Computer Keeps Restarting

[AutofireDev]

Computer keeps restarting. When it restarts it restarts without warning and abruptly. Sometimes I can operate for several hours before it happens. Here's what I've gathered so far:

* Turned off automatic restart when windows error occurs.
* Windows Diagnostic Memory Tool detected no memory errors.
* I tried running in safe mode. Computer did not restart after 3 hours (had to sleep then)
* I play games: Continuum, and Runescape (yeah its gay I know). System seems to restart after an hour or so of running Continuum (2d space game). It seems to restart more frequently when running the java for Runescape.

System Specs:

Windows Vista Home Premium
Service Pack 1
Intel Core2 Quad CPU - Q8300 @ 2.5 GHZ
64-Bit OS
Memory (RAM) 8.00 GB
NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT (1 GB)


I've been searching forums and came across several mentions of a RAM issue? Should I try switching my two RAM sticks to different slots?

I would really really appreciate any help whatsoever. Thanks in advance!

-Dev

[Mjölnir]

Download the Memtest86+ CD ISO, burn it to CD and boot your PC to that disc. If Memtest86+ generates any errors, try removing one stick of RAM and try again. If that generates errors, swap the RAM for the other and test that second stick.

What motherboard, hard drive and power supply are you running?

If Memtest86+ doesn't show up errors, download the diagnostics tool from your hard drive manufacturer's website and test the hard drive. Ley us know how you go

[wonkanoby]

whats powering it....its max 12v amps

[AutofireDev]

Okay, so I'm really stupid when it comes to computers. But here's more info:

I think I have 4 RAM cards... 2GB each? Because I says I have 8 gb and when I take a card out and reboot it says I have 6gb then. So all 4 slots are taken...

Whenever the computer restarts randomly.. I don't get a BSOD screen. Just says this line then continues booting:

ODD0: HL-DT-STDVD-RAM GH22NP20

So I went into My Computer and did Properties on my C drive to find out what harddrive I have (thats how u check right? lol). And I saw that "GH22NP20" is the name of my CD/DVD Drive (I only have 1 cd drive). Does this mean that my cd/dvd drive is potentially the cause of my random rebooting/freezing problems?

HD: Hitachi HDS721075KLA330 ATA Device (Is that my harddrive?)

Below that it lists my CD/DVD drive as HL-DT-STDVD-RAM GH22NP20

I'm gonna try to disconnect my CD/DVD drive and see if my computer still does it.. I hope this doesnt •••• things up lol.. Please any feedback is appreciated. Pardon my ignorance.

[abb1]

Computers constantly restarting are usually based on either memory issues or power issues. You have to rule each one out before you can move forward. Did you test your memory using Memtest-86 like what was previosly suggested? You cannot test your memory using a windows based program, Memtest-86 is probably one of the best programs out there for this. Next, what power supply do you have? How old is your system? The error message definately refers to your DVD drive. It may be defective and causing power issues which could be the cause as well. Try replacing it, DVD drives are cheap.

[Mjölnir]

Originally Posted by AutofireDev

I think I have 4 RAM cards... 2GB each? Because I says I have 8 gb and when I take a card out and reboot it says I have 6gb then. So all 4 slots are taken...

Yep. So download the program I mentioned earlier (the CD ISO version). Unzip it, right-click the extracted file and choose "Open With" and then select your burning software. Alternatively, you can open your burning software and choose to open a file or "image" (as opposed to adding the ISO to a compilation). An ISO file is essentially a mirror image of a CD or DVD, meaning all the data on it is already compiled.

Once you've burnt it, leave it in the CD drive, restart the PC and then either jump into BIOS (DEL key) and change the boot sequence to boot from the CD drive first; or use the boot menu key as the PC starts up. Check your motherboard manual for more details on how to do that.

If you get any errors with Memtest86+, try one RAM stick at a time until you narrow down the cause.

Originally Posted by AutofireDev

Whenever the computer restarts randomly.. I don't get a BSOD screen. Just says this line then continues booting:

ODD0: HL-DT-STDVD-RAM GH22NP20

So I went into My Computer and did Properties on my C drive to find out what harddrive I have (thats how u check right? lol). And I saw that "GH22NP20" is the name of my CD/DVD Drive (I only have 1 cd drive). Does this mean that my cd/dvd drive is potentially the cause of my random rebooting/freezing problems?

Pretty sure that message is just saying that the DVD drive being detected. I expect your problem is likely to be something else. Please follow the directions I've given earlier.

Originally Posted by AutofireDev

HD: Hitachi HDS721075KLA330 ATA Device (Is that my harddrive?)

Yep. If the RAM test doesn't turn up any errors, download this CD ISO and do a full test on the hard drive.

We still need to know what sort of PSU you are running. It'll have a label on it. We need the brand and the model. Also, do you have either a spare PSU or a multimeter?

[AutofireDev]

So, I tested the RAM.. I removed 3/4 of the sticks.. only left slot 1 in.. and my compute hasnt restarted and I had java running for like 2 hrs.. So I'm pretty sure it was a problem with either the slot or the ram cards.. bad thing is only have 2 gb ram available now instead of 8... gonna try putting more in later to see maybe if its only 1 card thats having problems or 1 slot.. hopefully I can get at least 3/4 of them back in.. but we'll see.

Im not 100% sure its worked yet, but ill keep u posted.

[Mjölnir]

The idea is to use memtest to try and isolate which stick is faulty or incompatible with the others.