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14641
August 9th, 2008 20:00
Random Computer Reboots
Everyone once in a while my computer will randomly reboot itself. Most of the time this happens when playing Warcraft III and occasionally happens when I play World of Warcraft and almost never happens outside of those games. I've checked my RAM and know its not that.
PC Specs
Dell Dimensions 5150
Windows XP Home Edition SP3
Pentium 4 CPU 3.06 GHz
1 GB of RAM
Video Card: Intel 82945G Express Chipset Family Version: 6.14.0010.4410
DirectX Version: 9.0c
Please Help!!!!!!!
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PETER345
5.8K Posts
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August 10th, 2008 14:00
You might check the event log to see if there is anything interesting at the time of the reboot.
Also make sure the automatic reboot is turned off (right click My Computer, select Properties/Advanced/Startup and Recovery Settings and uncheck Automatically restart). If there is a BSOD you will be able to see it.
I would also check the cooling for the CPU and GPU to make sure everything looks good (fans working and fan and heatsink are clean).
Peter
everix
8 Posts
0
August 10th, 2008 18:00
Ok, I checked the event log and didn't see anything(I think). Maybe I'm just not looking for the right thing.
Also I have had the automatic restart unchecked for sometime now.
I opened up my computer yesterday to look at the heatsink and fan but didn't notice alot of buildup and I'm pretty sure my fan is working because I can feel it pushing out cool air into the little opening that is in the front of my dell computer right in front of the fan. I'll open it up again and try to take out the heatsink and fan to look at them more thoroughly though.
I also heard that a bad power supply could cause this, could that make a difference?
PETER345
5.8K Posts
0
August 10th, 2008 19:00
An overloaded PSU could cause a problem like this.
Peter
PETER345
5.8K Posts
0
August 10th, 2008 20:00
Unfortunately, you have to use the process of elimination. Having a spare PSU around is not a bad idea anyway (in case you buy one you don't need). The PSU is also relatively cheap and easy to replace. The motherboard is expensive and much more work. (Personally, I doubt the PSU is the problem).
Or you can take it to a computer shop and let them debug it.
Other things you can try before buying the PSU:
1. Reseat all RAM, cards and cables
2. Run the Dell extended diagnostics
3. Run memtest86+ (free memory tester) overnight.
4. Check for update graphics drivers
Peter
everix
8 Posts
0
August 10th, 2008 20:00
everix
8 Posts
0
August 15th, 2008 00:00
Ok, I'm pretty sure I solved this by finally getting the right newest graphics driver for my computer.
But does anyone know where I can get the latest driver for the SigmaTel Audio that came with the Dell Dimension 5150. The newest one dell has is in 2005 and that is a long time ago lol.