What Causes Windows XP to Continue to Reboot?

Reboot During Startup

A reboot occurs when your computer receives a reset signal. If your computer continually reboots at the same point during the Windows XP startup sequence, some timeout or failure during the startup process is sending a reset signal. This behavior may be caused by a number of different errors or failures, depending on where in the startup process the reboot occurr. Typically, you troubleshoot this type of reboot loop during Windows XP startup by booting to Safe Mode to make changes to the startup process one at a time until you find the source of the problem.

Reboot in Windows

In Windows XP itself, continual reboots are usually caused by certain severe errors. Triple fault errors can cause reboots. Severe errors in Windows often cause a stop error, often known as a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD). Some BSoDs will remain displayed for a predetermined length of time before a reset signal causes the computer to reboot. You must find out what triggers the error to fix this type of repeating reboot.

To troubleshoot, boot to Safe Mode and change your settings to leave the BSoDs displayed. You can do this by clicking your "Start" button and clicking on "My Computer." Click "Properties" and go to the "Advanced" tab. In the "Startup and Recovery" section, click the "Settings" button. Clear the check mark next to "Automatically restart." Click "OK."

Start Windows XP in Normal mode. When the BSoD displays, record it word for word, including the first few strings of numbers. At a working computer, you can use this information to search for the cause of the error online.

Third-Party Application Problems

A third-party application may occasionally cause Windows XP to reboot, either whenever you launch it or whenever you execute a particular action in the third-party program. The restart is actually caused by an error, but the error message may never be displayed. You resolve this kind of continuing reboot by patching or uninstalling the problem program.

Hardware Problem

Hardware may cause a computer to spontaneously reboot, but doesn't usually cause a continuing set of reboots. Most hardware issues that can cause looping reboots result from heat. Troubleshooting means opening the computer, turning it on and looking for a problem--usually a failed case or processor fan, but a significant buildup of dust on a vent or the fan can also be the root cause.