Random restarts - no BSOD

Hi all,

With my beta copy of Win7 (7100) fast approaching expiry, I went and grabbed a fresh copy (x64). After some initial issues installing over the top of vista, I deleted the Vista and Win7 Beta partitions and installed it there.

However, now I get unexpected shutdowns on a regular basis after a while of fairly simple use. I have not installed any new hardware except for a wireless card (D-Link DWA-556).

The shutdowns are sudden - no BSOD, just a hard restart.

Some of the things that have caused the restart in the last 24 hours:

• Running a full scan of AVG (didn't matter what drive I was scanning. Uninstalled AVG and installed AVAST - full scan OK).
• Installing Office (after the restart, tried again, no problems)
• Opening Firefox, 2 minutes after a clean restart.
• Installing Keepass (this happened 3 times, so I installed it using Safe Mode without issue and it now runs without issue).

Some things I've done:

• Windows Update
• Memtest86 - no problems found
• Windows Memory Diagnostic - no problems found
• Hard drive scans - no problems found
• BIOS - up to date
• MB - Dell reckons it's up to date

Because I don't get a BSOD - I just don't know where to start looking to find the source of the issue. And the first set of crashes was when I had literally only just installed AVG. I haven't even plugged in my USB hub yet. And I never had any issues like this for the 6 months or so that I ran Win 7 Beta.

Does anyone have any ideas for diagnosis? Is there anywhere else to look within Windows for clues?

System Specs

• Dell XPS 435 Desktop
• 3 x 500GB HDD
• 2 x 2GB RAM
• ATI Radeon 4670

Have you run the Dell diagnosiics CD.

1. have you tried removing the new card and seeing if the problem exists?
2. If problem still exist, then no matter how new the power supply is, see if you can get a replacement powersupply to rule out power supply problems,
3. By now you've probably opened the case, make sure that all fans are running with no exhaust/intake vents blocked.
4. make sure all connectors are solidly connected,
5. try plugging into a wall outlet far removed from the one you are presently using.

As you can see, I suspect hardware problems.

I am having the same problem on my HP laptop it doesn't matter what I am doing at the time......it just shuts itself off and I have to do a hard restart, I am suspecting it is over heating because the bottom of the machine is hot everytime it happens. gonna open itup soon and check it out.

I ran Dell Diagnostics and the first 2 times the computer restarted while it was checking Processor L3 Cache but then the next 3 times it ran fine as did every other test.

It's the inconsistency that it really making this difficult.

@karlsnooks - I've checked all connections on the MoBo and removed the WiFi card. Crashed again. Power supply? Any way to check it without replacing it?

Schroeder8, Get one of your local techie friends to bring over another power supply. He will be able to temporarily disconnect the one supply and connect the other. Operation is simple but until one has done it once there is some fear and trepidation. Also be sure and make sure that the fans are runniing.

BirdDude007, Be sure that you are not blocking the air in/out vents on your laptop. Check with the mfg website regarding your specific model. Some laptops have had notorious overheating problems. From what you've said, my first suspicion is that heat is your enemy.

karlsnooks said:

BirdDude007, Be sure that you are not blocking the air in/out vents on your laptop. Check with the mfg website regarding your specific model. Some laptops have had notorious overheating problems. From what you've said, my first suspicion is that heat is your enemy.

Ya I am pretty sure u r right.

Hi all,

I bought a new power supply today (Antec 650W TruePower) to replace the cheap 475W Dell PSU and everything seems to be running fine again. No crashes, all good. And my portable HDD has enough juice to run off a front USB port too which is cool.

Thanks a lot karlsnooks for your diagnosis - I was getting pretty close to throwing in the towel and just getting a new machine, so cheers.

p.s. As a side note, a lot of people out there seem to think that Dell PSU's are proprietary units that can't be replaced by other brands. I don't know, maybe it was once the case, but I managed to get it done today, and I've never done that before...