Computer is oftenly shuts down by itself (but hdd is still on though...)

I have this problem on my computer where it will just shut off by itself. Like I would be on the internet, etc, and then it will shut off, but the hard drive is still on. I already did a virus check, spy/ad-ware check and about everything else possible, but it still does it. I don't think it's a Windows problem, but more of a hardware problem. I recently updated the bios on my computer too, which I think might be the problem.

Also, when I start up my computer, it will load the "hp" screen then instead of loading onto windows, it will either blink this "_" on the top left of the screen, or it will blink "_" like 3 times and then restart and then does it over repeatly unless you press "esc" to go into boot mode, or sometimes will rarely load onto windows perfectly without any problems.

I'm running off an HP Pavilion 503w, 1.7 Ghz Celeron, 384 MB RAM, 80 GB HDD (main), 40 GB HDD (extra), HP DVD writer, Floppy Disk Drive was removed, Windows XP SP2.

Any help? Thanks

 

Hi, welcolme to the BBS.

If flashing the BIOS was the only change that you have made recently, I would re-flash it. Double check that you are flashing the correct one for your model...take note if even different revisions of your model are available...check how to identify your model.

The BIOS upgrades should have information about what they do. If the most recent version does not have any relevance to your problem, use an earlier version or even re-flash the original version.

Use the floppy disk method if it is available, flashing the BIOS through Windows can be dangerous if it is unstable.

Do you have a particular reason for upgrading the BIOS?

Matt

 

Unless you have gone to the bios and disabled floppy support, the removal of the floppy may very well be causing your problems.

 

I disable the floppy drive in the bios settings when taking it out.

 

By reflash, do you mean like reinstalling it? I checked on the HP site and downloaded the bios for my system model, but I was wondering if there was anyway on downloading the older bios (since it's not on HP's website).

 

When you flashed the bios, did it give you an option to first backup the old bios to a floppy?
Did you?

 

Neither, it said just close down all the programs open and it'll install.

 

OOPS!!!

My above statement would not cause a shutdown... (hi Mattman) It would just cause a 'hang up' on posting. Sorry, I was doing about 5 things at once.

Jay

 

Yes a "flash" overwrites whatever is being stored in the CMOS. It is also possible to flash the wrong BIOS, one of the main dangers. After a bad flash, if you can no longer access the floppy drive, the only way to get the machine to run again is to buy another CMOS chip.
It sounds like you have found the correct BIOS upgrade. If that is the only one available, re-flash that one.
Be cautious, don't make too many changes to the default procedure (I try not to make any). Don't do it when there may be a chance of a power failure or some other reason why the system may be halted.

Matt