Computer keeps restarting

Published on July 15, 2006 By jazzymjr In Windows XP

A friend on mine's computer all of a sudden just keeps restarting. Cannot load windows, gain access to the root directory, etc. Sometimes the boot screen will show up, other times, it won't. Checked the bios and everything looks fine there. I even changed the boot drive to the CD ROM, put the XP disk in, but it still does the restart thing. Once in a while, a BSOD will flash momentarily, but can't read what's on there....too fast.

I put in a new power supply cause his was awfully hot. Figured it might be because it was over-heating. But that was a no go as well. I cannot access his floppy drive either.

No new hardware installed in over a couple of months....so, I figured that can't be it. I even unplugged all peripherals except for the video card, sound card, mouse, and keyboard.

I am totally stumped....anyone have any ideas?

Comments (Page 2)

jazzymjr

on Jul 20, 2006

Well chances are if you can boot to Knoppix, then you have a software issue.

Some things I might do are to remove all external devices from your PC and try to boot.
Have you installed any new hard/software lately?

I think you will know a lot more after you try booting to Knoppix.

I went through all hardware....removed the only recent new hardware....sound and video. But, was still unable to access the hard drive. He did not have any external devices on his computer, except for the mouse.

I didn't download the Linux CD. He chose to get a new hard drive...the drive is about 3 or 4 years old...so, it was probably time to replace it. The hard drive arrived yesterday, so I am gonna install it after I get home from work today....will let you know if that was successful.

jazzymjr

on Jul 22, 2006

Well, it wasn't the hard drive...however, it may still be. The motherboard went out. Evidentally, he did get a power surge, causing the motherboard to go out. So, now, I have to rebuild the computer. I ordered the motherboard and a new cpu...he needed to upgrade anyway.

NightTrainthedark

on Jul 22, 2006

3 weeks ago I hit the on/off switch on the power strip one of my pcs was plugged into. Upon restart I had a simliar problem. Boot sequence just kept cycling. Had to reformat.

jazzymjr

on Jul 22, 2006

NT....computers can be a real pain, huh? If only it was as simple as reformatting to fix this computer! At least he will save some money....I am gonna rebuild it myself....I have built all of my computers since the late 90's...and, numerous family members/friends as well...lol.

hardknocklife

on Jul 29, 2006

Someone earlier mentioned beeps, many newer computers don't have the beeps!

Anyway, i have repaired a computer with this problem before, I had to repair windows XP, as its a repair, you shouldn't lose files, ask your friend if an XP installation disk came with the computer. If so, it will be worthit to try reinstalling.

If it doesn't work, its most likely a hardware problem, such as Hard Drive, memory etc. Unlikely to be processor, if there is a problem with the processor, it wouldn't work at all.

Hope this helps

jazzymjr

on Jul 29, 2006

Anyway, i have repaired a computer with this problem before, I had to repair windows XP, as its a repair, you shouldn't lose files, ask your friend if an XP installation disk came with the computer. If so, it will be worthit to try reinstalling.

If it doesn't work, its most likely a hardware problem, such as Hard Drive, memory etc. Unlikely to be processor, if there is a problem with the processor, it wouldn't work at all.

Hope this helps

It turned out to be his motherboard....got fried from a power surge from the power supply. It also took out the hard drive. I will be re-building it when the hardware gets here, hopefully early next week.

ntisafron

on Aug 11, 2006

Usually the solutions to the worst of problems are more than simple and basic,begin from the beginning,take care.

jazzymjr

on Aug 11, 2006

Well, I've re-built the computer with the new stuff! Works great...he is now a hppy camper!

Thanks all, for the suggestions, help.

LittleBearJason

on Aug 27, 2006

Could be a ...Memory issue. I once bought some ram to upgrade my machine, and when I put it in my machine , it constantly rebooted my machine.

It was bad sticks! Even the BIOS kept whining about it.

-EDIT-

Stupid me didnt read this issue was already solved. But I had to comment about it anyways

hardknocklife

on Sep 09, 2006

I suggest checking your processor and getting a new cooling system, because if that doesn't work properly in keeping your system cool, it will blow up

spinal

on Oct 01, 2006

my laptop randomly didnt load windows all the way, most of the time it would switch off during windows loading, i tried the usual things, safemode did exactly the same, i checked for over heating, power connection etc. turns out windows either hadnt installed properly, or i corrupted it later, reinstalling windows fixed my problem completely (of cource booting up to backup my stuff took a while).

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