Random operating system wipes

[SpectreT6]

Every once and a while. While im playing a game, the computer locks up and I am forced to restart the improper way by hitting the restart button on my case. When the computer start back up. It messes up and the operating system doesent load. Infact the whole hard drive has been wiped. Why is my computer wiping its own hard drive when i do the restarts....?

Im running a legit copy of WIndows XP Home

[Cricket]

What kind of computer is this? Home built or name brand?

Do you have any kind of antivirus software installed?

What about other security software?

What specific game does this happen in? Or is it in any game?

Cricket

[Negeva]

I'd add to check the temperature of the graphics card(s) aswell as temp inside the case. If it's not a dodgy driver, game or malware then it's always temperature related.

And you might want to run a full hdd test: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265

[EzyStvy]

Originally Posted by SpectreT6 Infact the whole hard drive has been wiped. Why is my computer wiping its own hard drive when i do the restarts....?

What steps are you taking to come to this conclusion?

Are you getting some sort of error message when you boot back up?