[dba-Tech] Virus that causes frequent reboots

If you are suspecting hardware problems, one quick way to verify your
memory and perhaps the compatibility of your cpu w/ mobo is to test w/
a product called memtest it is freeware on the net,

memtest.org

and you can let your pc run for hours just testing each block of
memory over and over again, if the pc reboots again during the test,
you are looking at a possible heat problem rather than a virus/malware
problem.

alternatively if you do suspect it is one of these problems you can
download knoppix and streass the video card by running tux racer or
some other high i/o process to test a true stress level on your pc,
heat releated problems will surely give you this rebooting problem you
are looking at.


On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 17:53:17 -0500, Bob Geldart <bgeldart at verizon.net> wrote:
> Arthur,
> 
> Last spring I was having similar problems. Kept getting spontaneous
> reboots. Problem seemed to be most prevalent when I was using the scanner,
> or shutting down the CD burner. MS diagnostics kept telling me alternately
> that it was a memory problem, or bad drivers. Installed new memory. Also
> tried installing new drive. And of course I went crazy scanning for viruses
> and such. Nothing seemed to fix the problem completely.
> 
> My gut feeling is that it's a hardware issue. Futzing with the drive cables
> seemed to have the greatest value. Cables may not have been seated
> properly. Problem also seemed to be more prevalent in warmer weather,
> perhaps a heat problem, or power supply problem. I also suspected dirty
> power line, or perhaps voltage drops. Problem seemed to ease coincident
> with installation of Win2K.
> 
> I am convinced that this is a hardware problem, perhaps exacerbated by
> problem drivers. I do not turn my scanner off until I shut the PC down. I
> also am very careful about popping CDs in and out while programs may be
> running in other windows,   particularly before the program has signaled a
> readiness to deal with the CD drive. The PC still -- tho rarely -- reboots.
> In the last few months, I have experienced the problem only a couple of
> times that I remember. Last spring the problem was occuring almost daily.
> 
> Hope this helps somewhat. It is trememdously frustrating, I know. But try
> reseating cables and memory. Then check for updated drivers. And keep a
> record of the circumstances of the problem.
> 
> Bob
> 
> 
> 
> >-----Original Message-----
> >From: dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com
> >[mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Arthur
> >Fuller
> >Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 6:25 AM
> >To: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues
> >Subject: [dba-Tech] Virus that causes frequent reboots
> >
> >Maybe I got bit recently. But my win2k box reboots frequently, sometimes
> >when I'm nowhere near it and just watching tv in the same room. I use
> >AVG but it can't find anything amiss. Are there any known signs (files
> >etc.) that evince the presence of that virus/worm that causes frequent
> >reboots?
> >
> >I just got finished re-installing everything and I'd hate to have to do
> >it all over again.
> >
> >It seems that no matter what sort of burner I buy, I'm still way behind.
> >
> >My fave box has twin 80GB drives and a single sided DVF burner. Reminds
> >me of the days of FastBack floppy backups. Insert Disk #82. Sheesh.
> 
> 
> Bob Geldart             BGeldart at verizon.net
> Maynard, MA
> 
> 
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> 


-- 
-Francisco
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