~~Windows SP2 Random Restart~~

[pahn]

I just installed SP2 on my Windows XP Home install. So everything is goin fine and then immediately after I install SP2 and then reboot, I start having problems. Basically, I will use the computer for anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes without problems and then one of the following happens:

1. The mouse freezes then the monitor feed cuts out and the comp is still on but no picture

2. The mouse freezes then the computer reboots

3. The computer reboots.

This is seriously infuriating because I have spent sooo much money over the years purchasing god knows how many copies of WinXP from the local Best Buy and it doesn't even work!

Please help.

 

[pahn]

bump

 

[bool]

I had crazy problems with XP after I installed SP2. The computer would freeze, not shut down, etc. Then I tried a fresh install, on a new computer I built for a friend, with SP2 already included on the install CD and no problems. So I buy a new XP CD with SP2 already included, do a fresh install and no problems on my computer. Can't figure out why it worked, but it did. Might not solve your problem, but it solved mine.

 

[Astray]

I'd try reinstalling your video drivers first, make sure you pick the right ones for whatever card you have.

If that doesn't help then open up eventvwr.msc in the run prompt and look for any errors in there and let us know if you find anything.

 

[BadThad]

Event Viewer is your friend.

 

[CraigOley]

Do you have any other information that you can provide? Error messages, type of computer, etc...?

My suggestion is to try rolling back SP2, do spyware/antivirus scans, update drivers, and then re-install SP2.

 

[pahn]

The event viewer shows something wrong with ati2mtag

the description reads:

The driver ati2dvag for the display device \Device\Video0 got stuck in an infinite loop. This usually indicates a problem with the device itself or with the device driver programming the hardware incorrectly. Please check with your hardware device vendor for any driver updates.

I just uninstalled and then reinstalled the latest drivers.