Slackware randomly restarting

Locura · 08-27-2003, 04:48 PM

When I leave my computer running and leave the house, I lock the computer with xscreensaver. Lately though, I'll come back to the computer after locking it and going to work, to the store, etc. and when I get back the computer has rebooted. Has this happened to anyone? What log files may tell me what the cause is so that I can fix it if possible? I am running 2.4.21 kernel.

fancypiper · 08-27-2003, 05:01 PM

Log files are usually in /var/log/messages (if you use the common sysklog)

I test memory first for mysterious reboots.

http://www.memtest86.com/

trickykid · 08-27-2003, 05:12 PM

Also make sure your cpu isn't getting too hot either.. which is rare if your not running any intesive apps, etc during the time its rebooting.

Ivan · 08-28-2003, 05:31 AM

Also try to find out if there are some problems with your electrical network.
Or small brothers who try to change your root passwd

Locura · 08-28-2003, 07:47 AM

Well, my 200 GB hard drive just came in the mail, and I did a fresh install of Win2K (even though I never use it) and Slackware. Haven't had it restart since, if it does though I'll at least know it was more likely a problem with CPU temp, the power supply, etc.

Moltag · 08-28-2003, 10:04 AM

CPU temperature's definitely a big culprit with sudden restarts. Though, with as lean as Slackware is, it's sorta hard for me to think that it might be "overworking" your CPU.

If a fresh install has cleaned things up, then that's good news. Perhaps it was file corruption, then. If it starts restarting again, try removing the side panel on your machine and let it run. If it still restarts, it's not an overheat problem.

It could be this, or maybe Blaster Worm has spread to Linux!

Locura · 08-28-2003, 12:53 PM

Haha, kinda doubt that it did,

Seriously, though, you wouldn't think it would be an overworked CPU, I run Slackware with Fluxbox, and I rarely ever use HALF of my 512 Mb of RAM.