Are you having problems with your computer restarting on a regular basis? Well, depending on the frequency with which your computer keeps restarting, you may have a serious problem on your hands. On the other hand, if the problem is occurring only intermittently, the solution may actually be quite simple. A number of different factors can serve to create this problem, and knowing what these are will help you to determine how to fix your computer.
Often the problem is caused by a virus. If you consistently download a significant amount of material from the internet, it’s actually quite easy to pick up a virus. This is often the case if your computer is restarting on a relatively infrequent basis (meaning, several times a per week, or even as frequently as once or twice per day). If your computer is still allowing you to access your operating system each time it restarts, the problem may very well be that the computer has become infected with a virus.
The solution for this scenario can be as simple as downloading virus protection software from the internet. If you already have a virus protection program installed, make sure it is active and running. You will also need to be sure to frequently scan your computer for viruses and download any current updates. Consider that viruses are constantly being updated, and as a result, your protection software needs to be updated to reflect any new viruses flowing through the internet.
One of the most effective anti-virus programs you can use is AVG Anti-Virus. It is free to download and install from any freeware download site, such as www.download.com. The great thing about this software is that it scans your computer hard drive every day at a specific time of your choosing and wipes out any viruses that have infected your computer.
If you are still having the problem after installing and running your anti-virus software, there may be another cause. Computers have a power supply inside, and these sometimes short out. This could cause your computer to restart. Replacing a power supply is a relatively affordable option: it may cost as little as $30, depending on your model. In order to determine if this is indeed the problem, you will want to contact your manufacturer’s customer support center. They will walk you through a series of tests to see if they can determine what the problem is. If it turns out to be a power supply issue, they will often send you a new one (especially if your computer is still under warranty), or they may be able to refer you to a local specialist who can help you replace the power supply.
Sometimes computers will have more severe problems with restarting. If your computer is doing this to such a repeated extreme that you can’t even get your operating system to boot up, there may be a problem with your mother board. Again, it is best to contact your manufacturer’s technical support. Mother boards can go out suddenly and without notice, but they can also be difficult to diagnose. Be sure to ask your technician if it is a mother board issue. Sometimes they will have you completely erase all the contents of your hard drive and reinstall your operating system before realizing that the problem is actually the mother board. Again, if your computer is under warranty, manufacturers will typically replace the mother board at no charge.
Of course, this is an extreme scenario. Regardless, remember that it is always a good idea to back up all of your important documents and files on a regular basis – preferably, weekly. External USB drives are relatively affordable (as low as $100- $200), and they can save you from a huge headache if something critical should happen to your computer.
Understand that computers are complex systems, and these are merely a few of the potential causes for a computer that unexpectedly keeps restarting. Memory issues, hard drive malfunctions, internal fans or a faulty CPU can all contribute to this problem. Always consult a professional when attempting to resolve the problem.