Gaming Computer Freezes and Restarts Randomly

[Zaiga]

I don't know why, but for about two years now my computer freezes when I try to watch videos and sometimes my computer would restart randomly when I'm downloading something. It would also restart when I'm trying to download something on itunes. I think this is a virus, but whenever I do a scan, it wouldn't detect it.

 

[Law]

It could just be overheating, or maybe a component is damaged.

 

[SavageWaffle]

This actually happened to my old laptop, its overheating. Make some room for the computer.

 

[King Zargo]

Try removing all dust from you're CPU coolers or reformatting.

 

[Raki]

my desktop PC did the same and all went fine after a fresh XP installation...

 

[da_head]

it could be an issue with ur power souce (in the pc). u mite need to replace it

 

[The Teej]

It could also be driver issues. Download CCleaner and run the registry diagnostic tool seen here.

 

[adgloride]

Try cleaning your fan/fans inside you pc.

 

[FAST6191]

Random restarts/freezing can be some of the hardest things to diagnose (so many possibilities).

Heat would be my first thought, drivers second.

Heat is as simple as cleaning the machine and then maybe running some stress tests (forums for overclockers should net you some kit on that front).

For drivers can I suggest grabbing one of the linux live CDs (puppy linux is small, designed just for that, works with most general purpose PC hardware I have come across and has AV options).

 

[Zaiga]

Thanks for the fast replies guys. I think I will try and clean the inside and see if it works. I'm not very good with drivers and stuff..

Edit: What do you guys mean by driver issues? And will CCleaner fix any issues if there are any?