Random crashing

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by Atlantic44, Sep 18, 2015.

  1. Atlantic44

    Atlantic44 Corporal

    Hi everyone.

    I have been using my desktop PC for about a year now and every once in a while it will just shut off and restart.

    It usually happens soon after I start the computer.


    I changed the power supply and GPU a few months ago so I'm not sure if that has something to do with it.

    Is there anyway to tell what is causing the random crashes?

    Thanks.
     
    Atlantic44, Sep 18, 2015
    #1
  2. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi

    Difficult one your asking but some things that may give insight are Event Viewer logs from around the exact time of a crash may give a faulting app.

    When you say it happens when you start the PC, is this every time or random? Random harder to work out the case TBH

    Have you started the PC in Safe Mode with networking yet to see if you get the same issue?

    If you get a crash is it a BSOD? if so whats the code?

    What Windows version you using and Service Pack?
     
    DavidGP, Sep 19, 2015
    #2
  3. plodr

    plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

    I'm not clear on your choice of words here. Are you talking about a reboot or does the computer actually power down completely (shut off) then turn on by itself?

    If it is a reboot, you need to disable reboot on errors so you get a BSOD and can see exactly what the error is and the code with it.
     
    plodr, Sep 19, 2015
    #3
  4. Digerati

    Digerati Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Why are you not sure? Did this restart problem start only AFTER you changed the PSU and graphics card?

    There are dozens of things that can cause a computer to reboot making it one of the harder and most frustrating things to troubleshoot.

    Heat can do it so make sure the interior is clean of dust and fans spin freely. Bad power, failing RAM, bad graphics, failing CPU, and a failing motherboard can too.

    And sadly, often the cause is so sudden Windows does not have time to log the event error but I agree to look.
     
    Digerati, Sep 20, 2015
    #4
  5. Atlantic44

    Atlantic44 Corporal

    It seems to crash if I use the computer right after it boots, so after It boots I let it run for about 15 minutes and it has not crashed since.
    But it will crash everytime if I don't do that step.

    No

    I recently upgraded to windows 10 but the problem was the same on Win8.

    The computer will crash as if it lost power and then turn on.

    I changed the PSU and GPU about 4 months ago and I can't remember having this problem before.

    I did not use the computer for about a month when I was between places. Then I noticed the problem when I set it up here.
     
    Atlantic44, Sep 21, 2015
    #5
  6. plodr

    plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

    Too many variables
    a) you changed two pieces of hardware
    b) you changed Operating systems
    c) you moved to a different location with a different electrical system.

    You have to systematically look at one item at a time.

    Did you open up the computer to be sure everything is tight and seated properly since you moved?
    Have you tried plugging the computer in at a different spot just on the off chance there is something wrong with the electrical outlet?

    I'd probably roll back to the other OS to rule out a Windows 10 fluke.

    Obviously you don't want to put back the old PSU and GPU but those two pieces of hard ware should be tested to be sure they are okay.
     
    plodr, Sep 21, 2015
    #6
  7. Digerati

    Digerati Major Geek Extraordinaire

    So this computer has been "transported" from point A to point B? How? Was it ever out of your sight where it could have been bounced around a bit in the back of a truck? Did you check to make sure all connections, cards, RAM modules, heatsinks are securely fastened/connected? This could be something that is slightly loose but once it warms up a bit, expansion due to heat is allowing contact.

    But...
    That level of consistency and timing (only at boot, and every time at boot) suggests to me a driver is failing to load properly.
     
    Digerati, Sep 21, 2015
    #7

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