My friend’s computer has been experiencing unexpected shutdowns that occur without warning. These shutdowns tend to happen during gaming sessions, although there have been instances where it has happened while he’s watching videos on YouTube. According to the Event Viewer, there is evidence of these random shutdowns.
The process C:\Windows\system32\winlogon.exe (SPENCER-DESKTOP) has initiated the power off of computer SPENCER-DESKTOP on behalf of user NT_AUTHORITY\SYSTEM for the following reason: No title for this reason could be found
Reason Code: 0x500ff
Shutdown Type: power off
Comment:param1 C:\Windows\system32\winlogon.exe (SPENCER-DESKTOP)
param2 SPENCER-DESKTOP
param3 No title for this reason could be found
param4 0x500ff
param5 power off
param6
param7 NT_AUTHORITY\SYSTEM
I believe that this specific incident was the cause of the problem. The computer in question is a pre-built gaming PC made by Cyberpower. I am open to any recommendations that may help resolve the issue.
2 Answers
Introduction
Computer restarting randomly can be frustrating and can lead to data loss. There are various reasons why a computer may restart randomly, including hardware and software issues. In this blog post, we will explore the possible reasons why a computer keeps randomly restarting, and suggest some solutions to fix the problem.
Hardware Issues
Hardware issues are one of the common reasons why a computer may keep restarting randomly. The following are some of the hardware issues that may cause a computer to restart randomly:
Overheating
Overheating is one of the most common reasons why a computer may keep restarting randomly. Computers have built-in mechanisms to prevent overheating, such as fans and cooling systems. However, if these mechanisms fail, the computer may overheat, and as a result, restart randomly. To fix this issue, you can check the fans and cooling system to ensure they are working correctly. You can also clean the fans and cooling system to remove any dust or debris that may be blocking them.
Power Supply Issues
A faulty power supply can also cause a computer to restart randomly. If the power supply is not providing enough power, the computer may restart randomly. To fix this issue, you can check the power supply to ensure it is working correctly. You can also replace the power supply with a new one.
Hardware Failure
A hardware failure can also cause a computer to restart randomly. If a hardware component, such as the RAM, hard drive, or motherboard, is failing, the computer may restart randomly. To fix this issue, you can run hardware diagnostic tests to identify the faulty component. Once you have identified the faulty component, you can replace it with a new one.
Software Issues
Software issues can also cause a computer to restart randomly. The following are some of the software issues that may cause a computer to restart randomly:
Malware
Malware infections can cause a computer to restart randomly. Malware can damage the operating system or other software components, causing the computer to malfunction. To fix this issue, you can run a malware scan using an antivirus program. If the scan detects malware, you can remove it using the antivirus program.
Driver Issues
Driver issues can also cause a computer to restart randomly. If a driver is outdated or incompatible with the operating system, it may cause the computer to malfunction. To fix this issue, you can update the drivers using the device manager or download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
Operating System Issues
Operating system issues can also cause a computer to restart randomly. If the operating system is corrupted or damaged, it may cause the computer to malfunction. To fix this issue, you can run a system file checker to identify and repair any corrupted system files. You can also perform a system restore to revert the operating system to a previous state when it was working correctly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a computer may keep restarting randomly due to hardware or software issues. Hardware issues such as overheating, power supply issues, and hardware failure can cause a computer to restart randomly. Software issues such as malware, driver issues, and operating system issues can also cause a computer to restart randomly. To fix this issue, you can identify the root cause and apply the appropriate solution. If you are unsure of how to fix the issue, you can seek the help of a professional technician.
According to the knowledge base article, the Event Viewer entry mentioned may not be the actual cause of the issue. Instead, the real reason should be logged alongside it within seconds, with the same Event ID of 1074.
If you can locate the second entry, it may provide more insight into the issue. In the author’s case, the second entry stated that they initiated the shutdown using the desktop or start menu. However, in your friend’s case, the issue could be caused by a power button short, a malfunctioning program, or even CPU overheating in extreme cases.
For instance, the author’s custom-built system would restart on its own when overclocked too much.
Good luck with resolving the issue!