Posted: 7/25/2009 12:55:08 PM EDT
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7 year old Dell running Windows 2000 pro.
Computer keeps rebooting itself. Most times when I start it, it will go through 6 or 7 reboots before it settles down and I can get online. Then it might run an hour, might run 10 hours before just randomly going into a reboot cycle. Any ideas?? Malwarebytes doesn't pick up anything nor does Avast. HELP |
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Some things to look for:
1) make sure the CPU fan is running and not full of dust. 2) possible power supply is going out. 3) motherboard may be on it's way out. At 7 years of use, it's time to upgrade. You're 4 years past the useful life of a computer. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. 
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It might be a bad stick of memory. I've had a lot of problems with DDR2 sticks going bad in recent years. The symptoms were reboots and blue pages.
The first time it happened I tracked down the problem the hard way. I replaced the power supply and then the motherboard. I finally rotated all of the memory sticks in one at a time and found the culprit. Microsoft used to have a boot-time memory test utility that was a free download. I don't have the link handy or I'd post it. |
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I'd say it's overheating, or the power supply. the power supply might be hard to find to replace.
if it's overheating make sure all the fans inside are spinning, and use one of those wood shop compressed air sprayers to clean the dust out. that's my best suggestion besides "upgrade" |
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Quoted:
It might be a bad stick of memory. I've had a lot of problems with DDR2 sticks going bad in recent years. The symptoms were reboots and blue pages. The first time it happened I tracked down the problem the hard way. I replaced the power supply and then the motherboard. I finally rotated all of the memory sticks in one at a time and found the culprit. Microsoft used to have a boot-time memory test utility that was a free download. I don't have the link handy or I'd post it. this is likely, although it will be sdr or ddr memory, not ddr2 it is not likely a heat issue if this happens from a cold start, but it could also be powersupply (or motherboard or processor) 7 years old, if you cant fix it your self or know someone who can, than its time for a new one |
| BTW, if you're tired of W2k you can install XP on that system. (Yeah, I know they're nearly identical. Except some new software doesn't like 2000.) Just get a copy of any Dell XP installation CD and it will install just fine, won't ask for a CD key, won't need "activation," and will happily pass WGA. Dell's MS OS license is actually contained in the BIOS, so it's not even piracy. |
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I agree with the others - it's most likely heat, or a failing power supply. If you have a DVOM, you can check the PS voltages (they're usually printed on the PS case) while the machine is running. My personal criterion is +-5%. If the voltages vary more than that, it's time to ditch the PS. |
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Quoted:
I agree with the others - it's most likely heat, or a failing power supply. If you have a DVOM, you can check the PS voltages (they're usually printed on the PS case) while the machine is running. My personal criterion is +-5%. If the voltages vary more than that, it's time to ditch the PS. i agree with this assessment. Depending on the model, Dell computers are notorious for overheating. |
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Quoted:
7 year old Dell running Windows 2000 pro. Computer keeps rebooting itself. Most times when I start it, it will go through 6 or 7 reboots before it settles down and I can get online. Then it might run an hour, might run 10 hours before just randomly going into a reboot cycle. Any ideas?? Malwarebytes doesn't pick up anything nor does Avast. HELP I think something is trying - and failing to load on startup since you say this happens several times when you first fire it up then it settles down. First we go after the reboot - then the cause. Right click on "My Computer" select "Properties" select the "Advanced" tab select the "Startup and Recovery..." button Remove the check under "System Failure" from the "Automatically reboot" option. select the "OK" button back on the "System Properties" window select the "Apply" button, then the "OK" button. Hopefully that can stop the reboot issue. Next - find a PC with Win XP - you need to steal a file for your W2k box that M$ figured you would never need. msconfig.exe File is about 156 K so it will fit a floppy fine - or use a thumb drive - 156k will take only seconds even at USB v1.1 speeds of your old system. Be lazy - just use the search function to get it - but be sure to get the exe file not the .chm (help) file. On the 2000 box you can drop that into your win folder - then START > RUN and type in "msconfig" ( no quotes ) Use msconfig to see what is loading - it won't all be under the startup tab - need help on msconfig, google it As to Heat - yeah that happens to PC's built to use a duct to cool the cpu and not adding a real honest fan there. A good careful dose of compressed air is always a good idea anytime the case gets opened. Extra thru the power supply (both directions). Good luck. 
I don't get paid for this now days, Few even remember what a 70-210MCP is anymore. |
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Thanks for help so far.
It went into a reboot only mode after my post last night. It tries to open windows but reboots before it can. CPU and Power supply fans are both running. Doesn't appear dusty inside but I'll blow it put anyways. Got it to boot from the restore disc today and got about 90% done with reinstalling Win2000 when it started the reboot shit again. :( I also installed a new stick of RAM (PC133 SDRAM) so it's not that. Gonna go blow it out and see if that helps. |
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Sounds like you are down to it either being a motherboard or PSU. Some of the older Dell computers used proprietary PSU's, some didn't. If it isn't a standard ATX oe mATX PSU it will be expensive to replace, chances are the motherboard is proprietary and will also be expensive to replace. You might be able to source either, or both from a local shop that keeps a lot of used gear around, that will be the only way that it would be cost effective to replace either of those machines.
If the problem came up while you were running a OS install, that is a good indication that it isn't a software issue. Assuming your monitor is worth keeping, you can probably buy a much faster machine for the price of a new Dell motherboard and PSU. Todays bargain basement PCs are much faster than a seven year old machine that uses PC133 memory. Your computer may only be seven years old, but it was old technology when it was new, seven years ago DDR memory was already out, and all the newer platforms of the day were using it seven years ago. |