A long list of reasons could create the failure. So we
don't yet even worry about fixing the problem. First
understand it. So we collect relevant facts - and don't yet
try to fix anything.
What does the Event (system) log report? Was this due to a
problem that your system had seen previously and had
previously worked around? Information from Event log is
necessary to diagnose the problem. See help (if necessary) to
find event log.
Also perform a quick check of the Device Manager to verify
no defects were detected by the system.
A responsible computer manufacturer provides a comprehensive
set of diagnostics for the machine. If not provided, then you
must download and execute those diagnostics from each
component manufacturer. Especially important is the memory
diagnostic such as by Docmem or Memtst86. Run a memory
diagnostic first at normal cooler temperatures. Then repeat
the same diagnostics with memory chips heated by hairdryer on
high. That heated memory is quite normal temperature to
semiconductors (see data sheets if you doubt it). But
defective memory becomes more obviously defective when hot.
So heat it to temperatures that to you is uncomfortable to
touch. Good memory works just fine at those temperatures.
Intermittent memory becomes more failure prone and is easier
to detect with a memory diagnostic.
Why do you think others hype fans. They had problems.
Instead of fixing the problems, they cured the symptoms - more
fans. One chassis fan is more than sufficient cooling for
most computers. Two fans is only redundancy. Heat is also a
tool to assist diagnostics in finding intermittent defects.
Get diagnostics for those other system components. Notice
we first verify hardware integrity before even looking at or
suspecting Windows or software.
Meanwhile, buying a second power supply is usually wasted
money advocated by those who don't first collect facts. The
integrity of the power supply and other components of a power
supply 'system' are better checked in two minutes using a 3.5
digit multimeter. Yes, you replaced a power supply but other
components of the original power supply system remain. Not
that this would be a reasons for your problem. Some
procedures to see if both supplies are (were) good
accomplished in but 2 minutes:
"Computer doesnt start at all" in alt.comp.hardware on 10
Jan 2004 at
http://tinyurl.com/2t69q and
"I think my power supply is dead" in alt.comp.hardware on 5
Feb 2004 at
http://www.tinyurl.com/2musa
However in two minutes by only recording voltages (on red,
orange and yellow wires), you may discover power supply system
is and always was OK.
One last thing. Even if the collected data means nothing to
you, that data does provide those who 'answer without
speculation' necessary tools to therefore bother to reply.
Your replies will only be as good as the information you
provide. That includes run on sentences that sometimes don't
make sense.
