harddrive woes

[Joe]

I seem to have a serious problem.....I have undertaken
this problem on behalf of my niece.Her computer seems to
have a major prob...it keeps shutting down without any
warning at all,I do not even have time to install norton
antivirus,it just keeps shutting down without any sort of
warning(and I am sure it is not the blaster virus or any
of its variants)I would like to know if anyone has had
this problem or something similar and if they did what
could I do about it. Any response would be much
appreciated...........I am baffled.

 

[Cari MS-MVP]

Check the PSU (power supply unit). An underpowered unit or one that is
failing can cause shutdowns.... in this case the PC will often start again
after a while... It can also be caused by overheating.... again this can be
a failing PSU.... or simply some of the internal fans not extracting the hot
air. In this case the PC usually won't start immediately but needs 15
minutes or so to cool down, and then will start again 'normally'.

A failing hard drive usually emits clicking sounds ... or even worse,
grinding noises.

Whichever it is, backup as much as you can from the hard drive as soon as
possible.

Cari
www.coribright.com

 

[TheCrewser]

Right-Click My Computer->Properties->Advanced->Startup and Recovery

uncheck "Automatically Restart"

At least now you will probably get a BSOD with a message that can lead
to troubleshoot the problem.

You can also check the Application Error logs for more pointers to the
problem.

Good Luck...

GLCrews,MCP

 

[Ron Sommer]

Boot to a floppy or CD.
The antiviral CDs are bootable and can scan for viruses.
If the shutdown occurs, then you have eliminated the XP and the hard drive.
Check cables, power supply, memory.