Windows restarts without warning
Cause:
This issue could be caused by any of the below possibilities.
- Software issue or error.
- Hardware issue or error.
- Heat related issue.
- Computer virus.
- Issue with operating system.
Answer:
Software issue or error
Errors generated by software programs can cause a computer to reboot unexpectedly or without warning. If you are running Windows XP see the below section “For Windows XP users” before continuing.
If you are not running Windows XP, or following the below steps still causes your computer to reboot without warning, boot your computer into safe mode and let the computer run in safe mode. If the computer is still rebooting in safe mode the issue is likely not software related but something else. In this case skip to the next section. If the computer is not rebooting in safe mode it is likely you have a software related issue. We would recommend you run through the basic troubleshooting section for your operating system.
For Windows XP users
Windows XP is designed to automatically reboot each time an error occurs. Although this may be nice for errors that do not occur often, users who have a re-occurring error may wish to identify the error to troubleshoot it. Below are the steps on how this feature can be disabled and enabled in Windows XP.
From the desktop right click on My Computer.
- Click the Properties option.
- In the System Properties window click the Advanced tab.
- In Advanced click the Settings button under Startup and Recovery.
- In the Start-up and Recovery window uncheck the Automatically restart check box.
- Click Ok.
Now if the computer generates an error it should not automatically restart and will enable you to display any errors your computer may be experiencing.
Hardware issue or error
Any failing hardware component in your computer could cause your computer to unexpectedly generate an error and/or reboot without warning. If you have recently attempted to add a new hardware device, remove that device to make sure it is not causing your issues.
New drivers can also cause this issue, if you have recently performed any hardware driver updates you may wish to try an earlier version of the drivers. Additional information and help with computer drivers can be found on our drivers’ page.
Computer virus
Computer viruses such as the blaster virus are written to reboot your computer without warning. Usually these viruses will make the computer reboot ever 5, 10, 15 or 30 minutes after the computer has booted.
If you believe your computer may be infected with a virus or are uncertain if your computer is infected with a virus make sure your virus scanner definitions are up to date.
Heat related issue
Many computers today are designed to turn off or automatically reboot if the computer, processor, or other device in your computer gets too hot. If you hear any abnormal noises coming from your computer, such as a high squealing, this could indicate a fan may be failing. However, if after following each of the above sections your computer is still rebooting users should still verify that each of the fans on their computer is working. If you are familiar with opening your computer case you should also try opening the case, open the computer and look at each of the fans to make sure they are spinning while the computer is on. Otherwise make sure at least your power supply fan is working.
Issue with operating system
If after following each of the above recommendations your computer still continues to reboot it is likely that you are experiencing a Microsoft Windows operating system related issue that cannot be explained. To help make sure this is the case please try the below steps.
- Reboot the computer and enter CMOS set-up as the computer is booting.
- After you have loaded the computer in CMOS set-up let the computer sit.