Dell Dimension 4100 Reboots unexpectedly

[magicbluesmoke]

I have a problem that is common to all my DELL Dimension 4100 PCs. These computers reset unexpectedly when hard drive activity is very active. I notice the problem is very prevalent when a user with a very large profile logs in. Is this a problem with the BIOS. Or is this a problem with Power Supply being underpowered? This happens with all my Dimension 4100 machines so I suspect the problem to be well-known. However, I didn't locate anything on Dell's support website.

Thanks.

 

[ski]

Possible causes:

-Everything not completely seated on the motherboard.
Reseat everything.

-Overheating
Check the system and CPU's temps either in BIOS or with temperature monitoring software.
If the system temp gets over 45 deg. C, then remove the computer's cover, and run an external fan. If this fixes things, then install additional case fans. Recommended locations are lower front and upper rear of the case.
If the CPU gets over 60 deg. C, then make sure there is thermal compound between it and the heat sink. If that's ok, then replace the compound with Arctic Silver3.
If no luck, then install a higher capacity heat sink fan.
If still no luck, then replace the heatsink with a more efficient unit.
Also, make sure the computer's fans are running, the vents are open, the computer is not located in an enclosed space, and there is no internal dust build up.


-Overtaxed or bad power supply
Swap it out with a different(preferably higher wattage) unit.

-Bad memory
Remove and reinsert the memory a few times, try it in different slots, do not use any optimal settings for the memory in BIOS, increase the memory's voltage a notch in BIOS, and swap it out with known good memory.
Also, do not mix parity and non-parity memory.

-Bad video card.
Swap it out with a known good card.

-Bad MB.
Swap it out with a known good MB.

-IRQ conflict with a network card.
If no problems show up for the NIC in Device Manager, then remove it from DM, shut down, uninstall the card, and restart.

-Check for viruses and spyware.

-Uninstall kazaa.

 

[magicbluesmoke]

These are all fine troubleshooting steps to take if one comes across a computer that has this problem. However, my problem is with a specific Make and Model computer. The Dell Dimension 4100. These machines have always had this problem from the beginning. I can't find a record anywhere on Dell's website. Anyone have direct experience with this Make and Model?

 

[ski]

It's possible for all of your Dell 4100's to have a common problem(Ex.- undersized PS, inadequate cooling, etc.) if they are all custom built to the same specs, and did not come with the standard components.

Did you check BIOS to make sure that only default settings are being used?

Did you check inside for dust buildup?

Also, if the Dell's are the only computers on a common 115 volt circuit, then it's possible that the circuit may be O/L by other types of equipment.