getting unrequested reboot

[AXEmanCG]

Unfortunately due to the nature of the problem I'm having trouble supplying a lot of useful information. Anyway, I have a user that is getting an uninitiated reboot of her machine. She leaves multiple applications going all the time and when she returns to her PC to start work occaisionally the machine will just go through what looks like a normal restart. There is no bluescreen, its just as if she had just selected the restart option.

Now I know without many specifics this may be hard to diagnose, but I was wondering if there are any ideas as to what might cause a reboot and not a bluescreen or some other error.

 

[4378]

Dont really know what the problems could be if the machine she use is a P3 or P4 but if its AMD it could be that she need to cool down the computer...A friend of mine did have this kind of problems a few years back...hope this helps you a bit...

 

[AXEmanCG]

unfortunately this is an HP machine with an Intel processor in it.

 

[mqonnet]

If this is a laptop then check to see howz the setttings for the battery/power connections. If they are low enough, and computer not used for long, it would shutdown your PC.

Cheers
KK IBM MQSeries Specialist

 

[histobastifish]

If this PC has Win2K or XP on it, do this:

-Right-click My Computer, click on Properties.
-Click on the Advanced Tab and then click on the Startup and Recovery button.
-Uncheck the automatically restart box in the System Failure area.

This will at least give you a starting point as to why it is rebooting. And this is also the reason you are not seeing the BSOD, it just automatically reboots. Once you see the BSOD, you can look for anything related in the Event Viewer. "Scientists have proven that living actually causes death."

 

[wolluf]

Look in event viewer anyway - it still records there without BSOD.

You've likely got a hardware or a driver problem (can be difficult to pin down I'm afraid). I'd start by replacing memory if possible & see if problem continues. Event viewer may help - but usually gives an error code that could mean a multitude of things.

PS. Has this always happened - ie, any history - new software/hardware, virus, major crash etc?

 

[histobastifish]

My point is, that if you actually see what the BSOD is displaying, it will be easier to pinpoint in the event viewer. It may be a bad driver for instance, and the BSOD will tell exactly which one it is.

To further my point, I was not trying to diagnose the issue. I was trying to make it easier for this person to find a start. "Scientists have proven that living actually causes death."

 

[wolluf]

histobastifish,

Sorry - wasn't saying its not a good idea - it is. Just saying there should already be information to look for.

 

[AXEmanCG]

I appreciate the help guys. I had already unchecked the automatic reboot option. This is not a bluescreen happening. It is the machine literally restarting itself w/o the user telling it to do so. It shuts down all applications and then restarts itself just as if you had requested a restart.

The machine was updated recently by another tech with all the latest security, windows, and drivers updates from MS. It is a Win2K Pro machine. This is why I don't take MS's driver updates and the reason I dont install the other non-critical updates unless the user has a specific need for them. My guess is that one of the new "improved" MS drivers is forcing this to happen, but because it is a semi-random event its very hard to find the answer.

It is happening after she has been away from the machine for a while. When she returns and begins to use her mouse she claims that is when its taking place. Of course I'm not there ever to witness this so I have to take her at her word. I may try power management options next.

 

[hughsie99]

AXEmanCG
There are several power supply issues that can cause this.
Check that the power cables are fully inserted into their sockets at each end.
Check that the fan in the power supply is operating. Overheating will cause the SMPS to shut down and then after a minute or 2 cool enough to restart.

Hope this helps