The immediate, straightforward solution is to turn off the automatic-reboot function in Windows XP. The long-term fix, however, is more difficult. We'll talk about both.
Windows XP lets you specify how the OS handles critical errors. To change this setting, select Start --> Control Panel --> Settings --> System (in the Classic-style Start menu, Control Panel is under Settings). Click Advanced --> System And Recovery --> Settings. In the System Failure section, clear the Automatically Restart check box --> click OK. While you're here, it's a good idea to shut off XP's irritating habit of asking whether you want to report every petty error to Microsoft. Click the Error Reporting button near the bottom right and check Disable Error Reporting. However, check the box next to "But notify me when critical errors occur." Click OK here and in the next dialog.
Now when Windows XP encounters a Stop Error, it will simply display a message on the screen and won't automatically reboot.
That's the easy part. The tough part is troubleshooting your PC to find the root cause of the errors.
Device drivers:
These small programs, which control internal and external components of the PC, such as the video card and printer, may be to blame. You can run into all kinds of trouble if drivers are missing or incompatible. Go to your device manufacturer's Web site and look for XP-compatible drivers. Download and install them.
Incompatible third-party software:
These applications can cause critical OS errors, so search your software makers' sites for any available XP updates or patches. If no update exists, XP's Program Compatibility Wizard, part of XP's "Help and support center," may help you work around old software.
Out-of-date BIOS chip: This chip in your PC's motherboard can also cause critical errors. Once again, check your PC manufacturer's Web site and look for BIOS updates that you can download and install or instructions on manually updating the BIOS.
