Computer restarting

Salty Gibbon · Mar 28, 2005

The computer that I use as a file server at home has developed an annoying habit of cutting out at apparently random times and restarting itself. All this by itself without the help of anyone.

Does anyone have any idea why it might be doing this?

It is a Dell Dimension 4300.

boy · Mar 28, 2005

http://www.helpwithwindows.com/WindowsXP/troub-03.html

Try here.

Racer · Mar 28, 2005

Had that problem on one of mine... put in a new power supply and it fixed it!
But first check you haven't got any spy /adware or viruses on you system first by going to
www.pandasoftware.com for a free check

oatman · Mar 29, 2005

Check your memory as well.
http://www.memtest86.com/

FetteredChinos · Mar 29, 2005

Salty Gibbon said:
The computer that I use as a file server at home has developed an annoying habit of cutting out at apparently random times and restarting itself. All this by itself without the help of anyone.

Does anyone have any idea why it might be doing this?

It is a Dell Dimension 4300.

It might be trying to get a career in IT :cheesy:

aarie5 · Mar 29, 2005

I had a similar problem. A blow out with a small electric pump and a good sook with the hoover hose solved it. I think the dust was causing overheating and shutting down the machine - not 100% sure though but no problems since.
My machines get a good blow job once a month now : :cheesy:

FetteredChinos · Mar 29, 2005

lucky them!

ivorm · Mar 29, 2005

In addition to the other things suggested above, it could be that you've got a problem with your hard disk. ( This could be especially the case if you hear any strange noises, such as clicks, before the machine shuts down).

It would be a good idea to make sure that you've got all your important data safely backed-up just in case it is the disk.

HTH

Salty Gibbon · Mar 29, 2005

Thanks for all the suggestions people.

I've got a feeling it might be a memory problem cos the machine is operating with only 512 Mb of RAM and doubles up as a work station and file server for a network of 5 computers.

When my son is downloading mega stuff, things tend to slow down and I have a feeling that my computer just tips over and clicks off.

I have now disabled the automatic restart ( thanks Boy ) so I guess now the machine won't switch off, it will probably blow up.

Don't think it's a hard disk issue as I cannot hear any funny clicking noises which I have had before when I encountered a hard disk failure.

aarie5, your machines are indeed very lucky to get monthly blowjobs. Would that I were such a computer.

If anyone can confirm that the memory on my machine is insufficient ( which I am sure it is ) I will immediately RAMP up the RAM.

Racer · Mar 29, 2005

You can check the processor temp in the BIOS

Salty Gibbon · Mar 29, 2005

How Racer ?

Racer · Mar 29, 2005

Press DEL on start up.. you then go into the BIOS, there is a setting there that gives cpu temp
Look at it when you let it cool overnight and also shut down during running to check again (when you don't use it much) then check just after it shuts itself down.
Any big diifference will mean it is over heating.
That is how I found out it wasn't my cpu overheating and I needed a new power supply
If overheating,, your computer could need a clean.. especially the heat sinks, mine get regular cleans as they are on a lot.

oatman · Mar 30, 2005

Get this prog, it will tell you all you need to know about your machine.
http://www.lavalys.com/products/overview.php?pid=1&lang=en&pageid=1
Now that you've disabled auto restart you'll get the BSOD which will give you an error number.
http://www.theeldergeek.com/stop_error_messages.htm

Salty Gibbon · Mar 30, 2005

What is BSOD Oatman ?

robq · Mar 30, 2005

oatman said:
Get this prog, it will tell you all you need to know about your machine.
http://www.lavalys.com/products/overview.php?pid=1&lang=en&pageid=1
Now that you've disabled auto restart you'll get the BSOD which will give you an error number.
http://www.theeldergeek.com/stop_error_messages.htm

Unless it's a Dell, apparently

Q#14: Is it possible to detect temperatures, voltage values and fan status of Dell computers? A#14: Dell computers use a proprietary sensor chip that is undocumented and so cannot be supported by EVEREST.

wheezergeezer · Mar 30, 2005

Salty, check for virus's, are you up to date........I expect that you are, how old is the machine ? 3 years or more, possible power supply unit failure..............consider getting rid of son, I have the same issue's so recommend that, the lights go out when he downloads !

Salty Gibbon · Mar 30, 2005

consider getting rid of son

Yes, I am trying to have him sent to the colonies.

TWI · Mar 30, 2005

It may be a strange coincidence, but my desktop at home started doing this sort of thing 2 weeks ago. I have latest updates on virus(ADX), ad/spyware (Adaware/Spybot) so pretty sure it is not that. I get some warning before it goes down in the form of a reddening of the screen, almost like a grid over the entire screen. No solution yet found. After reading this thread however it seems I will have to get out the hoover tonight if I can find it.

Salty Gibbon · Mar 30, 2005

Yes, aarie5 seems to have the answer. A good blow job at least once a month with the hoover appears to be the way to go.

aarie5 · Mar 30, 2005

Now yir talkin - just make sure it's a plastic hose!

If you're up for it ,remove the heatsink fan, you'll be amazed what you find under it.

I found Donald Trump's wig!

J Edgar

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