Topic: computer keeps shutting off and restarting.

[dean]

I have nothing to add, Braweave, but simply click on any post you start or join to look at your avi again, and again, and again...      

[braweave]

well I dont want to jump to the gun too early. But it has been a little over an entire day since its re-booted. I "think" it might have been just the dust, or a loose ramstick/ loose hd cable. which is really weird, I mean the thing has like 3 fans but maybe the dust was causing it to overheat. Who knows, Ill keep everyone posted if it re-boots again. Hopefully its in the clear.

A huge thank you to everyone for all the help
brandon

[Bart.VL71]

1) inadequate power supply
2) overheating
3) a short circuit somewhere

[neutrino]

If the problem resurfaces - you may want to check your motherboard and/or power supply for leaky or bulging capacitors. At work be replace hundreds a week and resurrect old Dell Optiplex machines all day long. Here is a so-so pic which shows you what to look for.
dB-

[Brian Skalinder]

At least two times in the past, I've suffered the exact same symptoms.  In both cases, the culprit was bad RAM.  Simply un- and re-seating the RAM won't reveal the problem if the issue lies in only one of multiple sticks.

If you have two RAM sticks, and your PC will run on one, try removing one and leaving in the other.  Run your machine as you normally do and see if the problem persists.  If it does, swap the sticks and try again.  If it still persists, try to borrow a RAM stick from someone who is not experiencing the same symptoms (though it seems unlikely, if possible, that both RAM sticks took a dive simultaneously).

[JoeKiller]

At least two times in the past....

off topic, but dude, you got over 11,000 posts.

[Brian Skalinder]

off topic, but dude, you got over 11,000 posts.

Excessive, isn't it?     And there are 5 others with more posts:

Bean            22503
Tim             21516
Moke            17685
heath           17343
nickgregory     16808