Lets start with the myths. That surge protector does
nothing - remains inert - until it sees, for example, 330+
volts on the 120 volt line. IOW it might (and might is a
major topic in itself) see that transient once every eight
years. Five types of power problems - blackouts, brownouts,
harmonics, noise, and transients. The surge protector only
claims to protect from a very limited number of events in the
fifth category. In fact, the plug-in protector could,
sometime in the future, even make it easier for a transient to
damage the powered off computer. Word association - surge
protector = surge protection - is called junk science
reasoning. Another topic that is not revelant to your
problem.
This is XP which means fewer things cause problems. Start
with dividing the system into parts - software and hardware.
This is how we fix problems so that they are easy to find;
then fix. Again, notice the process. Find first. Fix much
later.
Important information you must have up front are data from
system (event) log, Device Manager, readings on power supply
using a 3.5 digit multimter, and comprehensive diagnostics
provided free by any responsible computer manufacturer. If
your computer manufacturer is not responsible, then download
diagnostics for individual components from each component
manufacturer or from third party diagnostic sources. Hardware
that can cause XP Operating System problems is quite limited
(unlike the less stable Windows 9x/ME). It includes sound
card, video controller, memory, CPU sub-system, and power
supply. Notice things not on the list include mouse,
keyboard, disk drive, etc.
Start by confirming integrity of the foundation - the
hardware. We look at software (Windows, application programs,
etc) later. The fastest component to verify and the component
that can cause the most strange problems is a power supply.
Again, there is no less expensive solution to verifying a
power supply - and it takes but a few minutes. Get the so
ubiquitous 3.5 digit multimeter. Even $20 meters are
sufficient. Procedure (that will take much longer to read
than it takes to confirm power supply) is previously provided
in "Computer doesnt start at all" in alt.comp.hardware on 10
Jan 2004 at
http://tinyurl.com/2t69q or
"I think my power supply is dead" in alt.comp.hardware on 5
Feb 2004 at
http://tinyurl.com/yvbw9 .
Again, solution is only complex and difficult when someone
does shotgunning - try this, then try that, then try replacing
the other thing. Shotgunners promote scams. Effective
solution is obtained quite easily by first collecting
necessary facts - and only fixing things much later. Notice
the above tools that are absolutely necessary.
A final point, heat is not a reason for failure. Heat is
how we find defective hardware before that hardware fails
completely. Too many had a failure, put a fan on it, it then
worked, and he then *assumed* heat caused a problem. He did
not know why which is makes him part of the problem.
Reality. Heat is a diagnostic tool. Put a hairdryer on high
to selectively heat computer components. Then execute the
comprehensive diagnostic. A defect component that passed
diagnostics at room temperature may expose itself when so hot
as to be uncomfortable to touch. This is normal operating
temperature to any component inside a computer. If that
component does not operate at those human uncomforable
temperatures, then the component is 100% defective. We have
just located one source of intermittent failures.
Heat is only blamed for computer failures when the CE
technician never first learned numbers from datasheets.
Numbers say that component must work fine even under a
hairdryer on high. Numbers says the computer must work just
fine with only one chassis fan even when the computer is
inside a 100 degree F room. Heat is how we find defective
hardware.
Defective memory is best identified by a comprehensive
memory diagnostic when heated. Notice the trend. Don't work
harder. Work smarter. Provided above are just some of the
techniques to find an intermittently failing computer - long
before it becomes a hard and final failure.
Where would I start first? Collect standard information
now. Device Manager, event log, etc. Based upon your
symptoms, move on (and don't even ask why) to a 3.5 digit
multimeter to confirm power supply integrity. Then hairdyer
heat memory to execute a comprehensive memory diagnostic.
You are a long away from fixing anything yet. Trying to fix
something without necessary facts is called shotgunning -
which is why others say fixing intermittents is difficult.
Work smarter. You now have tools to do so.
