Hi all,

My computer seems to restart when I transfer files to an external hard disk of some sort. I've attempted to transfer large files to 3 differents types of device. An Archos AV420, an Apple Ipod Nano and an IOMEGA 250GB Hard Drive. The timing of the restarts seem to be completely random. For example, if I am attempting to transfer file(s) as much as 2GB, it may stop and reset after maybe 100MB, or the whole file may transfer. I don't know if it's a problem with my USB drives or maybe some drivers. The problem occurs when no other USB devices are attached. No other USB devices seem to be affected, such as my keyboard and mouse, printer or USB modem.

Any help would be much appreciated.

1. What version of Windows are you using?

2. Are you running anything else with a USB connection? Such as a mouse or a keyboard? If not, the go into your BIOS and verify that the USB fuction is turned on.
If it is not on, please turn it on.

1. I'm running Windows Media Center, updated as much as it possibly can be.
2. I've tried it without any other USB devices attached, still the same problem.

Not quite sure about the BIOS bit, as I don't really know how to do that, and i'm posting this response before I have a crack at it, just in case. Please advise....

First, access the Properties of your C: drive.
Under Tools tab, click on the Error-checking Check Now... button
Place a check mark in both boxes. Click on the Start button.
You will have to reboot to complete the process.
This will confirm that your C: drive is functioning correctly.

Second, after the above, place the Windows install CD in the drive.
Go to Start>Programs>Accessories>Command Prompt
Enter: sfc /scannow
Note: There is a space between the "c" and the "/".
This will confirm that the Windows System Files are intact.

These are standard tests and hopefully your computer will pass them both.

Thanks for that. The first part of that went well enough, did the checks, nothing happened. The second part didn't even get going. I did as you said, and it came up with a message asking me to install SP2 CD. That, I don't have. What I do have is 2 installation CD's for Media Center, OEM's i got. With that there is an upgrade CD that comes with it. That's all I have. I didn't think the problem was with the Hard Drive as I assumed that it would be with the USB as all the problems occurred when an external hard drive of some sort was attached, but I think you may be right. I have had problems in the past, I just don't know how to fix it. Any further help would be great, thanks.

By the way, sorry for the late response, I've been in between ISP's.

it is possible that your psu is bad, and the external hdd (if bus powered, ie no power cable) is drawing too much current and is cuasing your computer to restart. also, i reccomend checking the end of the PSU-Motherboard connector for damage.