PC reboots at ramdom times

PC reboots during normal working conditions

Sometimes for no known reason your PC instantly reboots and perhaps is doing it frequently.

There a many reasons for a PC to reboot unexpectedly, so any significant reasons will be listed below.

Reason 1 - A RAM memory stick is faulty

The startup procedure can overlook a problem RAM stick and yet have Windows restart at any moment when the relevant area of memory is accessed.

Remedy 1 - Set the bootup bios to slow memory checking

  1. Go into the startup BIOS menu and set the bootup to NOT use a quick boot.
  2. Restart the PC and the memory count should be slower.
  3. See if the bootup reports a RAM fault.
  4. If so, try each memory stick on its own to see if the report happens again until you know which stick of memory is faulty.
  5. Throw the faulty stick of memory in the bin and replace with equivalent memory stick

Remedy 2 - Use a bootable CD to check the RAM memory

  1. Start the PC with a bootable memory checking CD inserted (ie the free Barts Bootup CD)
  2. Let the software examine the memory for faults.
  3. Replace any memory stick that the program reports as faulty.

Main Reason 2 - Windows files are corrupted

Normal Windows running files are corrupt or missing causing an instant reboot.

Remedy 1 Checking Windows core files are not corrupt

  1. Start Windows in Normal or Safe Mode (by tapping [F8] when the PC first starts)
  2. Insert the Windows CD and cancel the dialog that shows up
  3. At the desktop click Start and then Run
  4. Type sfc /scannow in the Run box and press [Enter]
  5. SFC will attempt to repair or replace any corrupted Windows file.
  6. Restart Windows and random reboots may not occur any more

Remedy 2 Checking for Virus / Spyware

  1. Run a virus and spyware checking program (see virus/spyware section of web site)
  2. Follow the software guidelines if problems are found and random reboots may not occur any more

Remedy 3 Reinstall the Windows System from the correct Windows CD

  1. Start the PC with the Windows CD inserted
  2. Let the drivers load up and select install Windows and choose the hard drive and location of the existing installed Windows.
  3. Confirm you want to overwrite the existing installation BUT make sure you select to REINSTALL and NOT a new INSTALL so that your existing Windows will be technically repaired and not new.
  4. After a REINSTALLATION of Windows you may have solved what was causing the random reboots.

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PC Reboots