DVD-ROM being accessed, pc restarts

[spiffman66]

Hello, I have a problem that's been bugging me for a while. I have a Lite-On DVDRW (851S) that I've had for a couple years. This just started recently, but everytime i try to copy files from the cd to the hard drive, or import songs from a music cd into iTunes, my pc just restarts, sometimes it hangs at a blank screen. Sometimes it restarts just after i try to copy, or in the middle of copying.

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions.

Thanks guys,
Mark

 

[rvnguy]

Check for spyware, adware, viruses etc. These are the most common causes for inadvertant stops, hangs, auto reboots



rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all

 

[stduc]

Check the event logs. You may get some idea from that.

In 'My computer' - Properties - Startup & Recovery : Untick automatically restart, so you can read any BSOD message. Also untick 'Time to display recovery options' So you get all the time you need to read them and choose. Finally, select either a mini, or full dump you can analyse.

You can get microsofts debug analyser here

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/devtools/debugging/default.mspx

 

[cdogg]

Also check to see that the device is using DMA. All DVD burners should be.

1) Go to Device Manager
2) Go into the properties for the Primary or Secondary IDE controller (the one that the drive is using)
3) On the "Advanced Settings" tab, it should say "DMA if available" for your DVD burner and the transfer mode should be DMA mode 2 or higher.

If that's not an issue, then consider using msconfig to disable all 3rd-party apps from starting with Windows, reboot, and see if you can duplicate the issue.

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[spiffman66]

I checked the DMA and that all checked out. Also messed around with those startup & recovery options. Now, my pc just shuts down at anytime. Don't think it is a virus (scanned with Norton Antivirus 2006) or spyware. Think it may be the power supply. Any thoughts?

 

[cdogg]

It could very well be the power supply, short on the motherboard, or even an overheating issue.

You should check the event logs in Windwos XP as stduc recommended. If the problem is in Windows, then something should show in those logs as to what command or error initiated the shutdown sequence.

If it just turns off suddenly, then you can be sure it's hardware related.

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[spiffman66]

Couldn't be overheating, cpu is at 31 deg Celsius and rest is at 28 deg Celsius. I don't get any error message when the pc shuts down with those options unticked like stduc recommended. The power supply came with the case and is at 400w. I'm now looking at getting a 500w power supply.

 

[cdogg]

As mentioned in another recent thread ( thread602-1199026 ) be sure to get a reputable brand like Antec, Thermaltake, Coolermaster, etc. That's more important than the wattage. They may cost 2-3 times more than generic, but it's well worth it in the long run.

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[spiffman66]

I bought a 500w psu and no i don't have any problems...thanks for the help guys!

 

[firewolfrl]

Did this start after adding Norton?
did you add any new software for burning?