Static Electricity Shuts Down Computer?

[Guest]

I believe I have a problem with static electricity. Several times my computer has shut down when I replace my cordless phone in it's cradle after use. (My phone sits on the same desk as the monitor, and the CPU is underneath.) I momentarily hear a voice from the CPU when this happens, but I'm not sure what it says. I must unplug the computer and plug it back before I can restart it. At times I have also received small static shocks when I touch metal. Is there a way to resolve this problem?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Make sure the computer, monitor etc have proper grounds and that they
are not defeated.
Have the outlet checked to ensure the ground functions properly.
Move the phone.

What is the humidity?
Very dry will increase chances for static.

Carpet can be bad especially if you like to shuffle your feet.

Static electricity can kill the computer.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
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I believe I have a problem with static electricity. Several times

my computer has shut down when I replace my cordless phone in it's
cradle after use. (My phone sits on the same desk as the monitor, and
the CPU is underneath.) I momentarily hear a voice from the CPU when
this happens, but I'm not sure what it says. I must unplug the
computer and plug it back before I can restart it. At times I have
also received small static shocks when I touch metal. Is there a way
to resolve this problem?

 

[sgopus]

is your phone plugged into the same strip as the pc, if so
it may be producing a surge as the battery starts charging
try placing the phone on a different plug, get a surge
suppressor strip, also antistatic mats for desktops are
cheap investment, just make sure it's plugged into a
properly grounded outlet/strip..

 

[w_tom]

How to test that a computer was even properly constructed.
Put it on a glass table (because many other materials are
actually electrical conductors and would subvert the test).
Now walk about with leather slippers to generate strong static
electricity. Then touch the running computer; each time
shocking a different corner of computer case, keyboard, or
monitor. This strong static electric discharge will only
upset improperly constructed computers - especially a problem
with homebuilt clones.

Many computer builders have never learned basic concepts.
One reason why a motherboard connects to chassis plate via
only one conductive standoff is this test and other equivalent
environmental events.

Earthing has no effect on static electricity - contrary to
popular myth. Static electricity is a current that leaves
your shoe, travels down your arm, uses table or whatever to
get into carpet where the electric circuit terminates on other
side of that shoe. Note a complete electric circuit where
earth ground is not part of that circuit. Simply put: somehow
a static electric discharge is forming a complete circuit that
apparently includes phone and computer. Circuit that may not
include critical internal computer parts if single point
grounding was used. You must find a complete circuit that
enters and leaves computer electronics.

As for that surge protector recommendation - anything
effective would already be on that modem. If that grossly
expensive surge protector did anything, then components that
cost less than $1 would do the job even better. Components
necessary because modem or whatever was missing essential
functions.

Where is protection effective? Start by first discovering
the circuit path for static electricity. That path must not
pass through computer. Example. Disconnect either phone or
modem from phone line - then reproduce the static electric
discharge. What happens? Did we just eliminate the incoming
path? That is how reasons for failure are first located; then
corrected.

BTW, I use static electricity as a tool to located
improperly constructed computers and even improperly safety
grounded electrical outlets. Static electricity can be a
powerful diagnostic tool.