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General discussion

Unexpected Restart on Click of Minimize Button

Feb 12, 2004 8:05AM PST

Hi. Usually everything works well, but occasionally when I click the Minimize button, especially after not using the mouse for a while it seems, the screen goes black and then the computer immediately reboots itself .
This has happened while using either IE6 or Word2000 that I know of.
Also it will occasionally just freeze when the mouse is used rather than restarting. Ctrl-Ald-Del won't restart it then, and the power button must be pushed.

Could you suggest where to start for troubleshooting? I have Win ME with all critical updates in, PIII-700, 128 meg RAM. I have a regular Logitech PS/2 WheelMouse. And it also happened with a MS cordless USB mouse.
Oh yeah, I just recently reformatted and reloaded Windows for another reason, but it didn't fix this problem.
Thanks!.

Discussion is locked

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Re:Unexpected Restart on Click of Minimize Button
Feb 12, 2004 8:41AM PST

"Also it will occasionally just freeze when the mouse is used rather than restarting."

I would look at removing the case cover, then remove the DUST BUNNIES. Then I proceed to the CPU and remove the FAN. An insulating LINT LAYER is often found (and removed.) I put it back together and that usually helps.

Bob

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Re:Re:Unexpected Restart on Click of Minimize Button
Feb 12, 2004 9:32PM PST

Temperature, interesting! I have just recently done what you suggested, including the fan step, which is pretty daring for me. The reason was that the CPU fan was noisy, and stopping some times. With oil, the fan is less noisy and doesn't stop now.
ASUS PC Probe which I installed from the m/board CD, warns me if the CPU fan slows down or the CPU temp heats up and I have been getting CPU temperatures up to 50C/120F but some sites say that I can't trust those measurements. So, I guess I should replace that fan and then see if the problem disappears.
Thanks!

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Oiling the fan.
Feb 12, 2004 10:10PM PST

Is only done in a pinch since its not a fix.

I spend about 10 bucks on a ball bearing fan for reference. Sometimes I find it cheaper to buy a complete heatsink plus fan and then just use the fan. Your mileage will vary.

For now, leave the case cover off since any other part may be heat sensitive.

Bob