Power Supply and Random Restarts

K

KuJaX

[H]F Junkie
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Jan 8, 2001
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Is a power supply issue a correct assumption for random restarts or freezes?

A friend called me today saying that his computer is randomly restarting/freezing. He said that it isnt completely random but more so when he does tasks. I told him to update Windows and uninstall any anti virus software he had installed. He told me that he already tried to update Windows and when he clicked on "express install" it would restart. No blue screen of death, just a restart. He said that instead of a restart, at times it will just freeze where the only thing he can do is hold down the power button to turn off the computer.

He did tell me that he had some "torrent" related software on the computer so I told him that it may be a virus and if he had his data off to just reformat. During the Windows installation process, it froze up on him.

I then told him that it is probably a power supply issue and go pick one up or try to grab one from another computer to test.

A freeze during Windows install proves that it isnt Windows (or anything inside of Windows). He said that he tested the memory so so my assumption of the power supply correct?
 
It could be a mobo, hard drive and PSU problem. Start troubleshooting and eliminating parts one by one. What are the specs of the PC?
 
It could be one of a number of things like Danny said, but it really seems like a memory issue to me. You mentioned that he told you he tested the memory, but I suggest that you have him run through memtest again and make sure he runs it correctly. Naturally, you'd want to isolate the problem by eliminating possibilities, but that would be the first thing that I'd go for.
 
i say try diff. memory, or take all sticks out but one and try memtest on each stick individually. this sounds like it could just be a memory problem, but if it was only random restarts i would look at the psu being bad.

post up specs!
 
Clean out the dust, especially the HSF.

Try 1-stick of RAM & see if it works, basically treat it like a failing new build, strip down to the basics.

Good Luck,
Dave
 
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