My PC keeps restarting on its own

So you checked and made sure the cpu heatsink is fine?
You put your big fan on the side of the box for cooling?
You have checked the ram is seated correctly?
 
killadoob said:
So you checked and made sure the cpu heatsink is fine?
You put your big fan on the side of the box for cooling?
You have checked the ram is seated correctly?
Click to expand...

Checked the heatsink and it seems fine.
I dont ave a fan, I have aircons in the house. :(
I have reseated the RAM and will check if that helps.

Quick note on the RAM, I had to replace this when I changed the mobo as it didnt fit. I had DDR 2Gb RAM but in changing the mobo they didnt have 2X1Gb RAM so I had to piece-meal 1Gb RAM. I have one 512Kb, and 2 X 256Kb cards on the other side to make sure they are equal on both sides.

But I have just reseated them to check...
 
would none of the apps you need to edit the vid be able to run from your lappie?
 
DJK said:
OK, so seems the memory test is failing at the same spot every time. I take it this indicates the memory is now vrot?
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No. Memtest tests the overall stability of the RAM-CPU-Mobo combo. It doesn't just test RAM and a fail doesn't mean its automatically RAM.

I've fixed failed memtests by unclogging the dust etc from CPUs....so yeah it could be the CPU overheating.

DJK said:
It is a corporate video that I need to edit with some sound, so I need to Adobe the bloody thing..
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Shyte. Thats a problem. Is there *any* other PC with adobe you could use?...cause troubleshooting under hectic time pressure is not cool and will probably end in unfinished work.

Describe this Unexpected Interrupt error...cause that doesn't sound like a standard memtest error...more like memtest bombed out completely.

DJK said:
BSD says page-fault-in-non-page-area whatever that means?
Click to expand...
Same thing as the memtest error...it doesn't narrow it down between cpu-ram-mobo.

ETA: Take out the RAM modules one at a time and check each time if memtest still bombs.
 
Well you said its restarting because it's getting too hot? Well you could change the Auto Shutoff/restart in Bios just for now, though the CPU will prob get quite hot in that time. You can find in Bios under PC Health Status, change it to something High for now until you've done your video etc.
 
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HavocXphere said:
No. Memtest tests the overall stability of the RAM-CPU-Mobo combo. It doesn't just test RAM and a fail doesn't mean its automatically RAM.

I've fixed failed memtests by unclogging the dust etc from CPUs....so yeah it could be the CPU overheating.


Shyte. Thats a problem. Is there *any* other PC with adobe you could use?...cause troubleshooting under hectic time pressure is not cool and will probably end in unfinished work.

Describe this Unexpected Interrupt error...cause that doesn't sound like a standard memtest error...more like memtest bombed out completely.

Same thing as the memtest error...it doesn't narrow it down between cpu-ram-mobo.

ETA: Take out the RAM modules one at a time and check each time if memtest still bombs.
Click to expand...

I have my lappie but no installation files for Adobe. :(

I have taken out the 256 modules and left the 512 in, and the mem test is now running fine, so it might be a prob with one of the 256 modules. Doesnt matter which one it is though cause I cant just put one back in. Running memtest on the 512 and it all looks good so will just leave it at that and see if that helps.

Although Adobe wont work with just 512 IIRC so I am still a little screwed. If it is just the memory then I will be very glad to have solved the issue. Will post back in a few once the memtest is complete and let you know if it solves the issue.

BTW, the PC is restarting when the CPU is at around 60 degrees celcius. The threshold is set to 90 so I doubt it is a heat issue in that case, but I am just presuming here...

Muchos muchos gracias for your help guys...
 
Memtest on 512k stick passed with no errors, so lets see if that was the issue...
 
Guess what!?

IT WORKED! It was the memory after all. The files play fine now but with 512 RAM it is slow as hell. Will have to go buy some more in the morning but that shouldnt be an issue and I should be able to get the editing done in about 15min flat after that.

Many, many thanks to all of you who chipped in to help out - I really do appreciate it and let me know if there is anything I can do to return the favour some time - you all rock!!!

And on the plus side, at least you can add this to your diagnosis skills - LOL.

Regards

DJ
 
Just on a side note- It's not really good to mix and match up RAM. It's better to have 2x512 or 2x1gb. Glad you found the problem :)
 
Glad you're sorted fscker ...... now stop b*tching and moaning ok :D
 
I'm very surprised it was a memory fault, but there you go. Glad you got sorted.

I still really recommend you put some paste on though - your temps are too high and video is clearly putting a lot of stress on the processor.
 
Yet another memory related issue, I hate it when those happen! Memtest is really a great help thankfully. I had a P3 here at my work also do the random blue screen and reboot, and I managed to figure out that it's the RAM.

Concerning temperatures, if I read the first post right, you most likely have a Pentium 4? Those suckers run hot, even when idle. Using some other thermal paste will help a bit, as will clearing out dust, but there is only so much that can be done to cool down a P4.

I guess we all got used to the nice cool running Core 2's and forgot about NetBurst hell lol.
 
Yip, P4 still - it runs perfectly so never saw a need to upgrade.

Just to let those of you who helped me know, I went out this morning and bought 4gigs RAM for R800 and the PC is running like and absolute dream. I managed to get the Adobe editing done and the presentation went smoothly, followed by a really good meeting. I couldnt have done it without the help of you guys so I would just like to re-iterate my gratitude to you all for helping out as and when you could. Much appreciated...
 
DJK said:
Yip, P4 still - it runs perfectly so never saw a need to upgrade.

Just to let those of you who helped me know, I went out this morning and bought 4gigs RAM for R800 and the PC is running like and absolute dream. I managed to get the Adobe editing done and the presentation went smoothly, followed by a really good meeting. I couldnt have done it without the help of you guys so I would just like to re-iterate my gratitude to you all for helping out as and when you could. Much appreciated...
Click to expand...
Glad its sorted. Antowan is right about the temps though...too high for a P4 or any cpu for that matter.

My dad has a P4 which cruises at just over room temp.
 
If your heavy into editing dj, check if your mobo supports core 2 and get one, you'll be amazed how much faster is it over a p4. :)
 
killadoob said:
If your heavy into editing dj, check if your mobo supports core 2 and get one, you'll be amazed how much faster is it over a p4. :)
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Nah, not heavy into it hey, I just use it to put together tailored corporate DVD's according to the client I will be seeing. Takes a few minutes and is well worth the extra effort.

Thanks for the tip though - my mobo is an Asus P5ND2 SLi - not sure if it supports core 2...
 
HavocXphere said:
Glad its sorted. Antowan is right about the temps though...too high for a P4 or any cpu for that matter.

My dad has a P4 which cruises at just over room temp.
Click to expand...

My IT guy is coing over to my place just now so I have asked him to bring through some thermal paste as well - will let you know how it helps ;)
 
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