why does my computer restart when i put something in the usb drive?
 

its been doing this lately. i don't get why it would make it restart. using xp.

Sounds like a short circuit inside the USB socket.

Is that a specific usb slot or happens with every?

What is it you're plugging in?

What he said:thumbsup

seems to be every one but after it restarts, i can plug it and use it no problem. it seems to be after using the computer for a number of days, if i do it then, it will restart. i am usually plugging an external hard drive or usb flash drive into it.

I'd open the case and look at the wires attached to the USB slots.

must be something with the system and not hardware

I had one doing this and it was a bad ground on the power supply. Changed power supplies and it was fine. Can't promise it would fix yours.

computer gremlins...

This....

Static Electricity?

I had a card reader that everytime I inserted a card would cause a reboot but I would also notice a tiny "pop or snap" sound.

It was static electricity. Later, if I would touch any metal before inserting the card everything was fine. I soon replaced the card reader with a higher quality unit and the problem went away.

I suspect a virus,format c:\\

thanks for all the answers. i've only now had some time to do some more research on it, and it appears other people with asus motherboards have the same problem, most seem to think its some kind of static electricity issue. i still need to check the wires to make sure they are ok but once i do that i think i will pick up on of those anti static mats and see if that does anything.

I agree with this ... i had the same issue with a machine ...

what do you to do fix that?

This would be the easiest fix.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815166026

Do you have a good UPS unit attached to your computer? One that regulates power?

I'm assuming the problem is with ALL USB ports including the ones in the back that are directly connected to the motherboard?

If it's only the front side USB ports then of course you would check the cable and connection.

You'll want to check your power supply with a voltmeter and make sure that it's running clean.

Next check your USB outputs and make sure that they're running 5W1A.

Then you could trace the USB circuitry on the motherboard and look for what's probably a fried resistor.

Google will find you tutorials for all of this if you need help.