Computer Shuts off Randomly!

[Guest]

Please someone help!

My computer keeps shutting itself off, i don't mean shut down its like the
power cuts out. Some time in won't do it for days and then it will do it 2-3
times in one day.

I tried reinstalling xp but it won't let me, it gets to the F8 I AGREE page
or a bit further then cuts out. I have tried reinstalling 20times and same
thing happens.

I tried different ram but that didnt make a difference.

Some please im going mad with this.

Specs are:
AMD athlon 1700
512RAm
128mb Nivida graphics
Win XP SP2

I know it can't be overheating as i can leave it off for days and then turn
on to install xp and it will turn off even though its only been on a minute.
Also the heatsink fan and power supply fans are working fine plus i have 3
extra fans and the side of the case is off.

 

[John Jemerson]

This could be because of different scenarios. It may be conflicting with
hardware IRQ. It could be that the fan of the CPU is still or not cooling
the CPU enough. But since you say the you have a couple of fan, then this is
discarded.

The possible factor that may be causing this is if you have you computer
power connected to a malfunctioning UPS. Either the UPS or the battery of
the UPS is not performing correct.

If you have the machine connected to UPS, disconnect the computer from the
UPS and connected directly to the house power source. If it continue check
the power source. (100 - 120 volt) and frequency.

HTH

 

[Guest]

This could be because of different scenarios. It may be conflicting with
hardware IRQ. It could be that the fan of the CPU is still or not cooling
the CPU enough. But since you say the you have a couple of fan, then this is
discarded.

The possible factor that may be causing this is if you have you computer
power connected to a malfunctioning UPS. Either the UPS or the battery of
the UPS is not performing correct.

If you have the machine connected to UPS, disconnect the computer from the
UPS and connected directly to the house power source. If it continue check
the power source. (100 - 120 volt) and frequency.

HTH

Thank you i will try that.
I was also thinking do you think the Bios would have anything to do wth it?
Should i try updatng it?

 

[Glen]

Dont try updating the BIOS unless there is a bios that specifically
addresses the problem with the computer shutting down. If your computer
shuts down while updating the bios you could trash it with no hope of fixing
it. Have you looked at the obvious things like a loose wire in the electric
plug. The power lead not in the back of the computer properly. It might be a
bad connection where the power supply plugs into the motherboard, or a
broken soldered joint on the motherboard. If the computer literally shuts
down like someone pulling the plug then check these things first.

Is it the computer shutting down or is it like someone pulling out the plug
as they are two different problems.

 

[Iwan]

you might want to check/change the power supply unit inside your computer
casing, the unit where you plug power cord into your computer.

many fans installed pull alot of power from the unit. if the unit is not
having enough power (watts) to support, that's what happen, insufficient for
mainboard.

many people neglect this power supply unit. i suggest you purchase a good,
highly reliable (expensive, of course) power supply unit.

 

[Glen Scanlon]

Same thing had me going around in circles. Finally tracked it down to video
card failure. BTW, I also have a 128mb Nvidea card, FX5200. I'm pretty sure
a capacitor has gone bad and makes it freaky, especially on startup. I have
a new one coming soon. Other than that it is likely your PSU. Mine is 400W
and seems to be holding up.
HTH, Glen