PC keeps rebooting

[Liz65]

PC just keeps on rebooting but if it does start up, it only lasts for maybe 5 or 10 minutes and then goes blank (black screen). It now powers up when I switch it on at the powerpoint, don't have to use the on/off switch. Don't know if the two are related, but would be glad of any advice. Running WinXP Pro with 1.6g processor and 1g ram. No joy with new power lead. Many thanks.

[Buenchico]

Boot the PC into Safe Mode. (Press F8 during the boot process).

Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.

Click 'Restore my computer to an earlier time' and 'Next'

Select a restore point before the problem occurred and click 'Next'

On the next page, check that you've selected the correct date, and click 'Next'.

Cross fingers and pray.

Chris

[ChuckFickens]

I'd check the fan and heat sink on the CPU before doing a system restore.

If they are all clogged up with dust then they no longer cool so the computer shuts down because it's getting too hot.

you can use this to check to see if it is likely to be cause by overheating

http://download.cnet.com/Core-Temp-32-bit/3000 -12565_4-10794077.html?tag=mncol

just load it up and keep an eye on the temps to see if they keep creeping up.

[Liz65]

Thanks Buenchico, but I've tried all that to no avail. Liz

[Liz65]

Thanks CF, I removed the heatsink and there was a bit of dust there. I had already cleaned the fan. When I turned the PC on, it looked promising, but after about 10 minutes it went blank. One thing I did notice was that the fan on the graphics card wasn't working - could that have anything to do with it? Liz

[rojash]

Let me get this straight:

The video adaptor fan is not working
The video packs up after 10 minutes
You are wondering if the there is a connection?

Try this puzzle.:

The fan in your car cooling system is not working
After a while the engine overheats
Is there a connection?

[Liz65]

Thanks rojash, just making sure that everyone is wide awake. On my way to get new card. Strange that a so-called whiz-kid never noticed when he had a look at it. Liz