calling technical greeks

kalispera....

my pc likes to reboot itself for no apparent reason, with my limited technical knowledge i'm thinking its maybe overheating. i've only old "bog standard" kit, nowt flash.

i've downloaded a bit of software (HD Tune) which tells me the operating temperature of my hard drive - quite how it does it i've no idea but my IT guy at work recommended it - but i've no idea what a standard or safe operating temperature should be....

any tips and/or suggestions greatfully received

ps after posting this i'm going to open the side panel and make sure we're as dust free as possible

Rebooting eh?

That's less likely to be a temperature thing, but could be...
If you're pc is running fairly stable, check for Trojan virus and unusual/suspect folders/files in various locations on your hard drive (generally the C: drive)

Dusting is useful.
Upgrading parts is useful (sometimes)

What OS are you using? And Generally what's your pc specs?

ie. Processor pentium 4, dual core? Core 2 duo, quad core? or AMD equivalents...
RAM. HDD size and free space.

(Assumes you're using Windows).

Overheating is not likely unless your 'pooter case is full of cat or something, so have a quick check. While you've got the case open make sure all cards & memory modules are seated properly, they can creep out over time with thermal cycling.

Have you recently installed software or hardware? there could be a driver conflict.

Give your hard drive a scan using something like ZoneAlarm or AVG, both offer free 30-day trial versions.

[Kalessin]

Originally Posted by redshift

make sure all cards & memory modules are seated properly

+1

How does it reboot? Does Windows shut down and then boot up again, or does the machine just switch off instantly and then boot up? Also, what are you doing when this happens? For example, if you're playing a 3D game, it might be worth looking accusingly in the direction of the graphics card.

I think it's unlikely that the cause is CPU overheating. This tends to shut machines down, full stop, as a safety feature, so there'd be no point in the machine starting up again straight away.

Originally Posted by Kalessin

+1

How does it reboot? Does Windows shut down and then boot up again, or does the machine just switch off instantly and then boot up? Also, what are you doing when this happens? For example, if you're playing a 3D game, it might be worth looking accusingly in the direction of the graphics card.

I think it's unlikely that the cause is CPU overheating. This tends to shut machines down, full stop, as a safety feature, so there'd be no point in the machine starting up again straight away.

its happened on 3 occassions, each time its an instant switch off and restart with no warning. i.e. doesnt freeze/jam then restart. once i was on t'internet, once typing in office word, the other time i think i was doing nowt, waiting for it to load up itunes (i think)

have opened the side panel, not particuluarly dusty, made sure all cards were pushed in snugly. nothing seemed to move so can only assume they were all good in the hood.

the only thing i've installed lately is an external hard drive, i didnt load any of the kit that it came bundled with, just what was necessary...

all spyware/anti virus up to date and recently run. its not done it for a week or so, so shall just see how it goes and see if it becomes critical...

[Viney]

Put another hamster on the wheel mate, sounds like the one you have is on its way out!

Originally Posted by Viney

Put another hamster on the wheel mate, sounds like the one you have is on its way out!

more coal on the fire? hmmm you may be right fella

[fizzwheel]

Over heating may make it do that, but it'll have to get really hot before it'll go.

Is there enough room around the case for air to circulate, i.e you have surrounded it with you stash of heavyweight literature ?

Reseating the cards etc etc is a good start as well. Random rebooting is going to be a bit of a b*gger to sort though...

[Kalessin]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Over heating may make it do that, but it'll have to get really hot before it'll go.

In similar situations I have run the machine with the side off and a desk fan pointing at the machine's innards for extra cooling, to see if that's the problem.

Obviously, for legal reasons, I am not suggesting that you try that...

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Is there enough room around the case for air to circulate, i.e you have surrounded it with you stash of heavyweight literature ?

...

stash of readers wives, but not what i say heavyweight.....its not the works of dostoyevsky