Computer Rebooting at Windows Screen

[RyBoy]

Hello, I have no idea why but my computer reboots every time it gets to the windows screen (blue bar goes across once, it flashes a blue screen really fast, then reboots). I've made sure all the connections are secure, removed ram sticks one at a time to see if a stick has gone bad, and checked the bios for anything suspicious. This system is not (and cannot) be overclocked and I've made no changes to it at all. Any ideas would be great as I really need to get this computer working.

Specs:
intel 2.66ghz proc
intel motherboard
ati 9600se
western digital 160gb
2x512mb pc2700 mushkin ram
thermaltake purepower 420w
live soundcard

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Even though you said you didn't make any major changes, try resetting CMOS to default settings.

Does it get into safe mode alright? (F8)

 

[SlitheryDee]

My computer exhibits the same symptoms when I overclock a too high. Even though you're not overclocking it could still be a heat issue.

That looks like an older configuration, how long has it been since you cleaned the dust from the hsf?

Could also be that the thermal paste is losing it's effectiveness. Although if you're using the original manufacturer's thermal pad that's unlikely.

 

[RyBoy]

Okay, my room is pretty cool (air conditioning). I forgot to mention, safe mode does not work, it does the same thing that happens when I normally boot. I have filters on all my fans yet there is probably a little dust still inside. How do I clean dust from the hsf? Take it off and then what. Also, is it easy to take off the thermal pad becuase I have some arctic silver I could put on. All help is appreciated.

 

[SlitheryDee]

A can of air duster works well for blowing the dust off components. Removing the thermal pad is easy with some 91% or purer isopropyl alcohol and a lint free cloth.

 

[LukeMan]

whenever i get a problem that cant be fixed i do a reformat and reinstallation of windows. i have that luxury though since i back everything important on my d:\ drive.

 

[RyBoy]

So, pretty much the only options to fix this problem are clean the hsf, or reformat. Is there anything else I could try?

 

[SlitheryDee]

Has the computer always done this, or is it only a recent occurrence? Can you think of anything that might have changed right before the problems started?

Formating/reinstalling is an option, but there's no guarantee that it'll fix the problem, especially if it's a hardware issue. Have you tried clearing the cmos yet?

If you can get into the bios check your CPU temperature reading, it's usually in PC Health or a similarly named menu. If the temp is too high then heat is a logical suspect which should be addressed whether it's the source of the current problem or not.

 

[RyBoy]

The computer has never done this, it is recent and I have made no changes recently. My cpu temperature on my lcd display of my thermaltake xaser III says 60.0C which is where it's always been.

Also, if I remove the thermal pad I use a credit card first and try to remove it. I obviously take the processor out, right, but how can I put any pressure on it without bending pins. Also, what should I put the processor on to avoid electricity problems.

 

[LukeMan]

I would doubt it being a cpu overheating problem since it's having a problem after the computer's been on only seconds. 60C is a lil hot for a cpu, but still operable. Usually when there is a corrupt windows file, it will tell you what file is corrupt with a blue screen of death. If you don't mind losing the data on your hdd, then do a reformat and check to see if you can load your computer with a fresh install of windows.

 

[LukeMan]

Originally posted by: RyBoy
what should I put the processor on to avoid electricity problems.

you should put it on a statically charged sheet of metal. be sure to wear your slippers, and walk around your dry carpetted floor before handling the cpu.

 

[RyBoy]

From what I hear, should I even take the risk of dealing with the cpu (cleaning the hsf, removing thermal pad, adding arctic silver, and putting on the hsf again), or should I just reformat the hd and then deal with the cpu if the reformat doesn't work.

 

[SlitheryDee]

Originally posted by: LukeMan

Originally posted by: RyBoy
what should I put the processor on to avoid electricity problems.

you should put it on a statically charged sheet of metal. be sure to wear your slippers, and walk around your dry carpetted floor before handling the cpu.

Shame on you LuKeMan. :Q

 

[Lalakai]

I had same problem and went through similiar steps. Finally tracked it down to motherboard that had finally had it (cracked). As soon as is warmed up, it would short out and lock up. Cured the problem by replace motherboard.

prior to that had done the usual: reset cmos, changed ram, re-seated cpu, changed hd's.

good luck, hopefully it aint the mb.

 

[Jojo7]

All these replies and nobody has suggested http://www.memtest.org/ ? Even though you swapped ram around, there could still be something bad.
RyBoy, try downloading memtest from above url.

 

[P4spooky]

You are most likely getting BAD_POOL_CALLER error (BSOD) - likely memory. PL follow Jojo7 advice and run memtest+ 1.6 and report back. :Q

I would also physically inspect the board and look for bulging CAPS around CPU socket. Some INTEL boards are displaying this problem after couple of years into operation.

Check this out