Hi, I really need some help, I can't figure out what's wrong.

A few days ago I exited a computer game (Medieval 2) and then tried to start up firefox, then my computer restarted. Now, randomly, my monitor will go into power saving mode, as if the monitor was not receiving a signal, and my computer will hang a few seconds after that (I know because I still hear sound then it stops).

The problem has happened when I tried playing a video in Firefox and opening Catalyst Control Center at the same time. It has also happened while doing a spyware scan. Another time it happened was keeping another PC Game in a window, while trying to load up my browser to check something.

Restoring my PC before the problem happened let me complete my spyware scan, but it came up negative, no spyware. I have done a checkdisk. I have tested my RAM, tested my video card, tested my video card's RAM, tested my processor, checked all fans inside my case, checked the capacitors on my motherboard, and also tested my motherboard. I even tested my sound card.

A friend tells me it could be overheating, but the problem is I can play a computer game for 6 hours straight and no hitches, no crashes, it works perfectly. The moment I do the most random thing, like watching a video then opening a desktop program, the problem occurs.

About a year ago I replaced my PSU, with a Thermaltake 430watt power supply, which is about 100 watts more than I need to run my setup (I did this to install my current video card. Radeon x1650 pro 512mb AGP)

So is it possible that hard reset screwed something up on my computer that has to do with software, or could it still be a hardware problem?

Thanks.

Oh, I forgot to add I run Windows XP SP 2

Hello Frederick! Welcome to PCHF!

We have a fantastic team of techs here as well as a very knowledgeable member community and I am sure we will be able to help you

I will mark your thread as open and someone will be with you as soon as possible, thank you for your patience.

Regards,

Smokeycheech

From what you've written I stongly suggest you should follow the instructions in the PreWork link as below.

i dont have much time this weekend, a friend had me run all these scans and programs (DDS, GMER, COMBOFIX)
I was wrong, my co mputer doesn't hang. My monitor just goes into the standy mode, and my computer keeps operating.

So you've turned of all power saving, including the Bios?

If so and you still have a problem do this:

Go:

Start - Run - (type) sfc /scannow (with the space)(Enter)

sfc = System File Checker restores files to their correct state.

This may require you to put in your XP CD.

For futher, detailed, information on this procedure please click here:

scannow sfc - LEARN how to use SFC.EXE (system file checker)