Computer Randomly Restarting

[Pooky]

I am fixing a computer for someone and there are a few problems but one of them is that (the person has dialup) when dialing up, as soon as it gets to registering computer on the internet, the computer restarts. It's Windows XP...

Any idea why this would happen?

 

[PeterCH]

I am fixing a computer for someone and there are a few problems but one of them is that (the person has dialup) when dialing up, as soon as it gets to registering computer on the internet, the computer restarts. It's Windows XP...

Any idea why this would happen?

It's either a USB driver issue (for USB modems) or for built in modems it's an interrupt issue. Try to change the PCI slot of the modem or update the modem driver (or switch back to a previous one). I had this problem years ago.

 

[Drake2007]

The other few problems could be related but it also sounds virusy to me.

 

[zamrg]

I'd also recommend switching off automatic restarts upon critical errors by going to System Properties -> Advanced -> Startup and Recovery -> Settings -> untick 'Automatically restart'

You'll then be able to do a bit of googling regarding the error that comes up, which will most likely lead you to a hardware fault with the modem.

 

[Park@82]

...also sounds virusy to me.

+1 didnt sasser do almost the same?

 

[Pooky]

I have run now virus programs and spyware ones and nothing is detected. The computer is also going REALLY slowly...

I think the best option is to reinstall, but the problem is the place they got it from didn't give them any CD's. I have a windows one and the licence key is on the side....
But... they also have Office 2003 and Nero Essentials, which neither they nor I have CD's for...

 

[Park@82]

U can use this to backup the keys, also make a note of the exact version of office 2003. You might be able to borrow the cd if they have a license key. I think Nero Essentials comes with most dvd writers. Be sure to backup the .pst files if they use outlook for email.

 

[Drake2007]

+1 didnt sasser do almost the same?.... Be sure to backup

Yeah was trying to think of the name of that one..

Um if there were no CD's there could be a manufacturers restore partition on the HD, have a look in the BIOS to access that. Might be lucky.

 

[Pooky]

Ok everything is now fine except in outlook express when recieving mail, it recieves a few and then the whole computer freezes every time... What could this be?