computer restarting itself

I was wondering what makes an computer keep restarting itself each time you turn it on.  Mines saying windows has shut down unexpectedly.  How do I fix this

Welcome to the CH forums. You will need to tell us a lot more so we can narrow down the nature
 of your problem and try to assist you in it's solution . IE: What is your operating system? What event had you done immediately preceding this occurrence that may have caused it? Had any other anomalies such as a power failure,attempt to install/uninstall something? Had you coincidentally added any new software/hardware to the computer. Lean toward too much information right now you have provided too little. truenorth

I'm sorry didn't know but I was added some pictures to my computer and left my com pouter I went to the store and and later on well had any bad storm.  I turned it back on and got an message saying windows had shut down unexpectedly .

While you have provided a bit more information you have NOT answered all the questions i asked. Now i would ask what type of computer is this a laptop a desktop? But rather than wait for your answer based on a 50/50 chance that it is a desktop remove the CMOS battery for about 5 minutes then reinstall it and try the computer. let us know the results. truenorth

sorry I don't know where that is.  thank you

This will be my LAST attempt (others may try but i am getting exasperated at your failure to answer my questions) to have you answer what i ask. Is your computer a laptop or a desktop computer? truenorth

sorry new to this it is an desktop everex windows vista home base

CMOS batteries do exist on laptops, too, truenorth.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdp_L5IxaNIhow to reset the CMOS jumper to clear your BIOS settings.

sweefoxyredbone, it would help if you posted the event log to determine what happened right before your PC shutdown.

transfusion, Yes of course they do and i know that. But what i also am getting is a fair idea of is the limitations of the O/P when it comes to computer knowledge (no disrespect intended) and am taking that into consideration in my suggestions for personal correction and trouble shooting. I am far less inclined to have the O/P delve into the innards of a laptop than a desktop.
  Now to the O/P (sweefoxyredbone) Here is an excellent link on the CMOS battery and how to recognize it and how to access and remove/reinstall one. If after reading the article you have any additional questions please ask.
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000239.htm
truenorth
P.S. To transfusion again --hopefully i am wrong but your suggestion re the "event log" ought to send the o/p scurrying away.

I can't even get to any of the main screens  this is what it is saying the computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected restart the installation error.windows installation cannot proceed. to install windows click ok to restart the computer and then restarts all over again.I don't know anything about what's going on with it.

sweefoxyredbone, Yes we already are well aware of that. So disregard transfusion's suggestion as you CANNOT do it given the condition of the computer. BUT you CAN do mine. Have you read the article i linked in my last post? Do you understand the content of the article? Are you prepared to do what is stated in the article? Please NOTE the questions i have asked and PLEASE answer ALL of them. If you answer the questions we can move forward with your issue if you do not we are ALL spinning our wheels here. truenorth

thank you for your help I about to go try to do what you have said.

Do a System Restore to a day when all was well.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/What-is-System-Restore

"Open System Restore by clicking the Start button , clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, clicking System Tools, and then clicking System Restore.‌  If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation."


click start>> enter System Restore and follow directions

if only  command level is available:
Ue System Restore

C:\Windows\system32\rstrui.exe
To reach the command level prompt:

As the computer boots tap F8 :  The command level prompt is a choice on the menu

Fred35, I would be VERY interested to hear your explanation of HOW the O/P is going to do that given this "I can't even get to any of the main screens " truenorth

I am seeing AwardBios CMOS Setup Utility screen what do I need to do next

Fred35, I would be VERY interested to hear your explanation of HOW the O/P is going to do that given this "I can't even get to any of the main screens " truenorth

if only  command level is available:
Use System Restore

C:\Windows\system32\rstrui.exe
To reach the command level prompt:

As the computer boots tap F8 :  The command level prompt is a choice on the menu

DueSouth

it is on march 16 2007

F

if only  command level is available:
Use System Restore

C:\Windows\system32\rstrui.exe
To reach the command level prompt:

As the computer boots tap F8 :  The command level prompt is a choice on the menu

DueSouth

red35 I wish I could go back to restore my computer

[Moderator]

if only  command level is available:
Use System Restore

C:\Windows\system32\rstrui.exe
To reach the command level prompt:

As the computer boots tap F8 :  The command level prompt is a choice on the menu

DueSouth

It's safe to ignore this...
What happened prior to this ? ?
Are you saying it doesn't get to Windows at all ? ?

Provide as many details as you can and someone will be along shortly...

OP:
Use System Restore

C:\Windows\system32\rstrui.exe

To reach the command level prompt:

As the computer boots tap F8 :  The command level prompt is a choice on the menu
(This is the safe mode and a full blown windows is not required.) The safe mode does work and should not be ignored.)
Try it; you will like it.

[Moderator]

What makes you think she is at a command prompt ? ?
It's not at the BIOS/POST level at all...

Yes I am saying I'm not getting windows at all.   wish I could get this fixed for my kids.

[Moderator]

The lightning hit may have wonked the power supply...
1 thing you can try on your own:\
Unplug all power...
There is a small black switch on the back of the PC that will have a ) and a - sign on it...
Toggle that switch a few times...wait 2 minutes and plug everything back up and see...

ok I will try to do that now.thank you all for the inputs.

sage sorry don't see that

on the screen windows memory diagnosis tool

Pull the power cable out of the pc, hold the power button in for ... a min or so, then plug power cable back in and turn on, if still no luck then follow link for how to clear cmos.

http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000239.htm

did all that but went right back to the screen windows shut down unexpectedly and cannot find window.

Laptops are, software-wise and excluding the BIOS software, identical to desktops, truenorth, so if the OP can get into windows safe mode, we would have our options narrowed down.

did all that but went right back to the screen windows shut down unexpectedly and cannot find window.

I remember having a similar incident and doing an Automated System Recovery with the Windows setup CD, which I think is the most efficient thing to do in this case, given that windows files are probably corrupted.

I can't even get to any of the main screens  this is what it is saying the computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected restart the installation error.windows installation cannot proceed. to install windows click ok to restart the computer and then restarts all over again.I don't know anything about what's going on with it.

corrupted windows installation from the looks of it.
If the power supply was wonked... wouldn't all the rebooting have caused it to spontaneously combust by now?

I don't have an windows recovery disk wish I did though.