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Brian ([personal profile] memnus) wrote2005-02-14 09:06 pm
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Computer trouble

I really don't want to ask Schmack, because there are a few self-righteous people there that would just snark. My desktop has lately taken to random reboots, and a freshly updated McAfee can't find anything in the way of viruses. So ... um... is there a better (free) way to scan for viruses? Could this be hardware trouble? This computer is pushing three years old.

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[identity profile] gdarklighter.livejournal.com 2005-02-15 05:36 am (UTC)(link)
I am told that AVG Free is a good program, but I have no experience with any antivirus software and am not the best source. I'd also do the requisite adware/spyware scan.

There's always the possibility that you're having hardware trouble. You might consider giving your computer a healthy dose of compressed air (I have some you can borrow if necessary) and making sure all your components are seated properly (pay extra attention to your RAM). Make sure all your fans are working properly and consider monitoring your computer's temperature to make sure it's not a heat-related issue. That's all I can think of.

Worst-case scenario, you back up your data and try a format and reinstall to see if that fixes things.
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[personal profile] lorimt 2005-02-15 05:53 am (UTC)(link)
The website for AVG free seems to be having difficulty actually following through with the key needed to actually install. I have a copy with a key, if you want to try it.

[identity profile] inferno0069.livejournal.com 2005-02-15 06:16 am (UTC)(link)
I've heard claims that random reboots could be because of overheating memory or something. Are all the fans still good, is the airflow good, has the dust been cleaned out?

[identity profile] iluvsheep.livejournal.com 2005-02-15 01:36 pm (UTC)(link)
AVG is good for viruses, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, it ends up being spyware that causes the problem. I recommend spybot and adaware.

Also, I second what Chris said about overheating and dust.

[identity profile] kushali.livejournal.com 2005-02-15 06:38 pm (UTC)(link)
I'd look at overheating. I had as imilar problem with my laptop until one day it wouldn't restart. I opened up the back to look inside and found some of the plastic in the memory housing melted. Yep, it was a heat problem You also might try opening it up, dusting, and reseating memory and motherboards and stuff sometimes that helps. I don't know of any viruses that cause unannounced random reboots. Even blaster gave you a warning. However I'm not that versed in viruses.
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