Unexpected Hard Drive Crash and Reboot Problems

[CaptainRandy]

Lately, when I am surfing the internet, my hard drive crashes and the computer reboots itself. Once the system reboots, all other programs work fine after the reboot; no apparent ill effects from the reboot. It only occurs during times when I am surfing the internet. Anybody know a good way to fix this problem? I thought perhaps it might be in my system settings or perhaps it has something to do with my recent installation of Norton Antivirus Software (2005), and that for some reason the installation of that program may have messed up the computer's registry settings. I am also running Zone Alarm on the computer simultaneously along with Norton Antivirus. Please respond with your thoughts...Thanks very much.

[Jiggy]

Hi CaptainRandy wecome to PC Guide.

1. Empty internet cache, cookies, temps in your browser and recycle bin then defrag.
2. Download/install/update then run AD-AWARE (http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/) to search and remove spyware.

Post back and let us know how you get on.

[Whyzman]

Hello CaptainRandy,
Welcome tohttp://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif Forums!

Since this is only happening when on line, I would suggest Running Spybot Search & Destroy and AdAware (both links are in my sig) and follow that up with HiJackThis (also in my sig) and post the log here in this thread.

Be sure to follow directions for creating it's own folder (HJT) when downloading so that you'll be able to undo changes if necessary. However, don't do anything until the experts here look the log over and instruct what to fix if anything is found.

(edit) Jiggy, please type a longer answer when responding to a new guest so that I can beat you to the punch welcoming our new guests! :D

[Jiggy]

Ok next time i`ll tell of the time i walked into a lamp post....lol

[Whyzman]

That'll probably do it Jiggy!

Also, CaptainRandy, you may want to run the diagnostics for you harddrive. These can be downloaded from the harddrive manufacturer's web site...

[Jiggy]

Links to Hard Drive sites - Link (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=29081).