Why does my computer keep restarting???

[capeskate]

This has been a problem I've had for months, and originally I was sure that it was the RAM that was the problem

I've got a Dell Dimension 4400 with a memorex dvd burner, dvdrom, 512mb pc3200 (crucial this time) Two hard drives, a firewire card, network card...

If I've got any memory intensive programs running, my computer restarts. I've done research, and have learned that Windows Xp restarts during any "critical error" (instead of showing blue screens) and this is the RAMs fault 90% of the time. I've replaced the ram completely, and get the same problem.

Usually this happens with P2P programs running such as bittorrent or Emule. Most of the time when it happens, its within 30-40 minutes of the computer being on. But....if I leave the computer at it's desktop with nothing running, its usually fine for the whole day.

By the way..I've tried reformatting completely twice...no dice

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[stevty2889]

Have you run memtest to verify it's the ram? Running anti-spyware and anti-virus software to make sure thats not the root of the problem? Tried the ram in differant slots?

 

[capeskate]

 

[capeskate]

I've done a couple reformats since the problem started, so I know spyware isn't the problem

As for the Ram....originally I had 256mb of generic dell ram. I had problems with the computer restarting, so I added 512 of crucial just to see what happened. The problem continued so I took the dell ram out. The computer still restarts......

 

[vladmech]

If you have an extra power supply you could swap out, I'd give that a shot. My computer would randomly reset when under load and it was due to a dying PSU.

 

[Amaroque]

Originally posted by: capeskate
I've done a couple reformats since the problem started, so I know spyware isn't the problem

As for the Ram....originally I had 256mb of generic dell ram. I had problems with the computer restarting, so I added 512 of crucial just to see what happened. The problem continued so I took the dell ram out. The computer still restarts......

Dell generic RAM is standard Micron (Crucial) CL3 DDR 400. Anyway, the other top suspect would be the PSU.

 

[capeskate]

That crossed my mind today as I was looking through my room for a PSU, thanks I'll try it out

 

[stevty2889]

I'd be careful about trying another PSU..sometimes dell uses proprietary motherboards and PSU's, meaning if you try to use a standard PSU with a dell motherboard, one of them will likely get fried..

 

[imverygifted]

every single one of my friends who has a computer that keeps restarting is because of spyware/viruses

 

[Maggotry]

First thing to do is tell it to quit restarting so you can read the error message.

Right-click My Computer > Properties > Advanced > Startup and Recovery section > Settings. Uncheck Automatic Restart.

Now you should get an actual BSoD. Use this to help troubleshoot the problem.