How to Stop Windows XP From Continually Rebooting

You may have noticed XP likes to reboot without warning. You're about to learn why and what to do about it.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• XP

1. If you can get into windows even for 5 minutes, do the following:
   Open event viewer.
   To open event viewer in XP:
   Click Start menu > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer

2. Open the application section
   Look for any red or yellow marks.
   Take Screen shots of the red ones.
   Remember time might be ticking away to another reboot so move quickly.

3. Make a note of any unfamiliar programs and any new programs with red tags in event viewer. Uninstall these programs for now. Especially any that you did not intend to install. example: tool bars and possible ad ware.

4. Run a virus scan on c:\Windows folder.
   By specifying the folder you can save time you might not have before the next reboot.

5. To stop the constant rebooting behavior in XP, you need to know why XP does this. XP is very likely experiencing a BSOD or "Blue Screen Of Death" and XP's default response is to reboot instead of show you the screen. But you can shut this reboot-behavior off so you can troubleshoot the issue.

6. To shut off auto reboot if BSOD is encountered, do the following:

   1. Click Start > Control Panel > System
   2. Advanced
   3. Start up and Recovery > Settings
   4. System Failure remove check for "Automatically restart"

   Now you can see if it really is a blue screen and you can read the screen for clues to the cause.

7. If you have not found the solution by now, there's a good chance your CPU's fan and cooler are so caked with dust that its over heating.
   You will need to open your PC and blow or suck the dust out. If you have a choice, use an air compressor to blow the dust out of the CPU-cooler, Power supply, and all fans and vents.

8. Blowing out your computer:
   ALWAYS Unplug the computer.
   open the case per the manual (some Dell cases are tricky)
   Using an air compressor, blow with 50-70 psi in a well ventilated area.
   Be careful not to bend the cooler fins or damage anything inside. Use common sense and you will be fine.

9. Reassemble and test.
   Your PC should be feeling much better now.

Tips & Warnings

• Use common sense

• Stay calm

• Take your time

• Always use caution inside electrical devices

• Get help if you are afraid of electric y

• Always unplug electronics before opening them.