Computer randomly restarts

OK, it sounds like the system has a graphics card, and is not too old. I think the next step might be to try a live Linux disc or USB drive to determine if you have similar issues with that. The computer is not staying up for 24 hours at present, using the current Windows OS.

Running the computer from a live Linux disc or USB drive, you could still access the internet and check webmail. If you use other application software under Windows, that would not run, but a 24-36 hour test should not be too much of an inconvenience. I would leave it it running 24/7 for the test period. If it crashes or reboots, that would tend to indicate a hardware problem and it might be new computer time. If it runs fine, it might be time to try a reinstall of Windows 7 or an "upgrade" to Windows 10 Pro to see if that eliminates the BSOD problems. you would want to make an image backup of the C: drive before trying that.

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If it runs fine, it might be time to try a reinstall of Windows 7 or an "upgrade" to Windows 10 Pro to see if that eliminates the BSOD problems. you would want to make an image backup of the C: drive before trying that.

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At this point it is a little problematic to upgrade to W10 as I need to use some programs that might or might not work on W10. I know people who have no issues, while others can't use them I am really worried about "taking a chance". That is why, when I contacted the tech to "upgrade" my computer, it had to either be only W7 or a dual boot with W7 OR, he was suggesting finding a way to emulate W7 for me to run those programs especially *IF* W10 ended up causing issues with it (W10 update have been known to cause issues for other users).

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If you use other application software under Windows, that would not run, but a 24-36 hour test should not be too much of an inconvenience.

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So if I boot with that UBCD5 boot flash I created, programs like Outlook, PaintShopPro, Notepad++ and Chrome might not work? Ouch... 24-36 hours would be really tough to skip!

I'll try booting from that UBCD flash drive I created. I'll set it overnight, and tomorrow, most of the day. I'll try to manage work on the laptop instead (inconvenient but might be worth testing!).

Now, I am no longer sure how to boot the actual computer using the UBCD. It just sends me to the BIOS thingy. Am I using it wrong?

As I rebooted the computer, I got a notification for an update for my AMD Radeon. I thought it showed no new update when i checked earlier. But heck! Might as well update it now!

And in the meantime, I'll leave it on overnight. I didn't manage to boot from the USB. It does not seem to do what I thought it would do.

Can you explain or direct me to how to boot from a USB drive? I might have a chance to do that tonight.

Another BSOD. Interestingly, it is at the exact same time as yesterday: 9:51:59 (2 seconds later than yesterday). Hum...
And the same error.

The links in post #89 show how to create and boot from a live Linux disc or USB drive:

http://discussions.virtualdr.com/sho...75#post1549375

https://www.fosslinux.com/274/how-to...on-windows.htm

You can boot from the Ultimate Boot CD, but only the software on that CD can be run. A live Linux disc or drive would at least give you internet access, and would be more of a test since it would load drivers for all of your hardware that it could detect.

Outlook, PaintShopPro, Notepad++ would not work under Linux, although Chrome is available. If 24-36 hours for a test tends to cause computer withdrawal symptoms, a backup computer might be something to consider in case your primary PC has issues like this.

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Outlook, PaintShopPro, Notepad++ would not work under Linux, although Chrome is available. If 24-36 hours for a test tends to cause computer withdrawal symptoms, a backup computer might be something to consider in case your primary PC has issues like this.

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It is not as much widthdrawal as a "tool for my night work". And yes, the laptop would be the backup option, and what I will need to use.

I had not paid much attention to the link for Linux as (1) I never used Linux and thought it was over myhead (maybe it still is, but I'll see) and (2) I had that UBCD5 done and thought it was booting normally with that, even with limited features.

You could boot from the UBCD and leave it running for 24-36 hours, but chances are it will not crash running that. However, the UBCD likely just loads a simple default video driver, so it won't be much of a test.

An alternative is a spare hard drive that you use to install a clean copy of Windows (7 or 10). You woul disconnect your current C: drive (and all other hard drives) and connect the spare drive, then install your choice of Windows versions, download the updates, and see what happens. If the BSODs continue, a hardware issue is likely.

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An alternative is a spare hard drive that you use to install a clean copy of Windows (7 or 10). You woul disconnect your current C: drive (and all other hard drives) and connect the spare drive, then install your choice of Windows versions, download the updates, and see what happens. If the BSODs continue, a hardware issue is likely.

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I don't have a copy of Windows7 (I think). And all that sounds like brain surgery! And, I don't have a spare drive either.

I am trying to read the instructions to create a Linux flash drive.

Drive:
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E1682223...82E16822236339

You can download a Windows 10 .iso file that will let you set up a test system.

Thanks.

Additional question. One of my internal drive USED to be my C: drive, so it would still boot if I set the BIOS to boot from it. Would that help pinpoint anything? I am asking since it would be faster than ordering a drive, waiting for it, and then performing surgery on my computer when I don't know what I am doing (I can follow you blindly, but that's about it!)

If the drive that used to be your C: drive was set up with Windows using the motherboard you currently have, and it has not been reformatted, it should still boot. However, I assume that it now has a different drive letter if you can access it. If I were going to try booting from it as a test, I would disconnect ALL other hard drives and connect that drive to cable that is now connected to your current C: drive to avoid any unwanted issues.

I guess I cannot avoid surgery then?

Yes, it is now my E drive. I am not 100% sure it was the same motherboard. When I had one new hard drive installed that C became E and a new C was added. Then, in June, that C was "replaced" by an SSD and became F. So the E was left as itself.

What would happen if it was a different motherboard when that ORIGINAL drive was set up?

Still looking into that bootable flash drive with Windows7.

If the original C: drive was set up for Windows when it was connected to a different motherboard, it would have incorrect drivers for the new motherboard and it likely wouldn't boot and you would get errors. Not good.

Note: The bootable flash drive I suggested would NOT boot into Windows 7. It would boot into a Linux OS, which would work for testing. To test with Windows, you would need a spare hard drive and some Windows installation media files.