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XP-Home spontaneous reboots

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Eric Weaver

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Dec 25, 2009, 11:57:14 AM12/25/09
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Stupid N00b question:

I have an XP-home SP2 system that's been running fine for a couple
years. It has taken to being unstable and saying things like "Crash in
SVCHOST.EXE" and restating (or just restarting without notice).

Anybody know if this is likely to be a software/bitrot issue, or a
hardware issue? Changed memory SIMMs and it continues.

Don't have (or at least haven't been able to find) the install media.

Clues welcomed.

philo

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Dec 25, 2009, 12:01:15 PM12/25/09
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Did you check all the cooling fans when you opened the machine?

could be overheating

also run a harddrive diagnostic


though you changed the RAM
running a RAM test may still be a good precaution

Eric Weaver

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Dec 25, 2009, 3:39:17 PM12/25/09
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philo wrote:

> Did you check all the cooling fans when you opened the machine?

Yup, vacuumed 'em out.

> also run a harddrive diagnostic

What can you recommend for one of those?

>
>
> though you changed the RAM
> running a RAM test may still be a good precaution

Not a bad idea.

BTW looking over the mobo I see a bulging 'lytic. This is an Asus
K8V-MX, AMD socket-754 motherboard, of which there don't seem to be any
direct replacements available.

Might as well see if I can replace the capacitor but I fear the others
are bad too.

Anybody have a direct replacement for a Socket-754 board sitting around?

Steve Urbach

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Dec 25, 2009, 5:22:31 PM12/25/09
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If you are lucky to have "Surplus Electronics" stores like HSC, Weird Stuff,
you might pick up a "brand new" antique Motherboard. I just replaced a bad
P3-800 board with a Asus board in a sealed box for $12.50 :)


Eric Weaver

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Dec 25, 2009, 9:04:44 PM12/25/09
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Steve Urbach wrote:

> If you are lucky to have "Surplus Electronics" stores like HSC, Weird Stuff,
> you might pick up a "brand new" antique Motherboard. I just replaced a bad
> P3-800 board with a Asus board in a sealed box for $12.50 :)
>
>

Hmmm! I am near the places you mention. Gotta go have a look...

philo

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Dec 25, 2009, 11:15:34 PM12/25/09
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hey guy

thanks!!! for the info on surplus parts dealers

just what I've been looking for

a place with decent prices

philo

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Dec 26, 2009, 7:29:22 AM12/26/09
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If you see a bulging capacitor
chances are the ones not yet bulging are bad too...
so yep

replacing the mobo is needed


If you cannot get the same mobo.

though it's not likley XP will boot if you change it

a repair install *usually* does the trick

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