Trouble starting PC

[chris26]

When i try to turn the pc on it will get to where you log onto windows xp, then just restart for no apparent reason. It will then go through this about 3-4 times on average before I can go any further. Once up and running it will rarely turn itself off. I've checked for virus's, any other ideas?

[kita1]

I had a similar thing recently where it would keep restarting, it got to different points each time before turning itself off. I too checked for virus's etc. but was stumped. I eventually put it in a local shop that I have used before and I know are very good (and cheap). He checked it out and said that it was the memory slipping. I would need a new memory, the only one available was twice the one I had in (my computer is only a couple of years old!) and would make my computer faster. I tentatively asked the price (thinking at least 100 pounds) It cost 40 quid fitted!!!!

I picked up the computer a couple of hours later, he even gave me the old memory stick. Never had any problems since.

The only drawback was that I lost everything on the hard drive and had to start afresh with all my settings etc. Taught me to back everything up in future!!

[Closer]

kita1....why would replacing the memory mean you lost everything on the hard drive ? Swapping memory over takes 5 minutes at most, and shouldn't make any difference to what's on the hard drive.