PC restarts everytime I watch a video

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a recurring issue where a PC restarts every time a video is played, regardless of the player used, such as Windows Media Player or VLC. The user has already performed a memory test, formatted the hard drive, and monitored CPU temperatures, all without resolving the issue. Recommendations include checking for the latest video drivers, ensuring the power supply can handle the load, and considering hardware malfunctions, particularly with the graphics card or power supply unit.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of PC hardware components, including power supplies and graphics cards.
  • Familiarity with Windows XP system settings and event logs.
  • Knowledge of video playback software such as VLC and Media Player Classic.
  • Basic troubleshooting skills for diagnosing hardware issues.
NEXT STEPS
  • Investigate power supply specifications and load capacity for the system.
  • Learn how to monitor GPU temperatures and performance metrics.
  • Research potential hardware failures related to the ATI Radeon X700 Pro graphics card.
  • Explore BIOS update procedures and their impact on system stability.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for PC users experiencing unexpected restarts during video playback, hardware technicians diagnosing similar issues, and anyone looking to optimize video playback stability on older systems.

Edgardo
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My pc restarts everytime I watch a video after 5 minutes
(e.g. on youtube or if I watch a video with the windows media player) .

a) I've already done a memory test (the memtest ran for 6 hours
and didn't show any errors)

b) I formatted the hard drive and reinstalled windows XP.
The pc still restarts.

c) I've cleaned the interior of the pc from dust

d) I monitored the temperature of the processor and it lies below 45°C.

e) The pc does not restart if I play games.

Any help is appreciated.
 
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Have you installed the latest drivers for your video and Chipset? check to see if your board has an updated BIOS for it. Also for Youtube, makesure you have the latest version of Adobe Flash installed
 
I would recommend checking if you have the latest drivers for your video card. Try running "dxdiag" to bring up your directX diagnosis. Good luck.
 
What does your event log say?
(RightClick on My Computer -> Manage -> System Tools -> Event Viewer)


Is there a BSOD message?
(RightClick on My Computer -> Properties -> Advanced -> Settings ->
Automatically Restart should be unchecked)
 
robphy said:
What does your event log say?
(RightClick on My Computer -> Manage -> System Tools -> Event Viewer)
It doesn't list any system errors at the time when the pc restarted.

robphy said:
Is there a BSOD message?
(RightClick on My Computer -> Properties -> Advanced -> Settings ->
Automatically Restart should be unchecked)
I unchecked it and no BSOD appears (it was unchecked all the time)

- I have the latest video driver installed (catalyst driver)
- dxdiagnose was ok

- I didn't update the BIOS (and I rather would not like to perform any bios updates)
 
Does the restart happen ONLY during the viewing of a video?
Or are there other instances when it restarts?

Can you monitor the temperature of the video card's CPU?

What happens when you view using another viewer (like Media Player Classic or VLC)?

Have you tried booting up a Knoppix Linux livecd and trying to view the videos?
If it happens here, then it's probably a hardware problem.
 
I've worked on many computer over the years and just recently had a similar issue with my machine (Although it would do it at more random intervals). Did everything your talking about just short of revamping the drive. All that, and it wound up being a flakey power supply. Replaced it and now it works like a champ. Just a suggestion.
 
That's part of Microsoft's new Fitness Initiative. It's called GET THE HELL OFF THE COMPUTER AND GO SLAP YOUR PEEPERS ON THE REAL WORLD FOR A WHILE. :biggrin:
 
robphy said:
Does the restart happen ONLY during the viewing of a video?
Or are there other instances when it restarts?
The restart only occurs when watching videos, that is after about 5 minutes of watching.

robphy said:
Can you monitor the temperature of the video card's CPU?
No, I can't. I have an ATI radeon x700 pro.

robphy said:
What happens when you view using another viewer (like Media Player Classic or VLC)?
The pc also restarts when using the VLC.

robphy said:
Have you tried booting up a Knoppix Linux livecd and trying to view the videos?
If it happens here, then it's probably a hardware problem.
I used the Knoppix Linux livecd and viewed a video on youtube
with Mozilla Firefox. The pc ALSO restarted.
 
  • #10
Edgardo said:
The restart only occurs when watching videos, that is after about 5 minutes of watching.

Edgardo said:
No, I can't. I have an ATI radeon x700 pro.
http://www.techpowerup.com/articles/overclocking/vidcard/94


Edgardo said:
The pc also restarts when using the VLC.
So, it's not just Media Player.


Edgardo said:
I used the Knoppix Linux livecd and viewed a video on youtube
with Mozilla Firefox. The pc ALSO restarted.
It's not [just] Windows fault.
I'd say... definitely hardware.

As Ronnin suggests, it might be your power supply.
Is your computer loaded up on devices?
If it can't handle the load, it might cause the instability and force a reset.

Is there a fan for your graphics card CPU? Is it working?
 
  • #11
I have the same problem. Could you please tell me your processor name and model, and your motherboard's name and model? I wonder if there's a common factor.

Mine are
Processor: Intel Pentium D 805
Motherboard: Abit SG-81
 

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