Computer Problems

[PrinceOfKenshin]

Well the weirdest thing happen I was on my computer and then it just turned off. Everything was plugged in. So i think my hard drive is dying :cry: . So i might not be on for awhile. Im not sure how long i will be gone hopefully something came lose. I might be on the forums via psp.

[Angel_Light]

Get Speed Fan and do a HD test. I have a site name that you can perform a in depth Test with the S.M.A.R.T. Data on your HD. Forum PM me if your want it. :]

[Polo]

If the computer 'actually turned off', then your either tripping hitting the cut out temperature of your motherboard (to prevent the processor overheating and frying if your cooling fails, assuming your motherboard supports it), or the power supply is on it's way out. It's unlikely that something is loose as the Molex and other power connectors in a computer tend to be particularly awkward to dislodge. ^^

[Googi]

If the computer won't turn on (i.e. no lights) then the problem is almost definitely with the post supply and certainly not with the hard drive.

[PrinceOfKenshin]

No it turns on sometimes for like 5 mins but then turns of. But i think i can hear it trying to turn on

[DustyPorViva]

How many beeps when you turn it on?

[PrinceOfKenshin]

Sometimes 2 and sometimes the beep would forever once.

[Googi]

No it turns on sometimes for like 5 mins but then turns of. But i think i can hear it trying to turn on

If you can boot windows the HDD is probably fine. Still sounds like a power supply problem.

[Cherrykao]

If you can boot windows the HDD is probably fine. Still sounds like a power supply problem.

I doubt it's the power supply, although it could be likely possible. In one of my classes I take a school, it deals with learning and troubleshooting computers. Here a few things you can look at:

1) Hard drive failure. If you hear clicks from the hard drive then it's definately a hard drive failure. Even if you don't hear clicks, it's also possible hard drive failure is the cause too. I had a brand new hard drive fail on me within 25 days after purchase. I went back to the store and swapped and it fixed the problem. Ways to test hard drive failure:

- use the diagnostic utitlity that came with the hard drive
- swap in a different hard drive that already has an OS loaded on it

2) System files, registry and BIOS. The OS may or may not load when important files or settings have been changed. You can fix missing system files and such by running the recovery console. Messing around with BIOS can cause your computer to be inoperable if you don't know what you are doing!

3) Dust and trash build up. Check the fans to see if they spin freely. A clogged up fan, especially the CPU fan can collect hair and dust. If the CPU fan can't spin, the computer will automatically shut itself off. The same is true if there's too much heat build up inside the system and not enough cooling. On many of the newer PC's, there might be a temperature display on the case or by launching a software that reads temperatures from the CPU. If temperatures exceed 65º C on some models of CPU's, then they may fail. Some can be around 75º C too. Check the specs of your CPU to find out the maximum temp. Mines usually run around 31.5º C under normal operation.

4) Check connectors. Especially check to see that the RAM(s) are fully snugged into their proper sockets. It's possible they can become loose. A computer needs at least 1 stick of RAM (of any size such as 32MB, 128 MB, 1G) in order to run. Also RAMs can also fail and the only way to test if RAMs are the culprit is to unfortunately replace it with a spare one lying around the house or just buy a new RAM.

5) Software and drivers. Some installed programs on your computer can cause instability/compatiblity issues with your OS, forcing either a blue screen, instant restart or just a shut down.

6) Finally it could potentially be the power supply. You can try swapping power supplies and see if that is the problem. If it is the power supply, you will want to buy a replacement. Do NOT open the power supply box, even if the power supply isn't plug into the wall socket. There are capacitors inside the power supply box that contains enough juice to instantly kill you.

Also about the beeps. 2 short beeps indicate POST errors (on some computers). You should read the screen during boot up for error codes. The long single beep indicates loose connectors, no power (on some computers). If you hear a single short beep, then everything is fine.

[Crono]

- swap in a different hard drive that already has an OS loaded on it

How would this work? You can't just swap hard drives and expect them to boot up on different systems.


3)stuff about dust and temps

Yeah, check your CPU temps. If it gets too high your motherboard will shut your computer off to protect your CPU from damage.

6) Finally it could potentially be the power supply. You can try swapping power supplies and see if that is the problem.

I agree here.

[HoudiniMan]

If your computer had no hard drive at all it would still turn on fine. It wouldn't be able to load windows, but it would turn on and stay on until you turned it off. Hard drives can't cause the computer to shutdown at random, unless there is a short on the power connector (which a) I've never heard of happening and b) still wouldn't really be the hard drive).

Your problem sounds heat related.

The first thing you want to check is go into "Setup" aka the BIOS. Look and see if there is any kind of hardware monitoring or temperature readings for your processor. If you have a windows-based program from your motherboard manufacturer, try that - the others like SpeedFan are okay, but frequently report incorrect readings. I've had SpeedFan tell me my CPU was running -125 C.

Common motherboard safety limits for processor temperature are between 65-90C. Discarding the weirdo chips, you usually will see safety shutdowns at 70-80C. Your cpu temperature shouldn't be higher than 60C - if it is you need to improve your cooling.

Don't keep your computer in a cabinet or desk with no vents.

Worst case scenario, touch your heatsink with your finger. It should be warm because it's dissipating a good ammount of heat, but it shouldn't be super hot though. Check your fans, I had my CPU fan go out literally today, which caused a safety shutdown.

It is also possibly your power supply, but those are generally a-okay or completely dead - in fact (while not technically impossible) I've never seen one that worked "for a while". There are two ways to test a power supply unit (PSU): 1) Buy a PSU tester, it has lights for the proper voltages and you plug it into your PSU. 2) Replace it and see if it solved the problem. PSUs tend to run ~60 bucks and most stores have a decent return policy if you determine it's not the problem.

Lastly, I'm assuming it turns off - dead, no lights - and that it isn't crashing - not giving some kind of error or bluescreen. Correct me if I'm wrong.

FYI - I know what I've talking about. I'm Microsoft certified, worked repairing computers for the general public in retail for 2 years and saw a LOT of really out-there problems. Now I'm making my living as a career IT guy.

[Crow]

stuff

You the man!

Naw, seriously. Thats some really useful stuff you got there :D

[sage_scooby]

Also before going to drastic measures. Just take a look inside your computer. On my old computer the motherboard had a capacitor blow. Some of the results sound similar.

[HoudiniMan]

You the man!

Naw, seriously. Thats some really useful stuff you got there :D

Thanks :D

[Switch]

GIANT EXAUSTE FANS!!!

People use a bunch if they build an extremely fast processor and stuffs I DUNNO THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMPUTER STUFFS I'M NOT GEEK

[Horrified]

GIANT EXAUSTE FANS!!!

People use a bunch if they build an extremely fast processor and stuffs I DUNNO THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMPUTER STUFFS I'M NOT GEEK

Why would you try and give advice if you know nothing...?

edit: and houndini's post is golden.

[PrinceOfKenshin]

I removed all of the cables from the motherboard one at a time. I removed the graphics card and tried to the onboard graphic. I removed the memory. I reset the BIOS. I measured the voltages from the power supply and they read correct. I tried using another power supply. I reseated the CPU. Tried a new memory stick. In every case, nothing would show up on the monitor. This is a different monitor, keyboard, and mouse from before. The keyboard lights flash when I turn the power on. Listening to the CPU fan and hard drives, it sounds like the motherboard is reseting. I do not have an extra motherboard or CPU to test.

[Angel_Light]

I removed all of the cables from the motherboard one at a time. I removed the graphics card and tried to the onboard graphic. I removed the memory. I reset the BIOS. I measured the voltages from the power supply and they read correct. I tried using another power supply. I reseated the CPU. Tried a new memory stick. In every case, nothing would show up on the monitor. This is a different monitor, keyboard, and mouse from before. The keyboard lights flash when I turn the power on. Listening to the CPU fan and hard drives, it sounds like the motherboard is reseting. I do not have an extra motherboard or CPU to test.

Have you pushed the power button on the monitor XD

[Crono]

Sounds like a hard drive issue then.

[PrinceOfKenshin]

Have you pushed the power button on the monitor XD
Yes i am not retarded

[Googi]

Sounds like a hard drive issue then.

No it doesn't. No matter what happens to your hard drive, the BIOS should still start up.

[PrinceOfKenshin]

Like i said before it sounds like something is interfering with the motherboard when it tries to turn on and causes it to restart. That's just what i am thinking based off the sound.

[Angel_Light]

tried removing the HD and starting the comp to maybe get the BIOS up? Also may be some sort of super virus so... maybe to partition recovery if you can... :/

[Crono]

No it doesn't. No matter what happens to your hard drive, the BIOS should still start up.

Woops, didn't read his latest post. I thought the issue was windows restarting after 5 minutes.

[PrinceOfKenshin]

tried removing the HD and starting the comp to maybe get the BIOS up?/
Tried it and still didn't work

Also may be some sort of super virus so... maybe to partition recovery if you can... :/
A super virus that destroys the BIOS?

[Cherrykao]

if you still can't fix your PC and gonna trash it, send it to Mythbusters. they'll find a creative way to blow up your PC and you'll be glad to know that your PC wont go to waste.

[Googi]

Most likely you need to replace either the motherboard or BIOS chip, although maybe there's an outside chance that the problem is the CMOS battery.

[PrinceOfKenshin]

I thought of that but usually when the CMOS battery goes out you get a different problem.

I don't have another BIOS chip so i am debating on what to do.

[Googi]

I thought of that but usually when the CMOS battery goes out you get a different problem.

That's why it's just an outside chance.

[PrinceOfKenshin]

That's why it's just an outside chance.

:D yea thanks for the suggestion though. I am more than open to receive any spare parts you might be so willing to give lol :p

[HoudiniMan]

I thought of that but usually when the CMOS battery goes out you get a different problem.

I don't have another BIOS chip so i am debating on what to do.

Check your local bigbox's weekly ad (or maybe a reputable place like the newegg newsletter) for a decent motherboard/cpu combo.

Pros of bigbox: Easy to return if that isn't the problem.
Cons of bigbox: Price, service, knowledge of overzealous salespeople, knowledge of overzealous geeksquad agents.

Pros of newegg/online: Cheaper, better end-user service
Cons: Shipping both ways in a pain, particularly if your purchase isn't for keeps.

I would advise that you double check your diagnostic work. Try another video card if you have one somewhere, or ask a friend. Make sure it couldn't be anything besides the cpu/mobo, and then look into getting an upgraded cpu/mobo.

Also, eBay is a great place to look if you dont want to buy new RAM, but with deals on DDR2 lately it might be a good time to go Core 2 Duo on the cheap.

http://www.spoofee.com/forums/showthread.php?p=367758