BleepingComputer.com: PC shuts down for no apparant reason

My PC has started shutting down randomly. I installed a new firewire sound interface 2 weeks back but I am not sure if its due to that or is there any other reason. How can I check the reason the PC is shutting down. Appreciate the help.
Windows XP SP2

This post has been edited by hamluis: 18 November 2010 - 01:16 PM
Reason for edit: Moved from XP to Internal Hardware ~ Hamluis.

Any error messages?

Let's try this.

Download/install BlueScreenView, http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/blue_screen_view.html.

Double-click BlueScreenView.exe file.

When scanning is done, Edit/Select All...then File/Save Selected Items.

Save the report as BSOD.txt.

Open BSOD.txt in Notepad, copy all content and paste it into your next reply.

Louis

It has two windows. One upper one lower. When I select an item in the upper window, the lower windows shows some more details. Do you want me to copy all the items in the upper and the lower window?

You don't have to copy anything...other than what was specified in the instructions I previously provided. If you go through the steps in the order suggested...you will have what would be most useful to all of us.

Louis

The PC itself could be over heating. Anytime I have issues like this, I roll back any changes I've made recently. This includes removing the new flashy piece of hardware.

I would for sure shut down the PC and try to vacuum out the case. Dust can be cause.

I would not use a vacuum...those cans of compressed air work nicely, IMO, without the dangers of a vacuum.

Louis

Definitely dont use a vacuum!! Compressed air is the way to go to clean it

Im thinking it might be heat as well. Whats the make/model of the system?

I worked on a system yesterday that had a similar issue. It would shut down after an hour or so for no apparent reason. I opened the case and lo and behold the CPU fan was not spinning causing it to overheat
Be sure to check that

Ha ha! Sometimes I forget that I have some tools at my disposal that others may not. I have a vacuum just for cleaning electronic devices... it's an ESD safe vacuum.

==================================================
Dump File : Mini080810-01.dmp
Crash Time : 8/8/2010 8:20:14 AM
Bug Check String : SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
Bug Check Code : 0x1000007e
Parameter 1 : 0xc0000005
Parameter 2 : 0x804daab5
Parameter 3 : 0xb447bc88
Parameter 4 : 0xb447b984
Caused By Driver : ntoskrnl.exe
Caused By Address : ntoskrnl.exe+3ab5
File Description : NT Kernel & System
Product Name : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
Company : Microsoft Corporation
File Version : 5.1.2600.3670 (xpsp_sp2_gdr.100216-1441)
Processor : 32-bit
Computer Name :
Full Path : C:\WINDOWS\Minidump\Mini080810-01.dmp
Processors Count : 2
Major Version : 15
Minor Version : 2600
==================================================

==================================================
Dump File : Mini080310-01.dmp
Crash Time : 8/3/2010 2:07:59 PM
Bug Check String : THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER
Bug Check Code : 0x000000ea
Parameter 1 : 0xfe387698
Parameter 2 : 0x89f2f620
Parameter 3 : 0x8a281820
Parameter 4 : 0x00000001
Caused By Driver : MTXPARHD.dll
Caused By Address : MTXPARHD.dll+21210
File Description : Matrox Parhelia Display Driver
Product Name : Matrox Parhelia Display Driver
Company : Matrox Graphics Inc.
File Version : 6.13.01.1296
Processor : 32-bit
Computer Name :
Full Path : C:\WINDOWS\Minidump\Mini080310-01.dmp
Processors Count : 2
Major Version : 15
Minor Version : 2600
==================================================

==================================================
Dump File : Mini073110-02.dmp
Crash Time : 7/31/2010 6:21:22 PM
Bug Check String : NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM
Bug Check Code : 0x00000024
Parameter 1 : 0x001902fe
Parameter 2 : 0xf78de278
Parameter 3 : 0xf78ddf74
Parameter 4 : 0x00000000
Caused By Driver : Ntfs.sys
Caused By Address : Ntfs.sys+b5c
File Description : NT File System Driver
Product Name : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
Company : Microsoft Corporation
File Version : 5.1.2600.3081 (xpsp_sp2_gdr.070209-0028)
Processor : 32-bit
Computer Name :
Full Path : C:\WINDOWS\Minidump\Mini073110-02.dmp
Processors Count : 2
Major Version : 15
Minor Version : 2600
==================================================

==================================================
Dump File : Mini073110-01.dmp
Crash Time : 7/31/2010 3:57:35 PM
Bug Check String : SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
Bug Check Code : 0x1000007e
Parameter 1 : 0xc0000005
Parameter 2 : 0x804daab5
Parameter 3 : 0xb3cbcc88
Parameter 4 : 0xb3cbc984
Caused By Driver : ntoskrnl.exe
Caused By Address : ntoskrnl.exe+3ab5
File Description : NT Kernel & System
Product Name : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
Company : Microsoft Corporation
File Version : 5.1.2600.3670 (xpsp_sp2_gdr.100216-1441)
Processor : 32-bit
Computer Name :
Full Path : C:\WINDOWS\Minidump\Mini073110-01.dmp
Processors Count : 2
Major Version : 15
Minor Version : 2600
==================================================

==================================================
Dump File : Mini072910-01.dmp
Crash Time : 7/29/2010 5:00:46 AM
Bug Check String : SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
Bug Check Code : 0x1000007e
Parameter 1 : 0xc0000005
Parameter 2 : 0x804daab5
Parameter 3 : 0xb356bc88
Parameter 4 : 0xb356b984
Caused By Driver : ntoskrnl.exe
Caused By Address : ntoskrnl.exe+3ab5
File Description : NT Kernel & System
Product Name : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
Company : Microsoft Corporation
File Version : 5.1.2600.3670 (xpsp_sp2_gdr.100216-1441)
Processor : 32-bit
Computer Name :
Full Path : C:\WINDOWS\Minidump\Mini072910-01.dmp
Processors Count : 2
Major Version : 15
Minor Version : 2600
==================================================

==================================================
Dump File : Mini072810-01.dmp
Crash Time : 7/28/2010 6:34:11 AM
Bug Check String : SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
Bug Check Code : 0x1000007e
Parameter 1 : 0xc0000005
Parameter 2 : 0x804daab5
Parameter 3 : 0xb40a3c88
Parameter 4 : 0xb40a3984
Caused By Driver : ntoskrnl.exe
Caused By Address : ntoskrnl.exe+3ab5
File Description : NT Kernel & System
Product Name : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
Company : Microsoft Corporation
File Version : 5.1.2600.3670 (xpsp_sp2_gdr.100216-1441)
Processor : 32-bit
Computer Name :
Full Path : C:\WINDOWS\Minidump\Mini072810-01.dmp
Processors Count : 2
Major Version : 15
Minor Version : 2600
==================================================

==================================================
Dump File : Mini072710-01.dmp
Crash Time : 7/27/2010 7:12:48 PM
Bug Check String : SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
Bug Check Code : 0x1000007e
Parameter 1 : 0xc0000005
Parameter 2 : 0x804daab5
Parameter 3 : 0xb1ab5c88
Parameter 4 : 0xb1ab5984
Caused By Driver : ntoskrnl.exe
Caused By Address : ntoskrnl.exe+3ab5
File Description : NT Kernel & System
Product Name : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
Company : Microsoft Corporation
File Version : 5.1.2600.3670 (xpsp_sp2_gdr.100216-1441)
Processor : 32-bit
Computer Name :
Full Path : C:\WINDOWS\Minidump\Mini072710-01.dmp
Processors Count : 2
Major Version : 15
Minor Version : 2600
==================================================

==================================================
Dump File : Mini072610-01.dmp
Crash Time : 7/26/2010 7:47:00 AM
Bug Check String : SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
Bug Check Code : 0x1000007e
Parameter 1 : 0xc0000005
Parameter 2 : 0x804daab5
Parameter 3 : 0xb4290c88
Parameter 4 : 0xb4290984
Caused By Driver : ntoskrnl.exe
Caused By Address : ntoskrnl.exe+3ab5
File Description : NT Kernel & System
Product Name : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
Company : Microsoft Corporation
File Version : 5.1.2600.3670 (xpsp_sp2_gdr.100216-1441)
Processor : 32-bit
Computer Name :
Full Path : C:\WINDOWS\Minidump\Mini072610-01.dmp
Processors Count : 2
Major Version : 15
Minor Version : 2600
==================================================

==================================================
Dump File : Mini072310-01.dmp
Crash Time : 7/23/2010 6:46:06 PM
Bug Check String : SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
Bug Check Code : 0x1000007e
Parameter 1 : 0xc0000005
Parameter 2 : 0x804daab5
Parameter 3 : 0xb2aefc88
Parameter 4 : 0xb2aef984
Caused By Driver : ntoskrnl.exe
Caused By Address : ntoskrnl.exe+3ab5
File Description : NT Kernel & System
Product Name : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
Company : Microsoft Corporation
File Version : 5.1.2600.3670 (xpsp_sp2_gdr.100216-1441)
Processor : 32-bit
Computer Name :
Full Path : C:\WINDOWS\Minidump\Mini072310-01.dmp
Processors Count : 2
Major Version : 15
Minor Version : 2600
==================================================

==================================================
Dump File : Mini071910-01.dmp
Crash Time : 7/19/2010 6:49:30 AM
Bug Check String : SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
Bug Check Code : 0x1000007e
Parameter 1 : 0xc0000005
Parameter 2 : 0x804daab5
Parameter 3 : 0xb229dc88
Parameter 4 : 0xb229d984
Caused By Driver : ntoskrnl.exe
Caused By Address : ntoskrnl.exe+3ab5
File Description : NT Kernel & System
Product Name : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
Company : Microsoft Corporation
File Version : 5.1.2600.3670 (xpsp_sp2_gdr.100216-1441)
Processor : 32-bit
Computer Name :
Full Path : C:\WINDOWS\Minidump\Mini071910-01.dmp
Processors Count : 2
Major Version : 15
Minor Version : 2600
==================================================

==================================================
Dump File : Mini071510-02.dmp
Crash Time : 7/15/2010 6:33:14 PM
Bug Check String : PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
Bug Check Code : 0x10000050
Parameter 1 : 0xf0e7c0bc
Parameter 2 : 0x00000000
Parameter 3 : 0xb21e0d3d
Parameter 4 : 0x00000002
Caused By Driver : uxlyqpow.sys
Caused By Address : uxlyqpow.sys+bd3d
File Description :
Product Name :
Company :
File Version :
Processor : 32-bit
Computer Name :
Full Path : C:\WINDOWS\Minidump\Mini071510-02.dmp
Processors Count : 2
Major Version : 15
Minor Version : 2600
==================================================

==================================================
Dump File : Mini071510-01.dmp
Crash Time : 7/15/2010 6:30:54 AM
Bug Check String : SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
Bug Check Code : 0x1000007e
Parameter 1 : 0xc0000005
Parameter 2 : 0x804daab5
Parameter 3 : 0xb1fccc88
Parameter 4 : 0xb1fcc984
Caused By Driver : ntoskrnl.exe
Caused By Address : ntoskrnl.exe+3ab5
File Description : NT Kernel & System
Product Name : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
Company : Microsoft Corporation
File Version : 5.1.2600.3670 (xpsp_sp2_gdr.100216-1441)
Processor : 32-bit
Computer Name :
Full Path : C:\WINDOWS\Minidump\Mini071510-01.dmp
Processors Count : 2
Major Version : 15
Minor Version : 2600
==================================================

==================================================
Dump File : Mini061110-01.dmp
Crash Time : 6/11/2010 7:18:20 AM
Bug Check String : PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR
Bug Check Code : 0x000000ca
Parameter 1 : 0x00000001
Parameter 2 : 0x89a3e868
Parameter 3 : 0x892c39f8
Parameter 4 : 0x00000000
Caused By Driver : ntoskrnl.exe
Caused By Address : ntoskrnl.exe+603ca
File Description : NT Kernel & System
Product Name : Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
Company : Microsoft Corporation
File Version : 5.1.2600.3670 (xpsp_sp2_gdr.100216-1441)
Processor : 32-bit
Computer Name :
Full Path : C:\WINDOWS\Minidump\Mini061110-01.dmp
Processors Count : 2
Major Version : 15
Minor Version : 2600
==================================================

==================================================
Dump File : Mini103106-01.dmp
Crash Time : 10/31/2006 9:14:36 AM
Bug Check String : KERNEL_MODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
Bug Check Code : 0x1000008e
Parameter 1 : 0xc0000005
Parameter 2 : 0xed4518db
Parameter 3 : 0xf1fcb210
Parameter 4 : 0x00000000
Caused By Driver : ps_1394.sys
Caused By Address : ps_1394.sys+8db
File Description : BridgeCo 1394 Audio Device Driver
Product Name : BridgeCo 1394 Audio Drivers
Company : BridgeCo AG
File Version : 1.20.0.0
Processor : 32-bit
Computer Name :
Full Path : C:\WINDOWS\Minidump\Mini103106-01.dmp
Processors Count : 2
Major Version : 15
Minor Version : 2600
==================================================

Well...from the variety of BSODs and the fact that Google has no referent for uxlyqpow.sys, my guess would be that the system is possibly infected.

That's not an educated guess...just a guess.

Your BSODs also indicate a possible problem with either your file system or your hard drive.

The fact that you don't reflect any BSOD data later than Aug 2010...muddles things, IMO. System shutdowns without BSODs are often representative of system overheating or hardware problems.

Louis

Yes I dont see a BSOD, its like someone has unplugged the PC. It goes dead just like that. I am suspecting it might be the new hardware I installed but there is no way to know. Is there anything in the Event viewer I can look at?

Well...typically, Event Viewer should be reviewed when any system problem occurs.

But...when a system shuts off/powers down...I don't know if EV will reflect the true cause. It will reflect errors in Windows which are possibly caused by the problem...but shutdowns, IMO, are too dramatic for EV to reflect.

If my system suddenly cut off...I would be thinking PSU first. I've had a system that overheated but it never shut down and emitted a warning that something was amiss before any damage could be done.

Any NTFS error draws a hard drive diagnostic in my world, since the hard drive is pretty fundamental.

I will move this over to Internal Hardware, for other opinions.

Louis

I think the earlier posts are on the right track. The fact that it does power up everytime tends to make me think the PSU might be okay. I would definitely look at the overheating issue first. First make sure all of your case fans and the CPU fan are operating normally. Clean out the case vents of any dust, hair, etc.

If these items check out, next look closely at the CPU's heatsink/fan unit. Is the unit securely attached to the motherboard? Is the unit in firm contact with the processor? I have recently worked on a couple of PCs that would hard stop due to these issues. If you feel so inclined, you can pull the heatsink/fan unit off of the processor and reseat it but be aware that you will want to PROPERLY remove the existing thermal paste and then apply a thin coating of new thermal paste before reinstalling the heatsink/fan. If you would like further guidance on this task (or part numbers from Newegg) please ask.

Of course, once your PC is back to physically operating normally, you will now want to look to see if any filesystem and/or registry corruption has occurred due to the non-graceful shutdowns.

Let me know how it goes.

Thanks,
Todd