Computer keeps Restarting

If after PC is switched on & Windows loaded, PC then reboots itself:

There are some MS KB articles on restart loop problems, however, quote:

“When I have the computer off it will even make the attempt to turn on its own or something like that.”

That is very, very weird, sounds like something to do with power on/off switching circuit hardware?

A long shot – but when manually turned off, does the self-restart problem occur when you work off-line?

Assuming:

1. Your PC is definitely clean (looks like you’ve been there, done it)

2. Installed software is still in (Ctrl+F11) condition plus only AV & Windows updates

3. You are not receiving any error messages?

4. Scheduled Task is not auto running anything

Then it does tend to point to hardware as the likely cause.

Are there any clues in Event Viewer?

Guess there is no relevant diagnostic LED status or bleep code help?

If available have you tried using boot F12 with Dell Diagnostics Drivers & Utilities CD (Resource CD)?

Using boot F2 have you checked that BIOS settings are All on default values?

The following are probably not the cause, since you mention random restarts, but check them anyway:

Under Power Management, Auto Power, Off is the default setting

A long shot – but when manually turned off, does the self-restart problem occur when you work off-line?

Yes sometimes it will do it 2 or more times in a row before the computer can even get to windows

Assuming:

1. Your PC is definitely clean (looks like you’ve been there, done it) 

I did an Ad-Aware scan and it found some stuff but nothing unusual. Then i checked for updates and there was one so i re-ran the scan and it found a Trojan. Ever since that's been gone i have not physically seen the computer turn off be there might have been one instance when it did while i was at school but i cant be certain because my brother used the computer and i couldn't tell if programs i had up were closed when i got back to the computer.

2. Installed software is still in (Ctrl+F11) condition plus only AV & Windows updates 

(check)

3. You are not receiving any error messages?

(no error messages)

4. Scheduled Task is not auto running anything

(check)

no clues in event window

and will check F2 now

and sorry about late response I've been really busy and haven't had much time to get on

_________________________________________________

checked F2 and everything is set to defualt

Justinu1989

Reason for the long shot comment/question was because of possible WOL (Wake-On-Lan) enabled NIC setting feature allowing an outside source to start up your PC remotely.

A lengthy subject, but to eliminate that as possible cause you would work off-line, meaning disconnect cable or DSL modem from the PC NIC. (I use a power on/off switch on my cable modem).

If done & you still obtain reboots from a Windows powered down PC, then it’s not a WOL security problem.

Your reply quote, “because my brother used the computer” complicates possible causes.

Are you the PC owner with an Administrator account?

There should only be one PC user with Administrator account, all others should be set as Limited or Guest.

It’s recommended that you don’t surf the web when using an Administrator account.

Was auto reboot problem present on day one after receiving new PC?

Since you still have a recurring auto reboot problem then regrettably the only way to determine if it’s Software/Virus/Trojan etc causing the problem is to start at square one again & complete a rigorous step-by-step approach – checking for the auto reboot problem before moving to each next step.

Until cause of problem is identified, having more than one PC user access just introduces an undesired variable that makes this near impossible!

Square One.

Tends to be a last resort, but some people do a Windows clean reinstall to resolve difficult Software/Virus/Trojan causing problems, do not do this without first fully understanding procedures & implications.

Using DSR utility (Ctrl+F11) is a lot quicker & less complicated than a Windows clean reinstall & it should remove everything that was not originally preinstalled on new PC, includes (as far as I know) Virus/Trojan etc..

Assume you followed the correct procedure here (scroll down page if necessary)

With only one user access to PC until the problem is resolved or cause is identified

Step 1

Follow the above DSR link procedure, then check for any auto reboot problems   

Step 2

With pre-installed AV software or after reinstalling AV preferably using AV Setup CD

Go on-line do nothing other than obtain AV DAT updates & download/install all Windows updates issued between PC purchase & DSR used dates, then check for any auto reboot problems

Step 3

Start to install “other” essential only software one-at-a-time & check for any auto reboot problems each time

Check after every software install step is essential, otherwise you’ll be unable to confirm what, if any, software program is causing the problem.

---

Justinu1989 wrote:

 

This WOL how do i turn that off and if i do will my DSL still work? I tried turning off the NIC but then my internet didn't work... (sorry I'm not really sure what I'm doing with this WOL and NIC stuff)

---

Justinu1989

As stated only way to confirm if it’s software causing the problem is:

Knowing absolutely you have a clean PC by using DSR or Windows Clean Reinstall +

Having AV update DATs & Firewall protection +

Having ALL Windows updates

Then gradually installing “other” software/hardware & checking each time for compatibility causing problems

Always scan ALL personal data before reinstalling it from portable media device

If 100% done then it must be hardware causing the problem

If PC is still under warranty, you can then with confidence contact DELL & tell them they need to fix a hardware problem.

Yes disconnecting your DSL modem will disconnect you from the Internet, that’s what working off-line means!

You should have done that when using the DSR utility – did you?

Working off-line is the quickest way to eliminate possible violation of WOL feature security

Doubt it’s WOL but you never know:

Disabling WOL (if you actually do have that feature?) only prevents your PC auto starting up by a remote source service accessing your NIC.

A feature some companies (if NIC password code is known) use to update your PC system when not busy or some people use to access their PC remotely.

But if NIC security has been compromised it can also be used by Hackers to access your system!!

To determine if your PC actually has WOL NIC feature & to disable it, opening the following folder path:

Start > Control Panel > Network Connections > under LAN name, right click Local Area Connection icon & select Properties > General tab, under Connect using: click Configure button to open Controller Properties > Advanced tab

If & only if your PC has WOL NIC feature, under Property some of the following type entries will be present:

Wake on Magic Package

Wake on Pattern

Wake on Link

If any are present then you do have WOL feature?

To disable, click on each one & select Disable from the RHS Value dropdown box.

When each WOL type has been set to disabled, click the OK button

Finally, most likely causes of PC continuous auto restarts

Virus/Trojan/Malware                                – use Windows Clean Reinstall or DSR

Conflict software                                      – Identify & Remove (e.g. FW, AV, others)

Internal chassis is overheating                   – vacuum, check fans are working

Power Supply Unit failing                          – renew PSU

Hard drive damage, bad sectors                – use HDD diagnostics e.g. chkdsk c: /r

Device driver(s) corrupt or damaged           – check & repair in Device Manager

Incompatible peripheral device connected  – selectively unplug devices