Windows shuts down & restarts without warning

I will be in the middle of something on my computer and it will shut down and restart without any warning/ I have scanned for viruses.. When my computer comes back on it tells me that my computer has recovered from a serious error... can someone please HELP Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome!

Tell us what version of Windows you have.

Start/run and type in "winver" (no quotes). You should see "Version xxx (where xxx is the value) below "Microsoft Windows". Be sure to include any build or service pack info that follows if you see any.

Depending on your version of windows, the event viewer might be able to tell us what's wrong.

Note which applications (instant messenger, downloads, Word, etc..) you have open when it restarts without warning. That will help us troubleshoot it for you.

 

I'm running XP home edition and always download the latest patches etc. but I also have this very same problem of almost random shutdowns. First I thought it was one of those recent viruses, but I've downloaded all the patches for that and it never did find a virus. CHKDSK runs fine and does not find any problem either...

 

Welcome! Are you also "mostprecious"? Forgive my confusion.

Do you receive a stop error, and could you tell us precisely what it is? If you receive more than one, please include them all.

Patches and CHKDSK won't check for viruses; but, it's good that you have all updates.

Before any change, create a restore point. Start/programs/accessories/system tools/system restore/create a restore point/next. Under "restore point description", type in a name and create.

If you do not have anti-virus, download a free version here:
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php

Make sure after you download and install it, you check for updates AND run a complete scan. Reboot when prompted.

If nothing is detected and you have your original XP disk (NOT a restore disk that resembles something like "Reinstallation CD Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition" ), grab it and Start/run. Type in command. Type in "sfc /scannow" (include the space). This should allow Windows to repair any damaged files.

Holler when you're done and we'll peek from there

Next up if no luck:
msconfig
services.msc
HiJack this

 

I see you other post here:

http://forums.techguy.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=1111177#post1111177

Read both and then please try to stick to one forum if you can; helps others follow/respond to you.

Thanks! G.

 

In Windows XP, if you have a Blue Screen of Death error, the system will automatically shutdown and restart without giving any pertinent information.

To have the error message displayed and stay on your screen without it rebooting on you, you need to go to

START, CONTROL PANEL, SYSTEM ICON, ADVANCED tab, go to STARTUP & RECOVERY (bottom) and click on SETTINGS button. You will see under SYSTEM FAILURE, an option to AUTOMATICALLY RESTART. UN check this option. click OK.OK to exit and reboot.
Now, if your system does indeed crash again, it will not reboot itself, it will display a Blue screen with error message on it.
Write down this error message you are getting and post it in thread for further assistance dealing with this.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

 

Im getting this , if it means anything
==========
Advanced System Information - Error Log

Please wait while information is being collected...




100% (collecting Error Log information)

Refresh screen


Error Log
Date - Time Source Description
Wednesday, September 10, 2003 Service Control Manager The Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service terminated unexpectedly. It has done this 1 time(s). The following corrective action will be taken in 60000 milliseconds: Reboot the machine.
Wednesday, September 10, 2003 Service Control Manager The Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service terminated unexpectedly. It has done this 1 time(s). The following corrective action will be taken in 60000 milliseconds: Reboot the machine.
Wednesday, September 10, 2003 System Error Error code 000000d1, parameter1 00000000, parameter2 00000002, parameter3 00000000, parameter4 f5533663.
Thursday, September 11, 2003 Service Control Manager The Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service terminated unexpectedly. It has done this 1 time(s). The following corrective action will be taken in 60000 milliseconds: Reboot the machine.
Thursday, September 11, 2003 System Error Error code 000000d1, parameter1 0000fa97, parameter2 00000002, parameter3 00000000, parameter4 0000fa97.
Thursday, September 11, 2003 System Error Error code 000000d1, parameter1 0000fd2f, parameter2 00000002, parameter3 00000000, parameter4 0000fd2f.
Thursday, September 11, 2003 System Error Error code 000000d1, parameter1 0000facd, parameter2 00000002, parameter3 00000000, parameter4 0000facd.
Thursday, September 11, 2003 System Error Error code 000000d1, parameter1 0000fd2f, parameter2 00000002, parameter3 00000000, parameter4 0000fd2f.
Thursday, September 11, 2003 System Error Error code 000000d1, parameter1 0000facd, parameter2 00000002, parameter3 00000000, parameter4 0000facd.
Thursday, September 11, 2003 System Error Error code 000000d1, parameter1 00000000, parameter2 00000002, parameter3 00000000, parameter4 f55d3663.
Thursday, September 11, 2003 System Error Error code 000000d1, parameter1 00000000, parameter2 00000002, parameter3 00000000, parameter4 f55d3663.
Thursday, September 11, 2003 System Error Error code 000000d1, parameter1 0000faa3, parameter2 00000002, parameter3 00000000, parameter4 0000faa3.
Friday, September 12, 2003 System Error Error code 000000d1, parameter1 00000000, parameter2 00000002, parameter3 00000000, parameter4 f55d3663.
Friday, September 12, 2003 System Error Error code 000000d1, parameter1 0000faa3, parameter2 00000002, parameter3 00000000, parameter4 0000faa3.
Friday, September 12, 2003 System Error Error code 000000d1, parameter1 00000000, parameter2 00000002, parameter3 00000000, parameter4 f55d3663.
Friday, September 12, 2003 System Error Error code 000000d1, parameter1 0000faa3, parameter2 00000002, parameter3 00000000, parameter4 0000faa3.
Friday, September 12, 2003 System Error Error code 000000d1, parameter1 0000faa3, parameter2 00000002, parameter3 00000000, parameter4 0000faa3.
Friday, September 12, 2003 System Error Error code 000000d1, parameter1 0000fa49, parameter2 00000002, parameter3 00000000, parameter4 0000fa49.
Friday, September 12, 2003 DCOM The server {F3A614DC-ABE0-11D2-A441-00C04 F795683} did not register with DCOM within the required timeout.
Friday, September 12, 2003 System Error Error code 0000007f, parameter1 0000000d, parameter2 00000000, parameter3 00000000, parameter4 00000000.
Friday, September 12, 2003 MsiInstall er None

 

Try disabling the RPC service in the "services" window. Get to it under administrator tools.

If the computer is randomly shutting down, you might want to check the power... is it plugged directly into the wall? How old is your computer? If there's any way you can get ahold of another PSU, you might consider trying that. If the PSU is going bad, that'll be one of the symptoms.