Ok I've searched the entire forum but I wasn't able to find any issues similar to what I am having. So, here is the problem:

I am able to stablely run my computer for about 1-2 hours everyday. From that point, I start to get blackouts which last about 2-3 seconds, then resumes, everything is working normally. The blackouts become more and more frequent until finally the computer reboots itself, from which then I will shut down the computer. The next day, it will be good again for about 1-2 hours and the cycle repeats.

I don't think its a driver problem, because I have been using my current settings for a year without problems.

Here's my diagnostic so far:
I ran an online anti-virus software and ad-aware software - No problems

I checked all the fans and cleaned out the dust. Re-circuited the power supply. Still happens.

Checked the temperature, nothing out of the ordinary.

Any ideas?

How to turn off Auto Reboot in XP

Right click on My Computer

Select Properties

Select the Advanced Tab->Startup & Recovery section

Select the Settings button

uncheck "Automatically restart" Apply".

This will give you a blue screen with the error message rather than rebooting the computer.


Also:


Check your Event Viewer via Administrative Tools.

Open the System as well as Application tabs and look for red X errors that coincide with your problem. Details here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308427




Also if your blue screen is showing a memory dump do the following:



Go to start | search (type in) .dmp
Note the location of your .dmp files.
If no .dmp files check for minidump.
Remember this location and the path that leads to it.

Then:

1) Download and install the

Debugging Tools from Microsoft

All you need do is download and install this. Make no attempt to start or run it.

2) Download and install this

debugwiz

This is a DOS based batch file that will command the above Microsoft Tools.

3) Open the Wiz & Browse to, or paste in the path to, your .dmp file.

4) After the Wiz creates a Text document attach it back to this thread.


If you are looking for links on how to interpret this data for yourself try here first:

http://www.wd-3.com/archive/registercontext.htm

Ok, here was my solution to the mentioned problem: I bought an entire new computer! BUT, little did I know...the problem wasn't the computer at all!!! ARGGHHHHH.....the same thing still happens to the new comp x.x!

This is where I'm boggled, so the problem is limited to either the montior or something to do with the power source (outlet or power bar?). I'm thinking that it can't really be the montior because how can the monitor make the system reboot? It doesn't make any sense.....any ideas?

Don't use a power bar and try other outlets. A dedicated line would be preferable.

I guess it wasn't the outlet afterall, I tried plugging the monitor and computer to another outlet, yet the problem still happens. Is there any way that a monitor can hang/reboot your system?? I have a samsung 153v.

Thanks.

Yes a monitor can cause the problem you describe. Unplug the monitor and check the connection. If any of the pins are missing or bent this could cause the problem.