So now when playing daoc, and only when playing daoc, my computer randomly reboots. No blue screen or anything it just restarts like i pressed the restart button (which i didnt). Any ideas? maybe overheating, bad ram, video card going bad? idk much about computers outside of what i have learned from playing daoc so i dont even know if those are good guesses.

 

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My computer does it for me since I started using auto toon launchers, never before, and now very rarely if I dont, but every time if I do. Ive messed with many different settings in BIOS, and I still get crashes.

ive used auto toon lauchers forever now, so i dont think that is my problem. ive changed nothing in my computer or what i do to play the game. my computer just decided out of no where that it wants to reboot when i play.

 

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It sounds like you are overheating but the only way to really know is to download a program like tweaknow powerpack: http://www.tweaknow.com/powerPack.php. It is freeware but very reputable; I have used it since win95. After installing go to the system information tab and then click on the more details button. From there look at the hardware monitor tab it will show the temperature for each of your installed motherboard temperature sensors, fan speed, cpu temperature including the temperature for each core on multi-core cpus as well as the temperature and fan speeds for your video card. Other tabs will show you the timings for your ram as well as the voltage to each DIMM slot. If the temperatures seem good (newer cpus should run about ten degrees centigrade/18 Fahrenheit warmer than room temperature, older ones especially the athlons could run up to 190f). Videocards can run a few degrees warmer.

Measure it when the system isn't under load and then when it is. The temps will go up but it shouldn't be a drastic rise if it does go up on the cpu then it could mean it isn't seated well, too much or too little thermal paste was applied (you should only use an amount the size of a pea), perhaps your room environment is too warm, or your case does not have enough cooling. These are all very cheap fixes. If its your video card then it could be the card fan(s) are not working, there is not enough cool air coming into the case, the fan vents against the wall not allowing the free flow of air.

Bad ram can cause this sort of problem as well but rule out temperature problems first. Try reseating the ram. If running multiple sticks of ram take one out and see if the problem continues. Then test the other stick(s).

If none of these inexpensive solutions work look at the capacitors, the little cylinders on the motherboard: are they all in one piece with no bulges or leaking fluid?

Sometimes Windows will keep a record of errors in the event log:

Click Start, Run and type eventvwr.msc
Select Application entry in the left pane
In the right-pane, look for the Error entry denoted by a Red X

Sort by date and track-down the entry based on what time the error exactly occurred. Locate and double-click the entry for more info. You might have to scroll down to the date and time to see what occurred.

I hope this information helps.

 

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So i downloaded that program u suggested. my processor read 114 degree F and my video card read 118 degrees F. This was before i started any daoc clients. I loaded up my team and began playing, before i knew it my computer rebooted. Once fully rebooted i checked the temps again, processor remained the same and video card read 121 degrees F. Is that enough of a change to cause my computer to reboot. Maybe both temps are to hot and not just the small change? I run a NVIDIA GForce 9500gt, not sure what the normal temp for it to run at is

 

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Those seem to be in the realm of normal everyday operating temperatures. Reseat your video card and ram (then try to see if a stick is bad per my other post). Then try to reapply thermal paste to your cpu. Those are cheap no or low cost fixes.

There is always the possibility that your psu (power supply unit) is bad and once your system calls for additional power your psu shuts down. Look to see if the intake or exhaust are clogged with dust. The only way to be sure that its not the psu (without testing each rail: an option I'm not sure you could perform without training)is to swap it out for a reputable power supply from another computer or buy one with a return policy in case it is not the problem. There are way too many on the market that are very optimistic with their ratings or outright selling fraudulent goods. A reputable power supply is heavy from the copper used in the windings so when buying a power supply reject it if it feels too light.

You have a relatively old, budget videocard and if the other things I told you to try do not pan out it is possible that it just cannot handle what you throw at it anymore. If so be sure to get a card rated for your psu. For example your current video card should run well on a system using a PSU rated for 350 watts or better. Your card doesn't even draw 200 watts but your motherboard, USB slots and other peripherals will draw more and you should always have a bit of headroom. Many newer video cards really need PSUs running at 500 watts or better with the top end cards and SLI/CrossFire setups needing 600 to 750 watts and many hardcore gamers rocking PSUs with ratings 1000 watts and above.

 

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Im leaning towards a RAM problem. I decided to run just 1 account for a long period. my video card got up to the same temp as it read before (121) and i didnt crash.

 

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You can also try to get some help on the tech forum.

http://vnboards.ign.com/pc_generalhardwaresoftware_tech_support_board/b22497/p1

Try to provide as much information as possible in order to get help as soon as possible.

 

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So im pretty sure i found the bad stick of RAM, i was able to run my accounts on the other sticks without crashing. I plan to replace or maybe even upgrade my RAM. Right now i have 4 1gb sticks i might buy 2 2gb sticks and put 6gbs in. Im guessing this will help a little when running more than 1 account (i def run more than 1 account.)


I think i also solved my ld problem (had this before i starting crashing) my ethernet cable on one end doesnt have the little piece that makes it clip into place so its easily removed from the router. Im guessing that the cable/the plug end is finally failing and causing me to ld randomly.


Now when i get RAM i know there are different kinds. I need ddr2, but when i jumped on newegg.com i noticed that some of the ram looks different than others. Is that just a shape difference or will some ddr2 kinds not work for me?

 

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Rob helped me, thx to all that helped me out, will be a few days before i get everything i need to fix my problems but ill be around soon

 

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