Expert: Brian Benosky - 3/20/2008

Question
Hi there my sons PC constantly reboots . It gets up to where  it gives me options on how i would like to restart my computer in safe mode with the most recent settings or start windows normally. i have tried ALL the options but  the screen to load windows comes up and then the comp restarts this cycles endlessly. I have downloaded various "fixes" but all of them require me to disable the system restore , which is all very well if i could get to actually loading Windows!!!! Im in South Africa and Its really expensive to send the PC in so i would love some advice on how i can fix this myself. I am running windows XP Pro.

Answer
Hi Tracey-Lee

This does not sound like any virus that I know of.  Do you have an XP disc that came with the computer?  If so, you can try to reinstall Windows completely, or do a Repair Install.  See the link below for instructions:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

You could also first check to see if this problem is caused by a hardware malfunction, and not Windows itself.  Try removing and reseating any hardware and peripheral cards such as USB, modem, and graphics cards.  Also check if the RAM memory is at fault.  This can be easily done if you have two RAM sticks.  Take one out at a time and test the computer.  Try changing the slots they are in as well.  If you only have one RAM stick, I would suggest purchasing another stick and replace the old one to see if that works.  RAM is inexpensive and can be purchased from most electronic retailers.  If you need further assistance in troubleshooting this problem, please let me know.

Brian