Our PC frequently crashes and then goes into a restart including a disc scan. While it appears there are no permanent consequences, it is frustrating. Any ideas what may be the cause and how to prevent it from happening?
Computer crashes are frequently difficult to diagnosis. The key to solving a problem regarding crashing is to determine whether there is a pattern. Once a pattern is found, you are more likely to determine the cause of the crash and prevent it from happening.
I recommend keeping a notepad beside the computer. When the computer crashes write down the exact error message given, if any, when the computer crashes. Write down what you were doing when the computer crashed, what programs were open and how long the computer had been running.
Keep this log for a while. Wait until you have about 10 crashes or so, and then analyze the results. Does your computer crash when you have certain programs open or when you do certain things? Does your computer crash in the same way? Once you have this data, you may be able to identify a pattern. The pattern can then lead you to what caused the problem. At that point you can contact the manufacturer to determine a fix.
If after logging your crashes you haven't found any consistency to the crashes, then the problem will be a bit more complex to solve. You may have to reinstall your operating system or you may have a hardware malfunction. These types of problems usually require a professional.
I would recommend against using "crash protection" such as Crash Guard or First Aid. In both the Geeks on Wheels labs and on service calls, we find that these programs cause more problems than they fix.
-- David Greenbaum is director of Geeks on Wheels. You can send him questions at dsg@Geek911.com or at Geeks on Wheels, 1-888-Geek-911, toll-free nationwide.
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