constant crash a motherboard issue?

[kidsintow2004]

My computer has recently started a strange habit. It will spontaneously restart with a message that its recovered from a serious error. Online crash analysis identifies it as a device driver or a graphics driver issue. Ok thats fine. I updated the driver and it appeared to resolve the issue. But a couple weeks later it happens again. I fiddle around with the computer and different things appear to resolve the problem for a little while but it eventually happens again. Even reformatting the hard drive has worked to fix it for awhile. The graphic controller is the Intel 82845g. I think thats it because I am rather stupid when it comes to this subject. Its a gateway pc with windows xp home with sp 2. The problem started prior to the sp 2 update installed. I have ran tests on the hd with no errors. Gateway wants to replace my motherboard as the graphic controller is integrated. If it means anything, the integrated ethernet card stopped working a few months previous to this. Does this appear to be the motherboard the problem? Or is there anything else that should be tried. I have a second hard drive. Should I bother trying to switch hds?

[TheSovereign]

try a new vid card but sounds like bad power supply or maybe your capacitors are leaking?

look carfully at the motherboard and see of any of the tall cylinders are bulging or leaking

[Viperoni]

Probably windows getting corrupted.

There's an option somewhere in SP2 to prevent it from spontaneously restarting I believe.

Besides checking the caps as TheSovereign suggested, run memtest or the microsoft memory diagnostic(google for them)

[wpublic]

in addition to the above suggestions, also check for dust buildup in the power supply and check to make sure the connections to the board and hard drive are in there tight, and that the ram is properly seated.

if you have recently upgraded processors, make sure it is running at the correct voltage.

[wvjohn]

open the case and get all the cooties out! esp. make sure that the fan on your vid card hasn't gone south - heat will do that

[FlyingPenguin]

I think we're talking software/driver issue here.

First thing you need to do is disable reboots on serious errors. That was the error that causes the problem may come up on the screen and give you some idea of what's happening.

Right click My Computer, click Properties, Advanced tab, and then the Settings button under "Startup and Recovery". Under "System Failure" uncheck "Automatically Restart" and while you're at it change "Write debugging information" to none or small.

Next time the error happens the system should not restart and you might get a message box giving some clue as to the nature of the error.

Since you said this started happening after SP2 I would do a thorough check for spyware. I see a lot of systems have problems after an SP2 install if they had any spyware in them. SP2 is also sensitive to bad drivers. Update ALL your drivers (sound, video, modem, network, printer, etc) to the latest version from the manufacturer's web site. Your system needs to be clean and stable before an SP2 install.

If Gateway is offering to replace the mobo for free, you might as well. Won't hurt anything, you'll get the onboard NIC working again, and just maybe the mobo is also causing your restart problems (but I doubt it). Can't hurt.

[kidsintow2004]

Thanks all for your input. Many of these suggestions have been tried. No help. The sp 2 was installed after the problem started so it appears this wasn't a problem. Believe it or not, Gateway sent a new motherboard to me from the US north to Canada in a week. I am so frustrated and fed up with all of this that I am going to replace it after all. Cross your fingers for me that it solves all my problems. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again

[wvjohn]

good luck! if it fixes the problem, throw that old motherboard on the grill and take a pic for us!

[kidsintow2004]

If Gateway wouldnt charge me $220. for not returning the old one, that would be an excellent idea!