pc reboots itself

[TwoMoon]

We have a pc that reboots itself at random. Typically, it's when the user has two or three applications running and decides to open another one.

Yes, I realize it would probably be best for her to close one (or two or three) before trying to open another...but you may as well talk to the wall!

I've ran defrag, scandisk, everything (IE, Windows Updates, Antivirus) is up to date.

Any thoughts?

TIA

[104456]

Several things can cause it hardware wise it could be a failing memory chip or possibly an overheating problem and software wise it could possibly be a corrupt file or poor software install.

You could try a hardware test of the memory with memtest it may or may not pick up a problem.If more than one installed try using one at once [as long as its sdram or ddr].

You could try reseating all the cards and memory chips genlty cleaning the gold connectors with a rubber[eraser] minding not to get your fingers on them.

Use a soft brush and clean out any dust bunnies from around fans on the processor,graphics card or case [with the power off].

Start/run "sfc" to run system file checker see if it picks anything up.

[psny513]

Two-Moon -

I agree with 104456 - it sounds like a memory concern.

If 104456's suggestion doen't stop the problem, I would run and AV scan, using HouseCall, Symantec, or other online option. I would also run SpyBot to see if spyware could be contributing to the problem, but this is less likelyto be causing your problem than is the possible existence of a trojan or virus on your computer system. All the foregoing are free.

Please let us know your result.

[Train]

OK, This needs to be done anyway as it will help your computer.
Lets see if we can free up some resources.
Do Start > Run > [type in]MSCONFIG >Ok
Select the Start up tab
This will list all of the programs being started at boot time. The icons in the bottom right of the screen.
Leave
ScanRegistry
SysTray
Your Antivirus
Your firewall if you run one.
Unselect all of the rest, reboot
As well, if you are unsure of what they are, post back the items in the list, maybe someone will know.

Step by Step with Snapshots on how to do this

What some of those words mean
Some more of what those words mean
And some more

Some other good links on resources.



PC 911

Windows Help

PC Forrest
Hope all the links are good.