reboot loop

[Kaijufan]

I built my computer about 2 and a half years ago, and this is the first time it has really been giving me any problems.

For about two weeks before I got stuck in a reboot loop the computer would randomly reboot. I went to the advanced tab of system properties and under the startup and recovery option I unchecked the box that would let the computer automatically restart in hopes it would give me an error message. However, it continued to automatically restart without giving me an error message. Sometimes it would say that my overclocking attemps had failed, but I don't overclock my system.

Everything really went south last week at a LAN party, when the computer would refuse to start up. It would get stuck in a constant reboot loop, with the LEDs on my keyboards flashing every few seconds (they only flash once, right when my computer starts up). A few times the computer worked for a short time, usually it would take me to a screen telling me that my overclocking attempts had failed. Sometimes I got to the bios, once I entered safe mode and was able to get into Windows and look at the file system in my computer, but the reboot cycle started.

I talked to some friends and teachers at school (I'm in a LAN program at my local college) and everyone (myself included) is in agreement that the power suppy is very likely the problem, but I want to make sure before I order a new one.

Thanks.

 

[Navid]

Have you cleaned the inside of the case lately from dust bunnies?
Next time, you attempt to boot, enter the BIOS and check the CPU temperature.

 

[Slikkster]

I am inclined to go along with the previous poster. Try to boot up without the cover on the computer tower. This would provide for more air to cool the thing down.

If it's stabile, you know you have a heat problem. I would also reseat all the components inside the box, including CPU, RAM, all power connectors and data cable connections, etc.

Clean out all fans and heatsinks. Get rid of the dust as the previous guy said.

 

[Kaijufan]

I went into the BIOS today and the CPU temp started at around 80 F and rose to around 102 F, which is right around what I remember it being with no load. After watching that increase I for a few minutes, and having the CPU sit at 102 for about a minute I exited the BIOS and loaded a DOS boot disk. About a minute later it started rebooting, slowly at first, but then it picked up speed to the point where the lights on my keyboard were flashing every few seconds and I wasn't getting any video signal.
I don't have any spare thermal paste since I've only built AMD systems and they always come with a thermal pad but I'm going to get some from one of my friends and when I do I'll reseat everything and see if that helps.