About a week ago my system restarted itself and I thought it was a fluke or something. But this keeps happening every 6 hours on the dot. It doesn't shut down, it restarts itself and if I have any open documents it asks if I want to save them. I have to act quick to save because it then just restarts. I have run a full virus scan and mal-ware scan and found no issues. I installed windows 7 home basic about a month ago and decided the same day to upgrade to the pro version. This is not a clean install, but an upgrade. I haven't installed any new software and it doesn't matter if I have a program running or not, it will restart as well. I did a system scan using the CMD prompt and it returned no "integrity violations". Could this be an issue with windows not thinking my copy is activated? It says its activated in the computer properties window. I have also updated all my drivers and BIOS as of today. I'm racking my brain with this issue because its getting pretty annoying. Can someone please advise. Thanks.

well at least your restart every 6 hours :) where as my restart every 1 minutes or 2 :( microsoft need to fix this fast :(

No kidding. I'm a web developer and when I lose track of time and working on a project, BLAMO! It restarts. I just wish I new the issue. My last step is to do a clean install and I don't want to do that.

Update: I left my computer on safe mode overnight and it did not restart. It has made it through 12 hours now with no restarts. How do I go about diagnosing what drivers or programs are causing the automatic reboot?

Sounds like chipset drivers, specifically ACPI drivers are at fault.Vote if answered or helpful, I am running for Office (joke)! IT/Developer, Windows/Linux/Mainframe RaidMax Smilodon, 680W, Asus M2NBP-VM CSM AMD X2 4200+, 2GB DDR2-800, x600, more details on my site, need a video card for the Windows machine, the 8600 GT fried

Thanks for your help. What is the best way to update these? I went to device manager and clicked on system devices and then selected ACPI items for update, but windows says its running the latest drivers.

A few helpful votes would be nice. Go to the site for your motherboard manucfacturer and see if there are any new chipset drivers etc for Windows 7. Vote if answered or helpful, I am running for Office (joke)! IT/Developer, Windows/Linux/Mainframe RaidMax Smilodon, 680W, Asus M2NBP-VM CSM AMD X2 4200+, 2GB DDR2-800, x600, more details on my site, need a video card for the Windows machine, the 8600 GT fried

Sorry, its the first time I've posted on this board. I'm trying to determine what chipset I have as intel's website has many different options.

Not to worry, you here among many friends. One way to identify the board is with CPUID . This tool can identify your chipset and motherboard model. Another way to identify it is by opening the chassis and looking for the model number on the board itself somewhere. Try CPUID first, if that fails, get the camera out and take pics of the machine in macro mode so one of us can see.Vote if answered or helpful, I am running for Office (joke)! IT/Developer, Windows/Linux/Mainframe RaidMax Smilodon, 680W, Asus M2NBP-VM CSM AMD X2 4200+, 2GB DDR2-800, x600, more details on my site, need a video card for the Windows machine, the 8600 GT fried

Awesome !!! So I'm running an intel x58 chipset. The only available drivers are the matrix storage manager. I've downloaded and will install. Then all I need to do is cross my fingers when 6pm rolls around and hope it doenst restart itself.

Ok, so the good news is that everything is updated. The bad news...it still restarts on its own.

OK open up MSINFO and post the results here. You can find it in /accessories/system tools Vote if answered or helpful, I am running for Office (joke)! IT/Developer, Windows/Linux/Mainframe RaidMax Smilodon, 680W, Asus M2NBP-VM CSM AMD X2 4200+, 2GB DDR2-800, x600, more details on my site, need a video card for the Windows machine, the 8600 GT fried

Will do. What section should I post as there are 3 main directory trees or do you just want to see the system summary? Once again, thanks for all your help!!

Here is a link to the file. I couldn't posts the entire thing on this board.

OK, you have a Dell machine. So I believe this model came with Vista. So go ask Dell if they are going to support Windows 7 on the machine. They might have some better drivers that might help.Vote if answered or helpful, I am running for Office (joke)! IT/Developer, Windows/Linux/Mainframe RaidMax Smilodon, 680W, Asus M2NBP-VM CSM AMD X2 4200+, 2GB DDR2-800, x600, more details on my site, need a video card for the Windows machine, the 8600 GT fried

You are right, this machine came with Vista 64bit. I have spoken with Dell and they support window 7 on this machine but getting them to provide solutions to the problem was like pulling teeth. Unfortunately their only assistance was to do a clean install of windows. At this point I don't want to do that, but may come down to it if I can't get this resolved.

OK then its time to back up and erase the disk and start fresh. Before you do that, make sure you have a DVD with all the needed drivers on it so you will be able to get up and running quickly.Vote if answered or helpful, I am running for Office (joke)! IT/Developer, Windows/Linux/Mainframe RaidMax Smilodon, 680W, Asus M2NBP-VM CSM AMD X2 4200+, 2GB DDR2-800, x600, more details on my site, need a video card for the Windows machine, the 8600 GT fried

Thanks for taking the time to answer my post and give your advice...I really appreciate it!! I guess I will start the back up tomorrow and then reformat. I hope I don't have to call microsoft activation line to activate my version of windows. I've heard that after one activated install, even if you wipe your machine you have to get them to activate it over the phone. :( I will update my personal blog and give mad props to "Vegan Fanatic" for all your help. Cheers!!

Hi olra1975, According to the file you provided, the computer is Dell Studio XPS 435MT. Please first click HERE to download the latest driver updates for Windows 7. If the issue persists, since the issue does not occur in Safe Mode, it is possible the issue is caused by certain service, hardware or its driver. Please unplug all unnecessary devices and then perform the steps below to troubleshoot the issue: Device Clean Boot ============ 1. Click Start, type "devmgmt.msc" (without quotation marks) in the Search bar and press Enter. 2. Expand "Sound, video and game controllers". 3. Right click on your sound card and then click "Properties". 4. In the dropdown menu of Device Usage, please choose "Do not use this device (disable)" and click OK. 5. Please use the same method to disable other dubious hardware such as: internal modem, network card and CD-R drive. Please note some devices such as video adapter are not available to be disabled. What is the result?If the issue persists, please access Clean Boot to check the issue. If the issue disappears in the Clean Boot environment, we continue to narrow down which entry is causing the issue. Also, please perform the steps below and see if there is any error or blue screen occurs: 1. Go to Start, right-click on Computer, and then click Properties. 2. Click Advanced system settings. 3. On the Advanced tab, click Settings… button under Startup and Recovery section. 4. Uncheck Automatically restart. 5. Click OK. Is there any blue screen or error occurs? If so, you can check the small memory dump files to analyze the culprit. To solid troubleshoot this kind of kernel crash issue, we need to debug the crashed system dump and analyze the related source code if needed. Unfortunately, debugging is beyond what we can do in the forum. I'd like to recommend that you contact Microsoft Customer Support Service (CSS) for assistance so that this problem can be resolved efficiently. To obtain the phone numbers for specific technology request please take a look at the web site listed below: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;PHONENUMBERS If you are outside the US please see http://support.microsoft.com for regional support phone numbers. Regards, Linda

It will activate fine.Vote if answered or helpful, I am running for Office (joke)! IT/Developer, Windows/Linux/Mainframe RaidMax Smilodon, 680W, Asus M2NBP-VM CSM AMD X2 4200+, 2GB DDR2-800, x600, more details on my site, need a video card for the Windows machine, the 8600 GT fried

Hi Linda, I have already updated all the drivers through Dell at this point. I followed your advice on disabling the drivers. So far I have disabled the following: ATI Radeon HD 4600 series display driver Blu-Ray disk drive Intel gigabit network driver Dell wireless mini card (I re-enabled this already) ATI high definition audio device Realtek high definition audio VIA 1394 OHCI Compliant host controller I also unplugged my logitech high definition web cam - I previously unplugged this in earlier trouble shooting steps but the issue still persisted. With the above drivers disabled I have not had the computer restart at its normal interval (6am, 12pm, 6pm, 12am). So I guess one of the drivers or hardware devices is causing the issue.

@olra1975 i am having Realteck HD audio too, so, could this be it? also, just wondering, are you as well have dual monitors control panel/ driver installed?

It very well could be. I have re-enabled my wireless card and graphics card and left everything else disabled. The only bad thing is that I have to wait until 6pm to find out if the system restarts itself. There is a realtek HD driver package here , not sure if you have downloaded that yet. I'm not sure if I have the dual monitor control panel/driver installed

i was asking about the dual monitor control panel because that is what i am using, i am having nvidia 6600 and running two monitors with the driver control panel installed. ps. its such annoying to wait for 6 hours ay? how about changing your computer time or the time in the bios to 6 hours ahead will that work? i can't remember exactly whether i did a custom install of the Realtek HD audio or whether it came preinstalled with win7. but, i don't recall of downloading from the site you provide.

I tried setting the computer time ahead but that didnt work. I haven't messed with the time in the bios, not really sure if I want to mess with it at this point. I'm running an ATI radeon HD with two dvi ports. Who knows, if its the graphic card causing the issue it will be a good reason to get a better one :)

A BIOS update is usually free of problems, installers check to be sure you have the right version etc. I strongly suggest updating a BIOS to the latest version available.Vote if answered or helpful, I am running for Office (joke)! IT/Developer, Windows/Linux/Mainframe RaidMax Smilodon, 680W, Asus M2NBP-VM CSM AMD X2 4200+, 2GB DDR2-800, x600, more details on my site, need a video card for the Windows machine, the 8600 GT fried

That was one of the first things I updated. I just don't want to mess with the clock in an effort to speed up the replication of the problem.

Ok, so the computer just restarted itself at exactly 6pm. It's either the network adapter, the graphics card (these are the only things I have enabled) or...Windows is just acting stupid! If it turns out to be the network adapter, how can I be sure that it's just not windows communicating with a host server telling my computer to restart? I guess I'll just connect it to the LAN and see if it does the same thing after I rule out the graphics card and wireless adapter.

That was one of the first things I updated. I just don't want to mess with the clock in an effort to speed up the replication of the problem. HiNot messing with the clock is a good idea as this could have an effect on the problem. Just take the time to add a couple of the drivers at a time until you find the culprit.Let us know the results. Thank You for using Windows 7 Ronnie Vernon MVP

That was one of the first things I updated. I just don't want to mess with the clock in an effort to speed up the replication of the problem. Check the clock only to confirm that the date and time are correct. The chipset drivers should include the network drivers. Usually the audio is separate. Vote if answered or helpful, I am running for Office (joke)! IT/Developer, Windows/Linux/Mainframe RaidMax Smilodon, 680W, Asus M2NBP-VM CSM AMD X2 4200+, 2GB DDR2-800, x600, more details on my site, need a video card for the Windows machine, the 8600 GT fried

So the witching hour has passed and no restart with my graphics card disabled. I have updated the drivers to the latest version, so does this mean I have a faulty piece of hardware?

Its possible, I have seen a lot of graphics cards fail, especially with NVIDIA of late. Mostly the GeForce 8 series are affected but other models have seen some reports. My 8600 GT croaked last month. I am expecting an ATI card in less than 3 weeks. If you have another video card handy, try it. Vote if answered or helpful, I am running for Office (joke)! IT/Developer, Windows/Linux/Mainframe RaidMax Smilodon, 680W, Asus M2NBP-VM CSM AMD X2 4200+, 2GB DDR2-800, x600, more details on my site, need a video card for the Windows machine, the 8600 GT fried

Well, I spoke too soon. Just after I posted my last comment she restarted on me. The only thing I have enabled now (besides the graphics card) is the wireless network adapter. The LAN is disabled so I will disable the wireless adapter just to make sure. If it doesnt restart then I will test just having the LAN plugged in. If is still restarts with the wireless disabled and the LAN connected then its a reasonable assumption that its a connectivity issue with the computer communicating with microsoft.

Update : with the wireless adapter turned off and no internet connection the computer did not restart itself this morning. I have enabled the network card and plugged it in directly to the router and shall wait for 12pm...

I have seen a few problems with wireless adapters, but not many. Keep us posted. Vote if answered or helpful, I am running for Office (joke)! IT/Developer, Windows/Linux/Mainframe RaidMax Smilodon, 680W, Asus M2NBP-VM CSM AMD X2 4200+, 2GB DDR2-800, x600, more details on my site, need a video card for the Windows machine, the 8600 GT fried

Update : computer just restarted with the LAN connected and the wireless disconnected. I now believe this is a windows issue and not a hardware or driver problem.

so bad, so sad. how about try disable windows defender and or uninstall your Antivirus program?

Defender has been disabled. The restart only happens when the computer is connected to the internet. I've called microsoft and they want me to pay $59.00 for support because the product is over 90 days old, but it's not 90 days old because I bought it Nov 4th. Microsoft must smoke crack or something. So pissed right now!

Actually, if you only have 90 days then - too bad you are about 3 days over bro :) however, I got this from Linda Yan, ------------ To solid troubleshoot this kind of kernel crash issue, we need to debug the crashed system dump and analyze the related source code if needed. Unfortunately, debugging is beyond what we can do in the forum. I'd like to recommend that you contact Microsoft Customer Support Service (CSS) for assistance so that this problem can be resolved efficiently. To obtain the phone numbers for specific technology request please take a look at the web site listed below: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;PHONENUMBERS If you are outside the US please see http://support.microsoft.com for regional support phone numbers. ---------- Ps. For many times, I called MS and they never said anything like that, they were very friendly in helped me troubleshoot the god damn thing. tho, there were huge delay. best of luck

I actually still have 3 hours left on it...But I don't have a system dump, the thing just restarts like I hit the restart button.

Wireless is hardware too. Just a different kind.Vote if answered or helpful, I am running for Office (joke)! IT/Developer, Windows/Linux/Mainframe RaidMax Smilodon, 680W, Asus M2NBP-VM CSM AMD X2 4200+, 2GB DDR2-800, x600, more details on my site, need a video card for the Windows machine, the 8600 GT fried

Ok, now I'm stumped. I have both the wireless card and LAN card activated and have the computer connecting to the internet via the LAN. 6pm rolled around and no restart. I'm not sure if the Microsoft tech guy fixed it when he had control of the computer or if the issue will persist when I disconnect from the LAN with both adapters enabled. I'm supposed to keep it plugged in until they call me back tomorrow.

leave it alone and if its stable then you should go back to work. DO not forget to make regular backups just in case.Vote if answered or helpful, I am running for Office (joke)! IT/Developer, Windows/Linux/Mainframe RaidMax Smilodon, 680W, Asus M2NBP-VM CSM AMD X2 4200+, 2GB DDR2-800, x600, more details on my site, need a video card for the Windows machine, the 8600 GT fried

Just a thought, it is possible certain update is not able to be installed which is causing this issue. Please go to Control Panel -> Windows Update -> View update history and see if certain update is causing this issue.

You are better off installing Windows 7 fresh rather and as an upgrade. I also suggest using the 64-bit version.Vote if answered or helpful, I am running for Office (joke)! IT/Developer, Windows/Linux/Mainframe RaidMax Smilodon, 680W, Asus M2NBP-VM CSM AMD X2 4200+, 2GB DDR2-800, x600, more details on my site, need a video card for the Windows machine, the 8600 GT fried

To the original poster:I don't think the question has been asked/answered here yet... Are you running the released version of Windows 7 or a beta version? Don't I recall that the beta versions shut down regularly? I'm sorry if I missed the answer to this somewhere along the way. The thread got kind of noisy.Does your system event log show the reason for the shutdowns? Often finding the specific reason can be far more effective than just updating everything and hoping for the best.-Noel

Noel he said this in the very first post " installed windows 7 home basic about a month ago and decided the same day to upgrade to the pro version. This is not a clean install, but an upgrade" I sure would like to know that status of the online Microsoft tech analysis and what the result is. Restarting every 6 hours just doesn't make sense. Random restarts would.MCSE, MCSA, MCDST [If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.]

The RC was Ultimate, so you're probably right. At first I thought, "Could an RC distribution be used to upgrade a system in such a manner, and could the OP mean ultimate instead of pro?" I thought that the question should be asked as a restart at a particular time sure smells awful fishy.To the OP, check your Task Scheduler... Any chance there's something scheduled at 6 pm that's crashing the system?-Noel

I'm curious if anyone has checked the Event Viewer to see which device or service initiated the shutdown? If this was helpful, please vote by clicking the green triangle. If it solves the issue, click Propose as Answer. Thanks!

I would like to thank everyone for posting here and trying to help me identify the issue. After 4 days of Microsoft tech support (they were really good about calling me back every day to check on my system) I can say that the issue has been fixed. I'm still not sure exactly what was causing the issue and would like to know the root cause, but they were unable to tell me. They made many remote connections to my computer during that time so I can't be sure what they did. I'm just happy that I can get back to web development without my computer restarting every 6 hours :). I will say one weird thing was that when I called Microsoft I was told that my product ID was expired and not valid, but they could see in their system when I activated my copy of Home Premium and when I did the upgrade activation to Professional. I'm not sure if that had anything to do with it or not. @Shawn: the tech did check the event viewer and made some modifications based on what he saw there, but since I'm not a pro in this arena I can't be sure what events he saw that were of concern. @Noel: the system never crashed, it was just as if I had went to the start menu and hit the restart button. The OS was even nice enough to ask me to save any open documents, but I had to act quick in order to save or it would just continue with the restart. Once again, thank you everyone!!

Olra1975 - do you think you could possibly give me the techs email that helped you? Because I seem to have the exact same problem that you do, only my windows 7 restarts every 8 hours instead of 6. It acts like a manual restart in that it asks me to save my documents first as well, and I've gone through all the trouble shooting steps. Antivirus, anti malaware, system updates, system integrity scans, updates on drivers. I can't seem to fix it. Since that tech seemed to solve your problem, maybe he can help me too. =)

Olra1975 - do you think you could possibly give me the techs email that helped you? Because I seem to have the exact same problem that you do, only my windows 7 restarts every 8 hours instead of 6. It acts like a manual restart in that it asks me to save my documents first as well, and I've gone through all the trouble shooting steps. Antivirus, anti malaware, system updates, system integrity scans, updates on drivers. I can't seem to fix it. Since that tech seemed to solve your problem, maybe he can help me too. =) Start your thread and please post hardware details in it. Vote if answered or helpful, I am running for Office (joke)! IT/Developer, Windows/Linux/Mainframe I also am a true vegan and I am very good with economics and I used to play chess at 2400++

I had the same problem awhile ago with the dell xps 430 model.would shut off the mointor and then restart by itself.They had too replace the who system for me after trying two differnt mointers and still was do the same thing.Also they now have a new link on the intel site that updates drivers for you.Also use a new program called slim drivers that updates all driver for you.