XP Problem...Any advice

1. The article [Q320299] explains that when you shut down your Windows XP-based computer that your computer may restart instead of shutting down and it may also restart unexpectedly while you are using the computer to perform certain tasks, which may occur if Windows is by default set to automatically restart when Windows stops responding and is further explained in "How To Configure System Failure and Recovery Options in Windows (Q307973)."

2. It is reported in the article [Q873161] that after you install Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and you are prompted to restart the computer, the computer starts, but before you can log on, the computer begins to continuously restart. This problem occurs if you had a UMAX scanner driver installed on your computer and the resolution is to start the computer in Safe Mode, remove the UMAX driver, remove Windows XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP2.

3. The article [Q316416] explains that when browsing the Internet that your computer may restart unexpectedly and can occur if both of the following conditions are true:

? A broadband cable modem or an asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) modem is installed on your system, and the modem is using drivers that cause a fatal system (STOP) error.

Note: Depending on your system configuration, the resulting blue-screen error message may not be displayed long enough for you to record the error information.

? The Automatically restart check box is selected under System failure in the Startup and Recovery dialog box (under System Properties).

4. The article [Q330181] explains the procedures for hopefully determining whether a hardware component is either damaged or is incompatible with WinXP.

Our MSKB bot poster aside, it sounds like yours is a hardware malfunction. Likely due to heat buildup, though a failing power supply is certainly not out of the question. Also, if you foolishly use Internet Explorer, it's impossible to rule out severe malware damage.

Normally I'd suggest starting with making sure your system is free of malware, but if the system is rebooting frequently, it may be difficult to run a full scan. So, start by testing if it's heat related. Take the case off the system to increase air flow, and run it like that. Might be a good time to clear out any dust bunnies from fan blades. If the system seems much more stable after doing this, then you'll need to investigate better cooling options for your system. If it keeps up with what it's doing, then you have to make a choice.

It's possible the power supply could be failing, or it could just be that lately the power coming down the line has been varying more than usual. There are normal dips and surges in the amount of power coming out of an outlet, but at times they can be quite big, and cheap power supplies often are unable to cope with such things well. So, you can try going out and getting a UPS (Uninterpretable Power Supply) that has AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulation). Some UPS makers call it different things, but some kind of line conditioning option is what you're looking for, that will trim the surges and use battery power to boost the dips. They'll cost a bit more, but unless you have an oscilloscope handy to test the condition of the power coming down your lines, it's your best bet. A good UPS is never a bad thing to have regardless of whether or not it solves your problem. You can either test that alone, or also get yourself a new power supply at the same time. Be sure to get one of higher wattage output than what you have.

If none of these things seem to make a difference, then your system is probably so damaged by malware, it's beyond repair, and you'll have to format and start over. I somehow doubt this will be the case, but it is a possibility.