Expert: Brian Benosky - 5/30/2008

Question
hi. im having some problem with my pc these days. Most of the time while working on computer its gets restarted suddenly and after restarting error shows is "it has to shutdown to protect your computer" or "it recovered from a serious error". Im not sure what kind of  problem is coming...im using kaspersky antivirus and i have updated and scanned my pc twice. IS the problem related to hardware or what could be the possible problem?

Answer
Hi Anubhav

This sounds like a memory issue.  I would suggest troubleshooting your RAM to see if that is indeed the problem.  Download and run the Windows Memory Diagnostic from here:
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp
You use the diagnostic to determine whether the problems are caused by failing hardware, such as RAM or the memory system of your motherboard.  Note that you can put the diagnostic on a cd so if you can't access your PC, you can download the program from another.

Another way to troubleshoot is to open your PC, and see if you have more than one RAM module installed.  If so, remove one, start up the PC, and see if you get the BSOD error.  If so, try replacing that module and removing the second one.  Boot up and check for errors.  It may only be one stick has gone bad, but it is possible both are bad.  

If there is only one RAM module installed, make sure there is no dirt and dust inside and around the components.  Take a can of compressed air and blow out the dirt.  Dust can cause heat buildup inside the case and cause the PC to overheat and restart.

By the way, make sure the computer is unplugged and you ground yourself before opening the computer case.

The above methods will confirm or eliminate a hardware issue with your PC.  If there are no issues, then we can look into other areas, so please reply with your progress, and I will help you further if needed.

Brian