Random Restarts with Windows 7 Proffessional (NO BSOD)

Hi,

First I would like to say I joined this site due to the fact that I can not seem to find someone with the problem similar to mine, so i though I would help out.

It is not like the BSOD, i do get a black screen, but that is the start up screen. It happens somewhat periodically when I log on, could be 4 hours, could be 2 depending on if i'm playing a game, and then bam, my PC will click, and it will show it starting up, all in about 2 seconds.

Now normally I could fix this, but i am not used to windows 7, and it is making my rosetta stone program give me an error every time i restart it after a crash (whether it is open or not) the error being 2123.

The problem first arose when about a month after installing windows 7, which was not more than 4-5 days ago. I do not know what information to provide you as of files, or system stats, so I will just tell you my specs.

Mainboard : Dell 0RY007
Chipset : Intel P31/P35
Processor : Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 @ 2000 MHz
Physical Memory : 2048 MB (2 x 1024 DDR2-SDRAM )
Video Card : NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT
Hard Disk : Hitachi (160 GB)
DVD-Rom Drive : PBDS DVD+-RW DH-16W1S ATA Device
DVD-Rom Drive : NSN 1Y30LIB4 SCSI CdRom Device
DVD-Rom Drive : NSN 1Y30LIB4 SCSI CdRom Device
DVD-Rom Drive : NSN 1Y30LIB4 SCSI CdRom Device
DVD-Rom Drive : NSN 1Y30LIB4 SCSI CdRom Device
DVD-Rom Drive : YJSZYT M7GDQR4XQ SCSI CdRom Device
Monitor Type : Samsung SyncMaster - 19 inches
Network Card : 82562V-2 10/100 Network Connection
Network Card : AR922X Wireless Network Adapter
Network Card : 82562V-2 10/100 Network Connection
Operating System : Windows 7 Professional Professional 6.01.7600
DirectX : Version 11.00
Windows Performance Index : 5.1

Overall my PC isn't the greatest, but I should be able to run this OS fine in my opinion.

If anyone needs any info I will be eying this like a hawk, and to speed up the process of help, If the task you need me to do to acquire something seems a bit advanced, give me a link to a program, file shortcut, etc. etc.

Thank you in advanced.

Edit:

I forgot to mention that it doesn't matter if i am using it or not, the crashes happen whether Idle or in usage.

Upadate:

I figure I would update this seeing as not many people are getting much information out of it, I did a virus check just to make sure, I scanned while logged in, and i scanned in safe mode, both results turned up with 0 files infected, but I did notice in safe mode a couple files being skipped becuase they are "locked" I am pretty sure i know what file those are though so it is nothing to be worried about.

I feel like windows 7 is having some sort of memory error, The more I use my RAM the faster these instantaneous shut downs seem to happen, I can restart and that will restart the clock on the shutdowns, so it has to either be hardware, or the software interfering with the hardware. I did a memory diagnostics check yesterday and still nothing.

will update when new information is available.

I gave it an internal clean, the processor fan was full of dust that accumulated after the room was being sanded (for paint). I cleaned it when it first gave me troubles, it still is, now assuming that this is is, Which parts of the PC should i do a double take? and with what instruments, I know that q-tips can sometimes do more harm than good if not implemented in the correct way.

Update to the situation:

After a VERY THOROUGH internal clean, taking apart every little bit i could and carefully removing everything I could, not only did I find a lack of intense heat, but the amount of dust was minuscule, and in turn, did not fix my problem. I am determined to find the source of this, In my head there are two possible options... one being windows 7 is having a memory error (from what I read at least) or two my PC's hardware is wonky.

I just did it, thanks, When I get the next restart I will be sure to tell you the error.

Should i speed up the process by starting a game?

Hi Ian. Were you able to make your computer stop restarting? I'm having the same problem with my notebook. My pc is a Dell Inspiron 6400.

Thanks in advance.