my computer keeps restarting when attempting to install cd

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@txbcd wrote:

I've tried everything.  I know the cd works because it ran smoothly on my friends computer and he's got the same one I do...Dimension 8200.  The program installs to a certain point, about 40 seconds and then the computer restarts itself.

I've defragged, cleaned up the hard drive, deleted all partially installed software...and it still Crashes!!

 

I must say that about 2 months ago, while reading email my computer reset itself for no reason...it has not happen since, so I never diagnosed the problem. I dont know if they're related.

 

Please help!! Thank you!!!

txbcd

 

Please clarify.  Are you attempting to install a program on your computer that your friend installed on his computer?  Unless it's Freeware, that would most likely be a violation of the license agreement for the software.  If so, then users of this forum cannot advise you.

Message Edited by rickmktg on 06-07-2005 11:50 PM

Message Edited by txbcd on 06-08-2005 12:08 AM

txbcd,

It might be informative to know whether the restart is preceded by a "bluescreen", and if it is, what error messages are displayed.

Here's an picture of one.

The information that's potentially useful is on the two lines beginning with asterisks, and the error message itself (in the sample, "PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA").

Jim

txbcd,

I thought we were still trying to figure out whether the system was actually restarting, or whether the Windows Explorer had crashed.

Regarding the messages. First, it's NEVER a good idea to shut off an XP system by pressing the power button, unless the power button is configured to perform a normal XP shutdown. If it isn't, the improper shutdown could have caused errors during the next startup. I suspect the error messages said something like XP had shut down abnormally, and then asked if the "last known good" configuration should be used for the startup. Apparently you agreed to that.

It's very important that the exact and complete text of any error messages received be reported. Otherwise, it's less than productive guesswork. Have you looked in the Application and System Event Logs?

Jim

txbcd,

Does the restart take as long as it would if you'd turned the computer off and then back on, or is it shorter? If it's as long as a reboot after power on, it's likely a power or overheating problem. If it's short, something may be causing the Windows Explorer to crash and restart. If it's the latter, there may be entries in the System or Application Event Logs indicating what caused the crash.

Jim

i'd like to say that it's shorter...but not by much. My restarts dont really take all that long. 

I've tried first thing in the morning...to let hard drive cool off over-night and that did not help either.  I've been told that its definitely software problems, but I'm not sure what?

What should I do?

no blue screen.

During mid-download, it simply restarts itself...screen goes black...window logo seen...and after the restart is done I am able to work on the screen as if nothing happened. (no freeze)

head scratcher?

After my computer's auto-restart, I wasn't comfortable with what just happened so I turned the computer completely off and then I turned it back on.

After I did this, there was a black screen with a lot of writing in white...and there was a count down timer in the upper right...I was told that my system had detected an improper (something) and I chose the option to (in my own words) "reconfigure system back to when it last worked okay"

I chose this option and that is the last thing I did.  Is there a way to find out why my computer is restarting itself? Can i find details to help?

txbcd,

(I changed the subject back.) If a sytstem restarts from a power on, there are characteristic displays - the BIOS starting with the Dell emblem, XP starting with its screen, possibly an XP login screen, and so on. So the two should be easily distinguished by differences in the way they look.

Jim

i will try and get back to you...thanks for the help thus far!!

Message Edited by txbcd on 06-08-2005 01:40 AM