Computer keeps restarting

from WinCustomize Forums
A friend on mine's computer all of a sudden just keeps restarting. Cannot load windows, gain access to the root directory, etc. Sometimes the boot screen will show up, other times, it won't. Checked the bios and everything looks fine there. I even changed the boot drive to the CD ROM, put the XP disk in, but it still does the restart thing. Once in a while, a BSOD will flash momentarily, but can't read what's on there....too fast.

I put in a new power supply cause his was awfully hot. Figured it might be because it was over-heating. But that was a no go as well. I cannot access his floppy drive either.

No new hardware installed in over a couple of months....so, I figured that can't be it. I even unplugged all peripherals except for the video card, sound card, mouse, and keyboard.

I am totally stumped....anyone have any ideas?
74,324 views 26 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Did you try reseating the memory sticks?
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
I'd be leaning towards a failure in the processor, motherboard, or memory card(s).
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Do you hear any beeps when it tries to boot up, and if so, how many?
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Does Windows start to boot?

You might want to try safe mode, or do a Repair install.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I had a similar problem some time ago.....a techie friend dumped the memory/restore cache in the BIOS, rewrote it to recognise the connected hardware, etc and did a repair install of XP to restore the OS boot sequence.

I'm not sure of the exact procedure or if this helps, but he said it had something to do with the BIOS not correctly reading the HD and needed updating. If that's not it, hopefully yrag or someone can nail it down better than I and offer a solution.

Best of luck with it.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Did you try reseating the memory sticks?


Yep....and checked all the cables too.

Do you hear any beeps when it tries to boot up, and if so, how many?


It has the regular one short beep at start up which is normal for it.

Does Windows start to boot?

You might want to try safe mode, or do a Repair install.


Sometimes I can get as far as the boot screen, but that is it. Even when trying to do a re-install of XP, it only gets as far as doing the temporary installing of files..then says windows is starting, then please wait....then it dies! Freezes up.

Since I posted the original article this morning, I took out the recent video and sound cards and put the old ones back in. No luck, so change in the behavior.

I think he got a trojan or something in the Master boot record, but I can't access the drive to re-format it! This is maddening!
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
you can boot from the XP install and go to the recovery console instead of installing.  Won't ever access the hdd.  Once you get to the command line type 'fixmbr' (without the quotes).  That will repair the mbr, if that is, indeed, the problem.

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
i had a problem like this and it was hdd failure - the smart feature would cause the hard drive to reboot and if the power supply had been running hot sounds like it might have been hit by a surge
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
you can boot from the XP install and go to the recovery console instead of installing. Won't ever access the hdd. Once you get to the command line type 'fixmbr' (without the quotes). That will repair the mbr, if that is, indeed, the problem.


I was able to boot from the XP disc. When I typed the R to get to the Recovery Console, the computer froze up solid! Couldn't do anything!

had a problem like this and it was hdd failure - the smart feature would cause the hard drive to reboot and if the power supply had been running hot sounds like it might have been hit by a surge


I have a sinking feeling it is a hard drive failure also. I was just hoping that it may have just been a trojan or something. I don't have an extra disk around to test to see if it is a hdd failure...so, he is gonna get a new drive.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You can try a Linux Live CD to get the data off onto a removable drive (usb flash drive) before dumping the drive.

And yes when my hard drive failed, first devices stopped working, and eventually it just started rebooting.
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Meowys suggestion is an excellent one.

Have you checked your hdd power and data cables just to make sure they are all seated correctly?  Yeah, I know kind of a duh! thing, but you never know
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Have you checked your hdd power and data cables just to make sure they are all seated correctly


Different circumstance, but recently my machine kept wanting to reboot when an idiot tech didn't connect my main drive with C: properly after a case upgrade. It was as if my PC was in a continual loop of rebooting, but once the cables were connected correctly and the BIOS could recognise the HDD, all was well again....hopefully that's all it is.

Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have the same problen, but when I went into safe mode it stalls on a file and then reboots. Luckily dad is taking it to his works tech guys
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You can try a Linux Live CD to get the data off onto a removable drive (usb flash drive) before dumping the drive.


Fortunately, I had backed up all his data a couple of weeks ago. I do that once a month, as he has a habit of messing up his computer, forcing me to wipe it about every 3 months or so.

Have you checked your hdd power and data cables just to make sure they are all seated correctly?


Yep, that was one of the first things I did. I checked all the cables to everything, and re-seated the memory sticks.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well chances are if you can boot to Knoppix, then you have a software issue.

Some things I might do are to remove all external devices from your PC and try to boot.
Have you installed any new hard/software lately?

I think you will know a lot more after you try booting to Knoppix.
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well chances are if you can boot to Knoppix, then you have a software issue.

Some things I might do are to remove all external devices from your PC and try to boot.
Have you installed any new hard/software lately?

I think you will know a lot more after you try booting to Knoppix.


I went through all hardware....removed the only recent new hardware....sound and video. But, was still unable to access the hard drive. He did not have any external devices on his computer, except for the mouse.

I didn't download the Linux CD. He chose to get a new hard drive...the drive is about 3 or 4 years old...so, it was probably time to replace it. The hard drive arrived yesterday, so I am gonna install it after I get home from work today....will let you know if that was successful.
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well, it wasn't the hard drive...however, it may still be. The motherboard went out. Evidentally, he did get a power surge, causing the motherboard to go out. So, now, I have to rebuild the computer. I ordered the motherboard and a new cpu...he needed to upgrade anyway.
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
3 weeks ago I hit the on/off switch on the power strip one of my pcs was plugged into. Upon restart I had a simliar problem. Boot sequence just kept cycling. Had to reformat.   
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
NT....computers can be a real pain, huh? If only it was as simple as reformatting to fix this computer! At least he will save some money....I am gonna rebuild it myself....I have built all of my computers since the late 90's...and, numerous family members/friends as well...lol.
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Someone earlier mentioned beeps, many newer computers don't have the beeps!

Anyway, i have repaired a computer with this problem before, I had to repair windows XP, as its a repair, you shouldn't lose files, ask your friend if an XP installation disk came with the computer. If so, it will be worthit to try reinstalling.

If it doesn't work, its most likely a hardware problem, such as Hard Drive, memory etc. Unlikely to be processor, if there is a problem with the processor, it wouldn't work at all.

Hope this helps

Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Anyway, i have repaired a computer with this problem before, I had to repair windows XP, as its a repair, you shouldn't lose files, ask your friend if an XP installation disk came with the computer. If so, it will be worthit to try reinstalling.

If it doesn't work, its most likely a hardware problem, such as Hard Drive, memory etc. Unlikely to be processor, if there is a problem with the processor, it wouldn't work at all.

Hope this helps


It turned out to be his motherboard....got fried from a power surge from the power supply. It also took out the hard drive. I will be re-building it when the hardware gets here, hopefully early next week.

Reply #22 from JoeUser Forums Top
Usually the solutions to the worst of problems are more than simple and basic,begin from the beginning,take care.
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well, I've re-built the computer with the new stuff! Works great...he is now a hppy camper!

Thanks all, for the suggestions, help.
Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Could be a ...Memory issue. I once bought some ram to upgrade my machine, and when I put it in my machine , it constantly rebooted my machine.

It was bad sticks! Even the BIOS kept whining about it.

-EDIT-

Stupid me didnt read this issue was already solved. But I had to comment about it anyways
Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I suggest checking your processor and getting a new cooling system, because if that doesn't work properly in keeping your system cool, it will blow up