XP powers off 1

[jwa6]

this is a problem I am having on a pc that has winows xp. Service pack 2 was installed a month or so back.

the problems are 2

1)
On IE 6 the home page will come up fine. I use a weather page and have for years.
When I try to use a bookmarked site or type a web address ( like amazon.com) in the address bar, I get the web site "not found - better check your settings screen etc."

2) When the pc is running it will shut down suddenly. ( power off) I have to turn it back on w/ the power switch.

both of these problems started a few days ago.
I have run spybot w/ no findings ( except DSO WHICH it doesnt seem to remove ever).
I downloaded mcafee stinger and ran it on the hard drive. It produced no results.

I suspected a virus...but could this be a windows auto update issue?. I have the setting and autoupdate from MS. Has anyone heard of a MS update to Xp causing these problems?

jim

 

[billcmh]

If this PC is on a broadband connection, boot into safe mode with networking and try the same steps. If it doesn't shut down then you may have a virus or spyware problem. Try a program called winsockfix

 

[pergenio]

The same problem has just started on my PC. XP Service pack 2 was installed a couple of months ago and automatic updates are also taking place.

I've been not able to determine the reason why it powers off from time to time. Then I depress the power on switch and it powers up without any problem but not saved work is lost.
Virus detection (Symantec) is not able to detect any virus.
System parameters are found OK for temperature, etc.
I'm suspecting on the Windows XP itself that some automatic update is causing the problem.
Anyone else is experinecing the same?
Thanks.
Avelino

 

[aquias]

Whelp,

First things first...this link is an update for spybot to get rid of the DSO issue

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4392.html

Next up, the power down is, most likely, a BSoD or an update requiring a reboot. First things to do is to...

1. Start menu
2. Run
3. Eventvwr.msc
4. Hit Enter

This will take you to the event viewer and allow you to see what exact, if any, error message you're receiving after a reboot.

To disable rebooting on BSoD's...

1. "Windows Key" and "Pause/Break", this will open the systems menu.
2. Advanced tab
3. "Startup and Recovery" Settings button
4. Under "System Failure" uncheck "Automatically Restart".