Debug Random Reboots - where to start? 1

[JeffeVerde]

I've got a Win2000 system that reboots at random. Even with nothing but Windows system processes running. I've got a hardware monitor running on it, and temperatures, voltages, fan speeds are all within spec.

So where to start troubleshooting?

 

[franklin97355]

Check for viruses and test the memory. They are two major causes of this behavior.

 

[laker7465]

Specifically, it sounds like the Blaster worm signature. Check your AV software site for the instructions on detecting and removing W32/Blaster.

 

[JeffeVerde]

Sorry -- should have mentioned -- I've done virus and trojan scans with multiple products. And the problem's been happening for 6 months or more.

When I'm using the system (it's a test bed, so it mostly sits unused), I might go a whole day without a reboot. But once it reboots, it might reboot 4 times in an hour.

I just remembered that it's configured to dual boot to Win98. So I'll try running the other OS -- that will at least pin down whether it's software, or hardware/BIOS

 

[wmccall]

"I might go a whole day without a reboot. But once it reboots, it might reboot 4 times in an hour."


Sure sounds like a software or memory problem. Your testing in Win98 sounds like a good idea. Win98 doesn't use the memory the same way as win2k so that wouldn't rule out a memory problem. If the 98 testing goes ok, can you swap the memory from another system?

 

[JeffeVerde]

Tried running MemTest86 last night, and the system kept rebooting. So definitely a hardware problem. I'll try swapping RAM out this weekend.

 

[JeffeVerde]

Swapping RAM had no effect. So it looks like it's either the motherboard, CPU. Guess it's time for a system upgrade.