PC restarts everytime I watch a video

  • Thread starter Thread starter Edgardo
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    pc Video watch
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a technical issue where a user's PC restarts every time they watch a video, specifically after about five minutes. The scope includes troubleshooting steps, potential hardware failures, and software considerations related to video playback.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The user reports that their PC restarts after five minutes of video playback, regardless of the player used (YouTube, Windows Media Player, VLC).
  • Some participants suggest checking for the latest drivers for the video card and chipset, as well as ensuring that the BIOS is updated.
  • One participant recommends checking the event log for any error messages or BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) notifications.
  • Another participant inquires whether the restarts occur only during video playback or at other times, and suggests monitoring the temperature of the video card's CPU.
  • A participant shares a personal experience where a similar issue was resolved by replacing a faulty power supply, suggesting it could be a hardware problem.
  • It is noted that the PC also restarts when using a Linux live CD to view videos, indicating that the issue may not be solely related to Windows.
  • One user requests information about the processor and motherboard models to identify any common factors among those experiencing similar issues.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various hypotheses regarding the cause of the restarts, with some suggesting hardware issues (like the power supply) while others focus on software or driver-related problems. No consensus is reached on the exact cause of the issue.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various troubleshooting steps taken, such as memory tests, formatting the hard drive, and monitoring temperatures, but there are limitations in diagnosing the problem without further information about the hardware configuration and potential load on the power supply.

Edgardo
Messages
707
Reaction score
17
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.
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
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
 

Similar threads

Windows XP: If I have the disc?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
7K
Upgrading Win 7 32 bit to Win 10 64 bit
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
7K
Are my laptop specs too low to watch youtube videos?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
What would be an outcome after i reformat my pc?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Troubleshooting Video Drivers: What Do I Need to Know?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
How can I format and reinstall Windows XP on my PC using a bootable CD?
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
12K
Can I reformat or reboot my PC without a Windows CD?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
8K
Terraforming the Pre-Earth? (Algol's video)
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Computer Building a PC, give me your thoughts please
  • · Replies 62 ·
3
Replies
62
Views
8K
TabletPCs for Science and Science Teaching [blog entry from 2006]
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K