Need help with computer restarting when playing

[TheHolygoat]

I think i'll try the termopaste first.

Originally Posted by Coconut_Crab

Make a copy of all your important things on your computer, then format your hard drive and reinstall Windows. I think your problem is caused by some changes in the operating system by other software intentionally or unintentionally. If reformatting and reinstalling doesn't help, then it's the problem with the hardware.

I've got a socalled "ghost" of my harddisc - a program, designed to make the contents of the harddisc completely the same as they where when the program was made. Do you think it will do it, or do i have do reformate and reinstall it all manually?

[Natalya]

If you took a 'ghost' of the hard disk some time ago, then it will be returned to how it was then. YOU WILL LOSE ANY DATA / PROGRAMS ADDED SINCE THEN! Make sure you back everything up (it's amazing how much you can miss!!). But yes, if your computer was working OK then, doing a ghost will probably cure the problems if they are caused by an operating system type error. A reinstall of Windows will also cure it but at the same time is the most drastic (especially if you have lots of things installed, etc.).

Look in the Event Log (at the run prompt, type 'eventvwr') and check for any errors. As a couple of people have suggested already, the prime suspects are memory or over-heating problems. However, if it is a hardware type problem, then you would expect it from normal Windows use; does it happen while you are doing other things than playing the game?

Another option would be to update your BIOS/Firmware on your motherboard. Go to your PC/motherboard manufacturer's website for this. There may also be a utility on the motherboard itself for recording errors that have occured but this is usually only on high-end systems.

[fable]

Try the easiest solutions, first.

If it hasn't been mentioned above, you can always try to copy your saved game directory elsewhere, then uninstall and reinstall BG2. Then copy your saved game directory back.

[TheHolygoat]

Originally Posted by Natalya

However, if it is a hardware type problem, then you would expect it from normal Windows use; does it happen while you are doing other things than playing the game?

Yes and no - it happens in all the games i play, but it doesn't ever happen when i'm not playing a game.

How do i find out, which company made my motherboard, so that i can find their homepage and update my BIOS/Firmware?

And lastly, i've had problems with my RAM before, might they be the core of the problem?

[Phantom Lord]

My first guess would be a too high CPU temperature - since games consume a lot of resources and, as a result, heat up the CPU. In case your computer features monitoring of parameters such as voltages and temperatures you could check them while playing. Constant rise would indicate a problem. Unintended shutdown is quite typical for overheat.

Try too cool the system down somehow (for example, remove case, clean the cooler and cooler fan, i. e. blow off dust etc - but don't remove it - and then leave the case open for a test and play the game for some time). If it gets better, add a fan that blows air out of the case for a long term solution. From my experience this can decrease CPU temperature up to 20° C in an off-the-shelf system.