Random Reboot Problem 2

[JTinVA]

Help! I'm running XP Pro with SP2 and, ever since I installed SP2, I get these random sudden reboots. There is nothing listed in any event log and I can't find any other log files that list what might be wrong. I have completely rebuilt XP (including a full format of the drive), run scandisk on all drives (nothing was wrong), installed an additional fan (I had heard that it might be heat related) and installed a new power supply (I had heard that the problems might be related to problems with the power supply). Even after reinstalling Windows the problems persisted.

Any ideas on what might be causing the problem and how to fix it?

Thanks.

 

[bcastner]

Leaky capacitors.

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EKF/is_44_48/ai_93735194

http://www.overclockers.com/tips1081/

 

[JTinVA]

Thanks ... you nailed it. I took a look at the motherboard and, fortunately, caught it as only two or three were minorly leaking. Turns out the manufacturer has a pretty bad reputation so I'm going to try to replace all 12 before they cause any more problems.

 

[bcastner]

There was a discussion here by linney about doing the leaky capacitor replacement yourself, and a suggestion by member freestone that a quick turnaround was possible with a recommended vendor. All can be found in: thread602-943653

My own gut feeling is that the leaky capacitor issue, because of the timing, explains coincidentally a lot of what are thought to be Service Pack 2 issues.

Best wishes,
Bill Castner