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Windows 2000 reboots for no reason

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by ken 2 views

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All of my systems run Windows 2000. Recently two of the machines have started to reboot intermittently, without any user intervention. They both have adequate ventilation and cooling systems. Both have also had their memory and PSU checked. The users are both intense and yet it doesn't have any pattern. Nothing in Event Log to give clues and no AV running when happens. Any clues helpful.

10 replies

by timwalsh

It is entirely possible that these users are experienceing BSODs. There is a setting in Win2K that will automatically reboot the OS in the event of a system failure (BSOD). The users may or may not catch a glimpse of the BSOD before the computer reboots.

On the computers affected, got to Control Panel | System icon | Advanced tab | Startup and Recover settings. In the system failure section, uncheck the box labeled "Atomatically restart" (this is enabled by default).

This will (hopefully) result in the affecting computers showing a BSOD and halting. From the BSOD, you can hopefully determin what the problem is by deciphering the information given (STOP error number and any files causing problems).

NOTE: Many system failures are caused by buggy or corrupted device drivers. Hopefully the BSOD will point the way to which one is causing the problem.

by ken

Have checked through the settings and removed the tick from the box. The system still restarted after leaving for a while. No work was being carried out on the system.

by lderas

As you already said that the PC are properly ventilated and cooled, this may point you to a RAM problem, try to see if at the restarting point any discrepancy in the RAM count, if so replace it.

by ken

Changed RAM and checked it in another machine. Not a problem as system still reboots.

by aj_jacobs

Check to see if you have a faulty CPU and or heat sink/fan combo. Replace with a known good CPU heat/fan.

by ken

The review has come back on the CPU and it has proved to be faulty. Thanks for your help in locating the problem more precisely.

by ken

Moved both systems down to my office for testing. One of them appears to have stopped rebooting after the move, the other carries on rebooting. The one that is carrying on is still under warranty so need to get checked out.

by mjs52

I had a Win 2000 system (dual boot choice /ME) that after it was booted, shut down & rebooted in a cycle ?. Gave up & reinstalled Windows ME recover disk.

by ken

The systems are used by a manager who has specialist software installed on the machine. It isn't possible to redo the machine due to the software settings. The CPU is currently being tested and may be the cause of the problem.

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