Computer shutdown [when using cd burner]

This just started, when using the cd burner my computer shuts down. It only happens when using the cd burner.

It shuts down all the way I have to use the switch on the back of the computer to reset. then the computer works fine. I may be able to burn one time but on the second try the computer shuts down again. If I do not use the burner there is no problem.

TIA

 

Hello lesteet,

I've adjusted your thread title for specificity.

Can you add more detail?

Using XP's software or 3rd party's?

On the shutdown, does the computer shut down the way it would if it lost power or any error messages indicating the reason for shutdown? Any beeping sounds?

Anything would help here, not much to go on.

Regards - Charles

 

It acts like the cd burner is pulling too much currant and is tripping a circuit breaker. As if the plug had been pulled.

TIA

 

Hi Lesteet,

Don't use the editing of your post that long after posting to answer, I don't get a notice that you've answered.

This sounds like a hardware problem. First suspect is the burner. If you can, look inside the case and see if anything loose, especially the power lead. Try reseating it.

Before openning the case, shut down the computer - pull the plug, ground yourself, and press the On Button for ten seconds to get rid of any residual power.

I'm moving this thread to the Harware section where the hardware experts can look at it.

Regards - Charles

 

Thanks again Charles I will give it a try. If that does not help I will take it to the shop after Christmas. I have two other computers that are working.

Lesteet

 

I can only suggest areas I would investigate.

The power cable connection as mentioned, but also the data cable connection. Pull them completely out and be certain they are fully seated when replaced.

Here is a power calculator, you will need to read the rating information from the label on the PSU:
http://www.journeysystems.com/power_supply_calculator.php
Everest in my signature can help identify what hardware you have and if it is a standard computer (non-branded) it should have Voltage readouts under Sensor.

There should be Voltage readouts in the BIOS settings at startup.

Avoid making it shutdown. I would expect that it could possibly cause damage to other components.

Matt

 

Hi Matt,

Glad you're looking into this

I'm not clear on what you mean by

in this context.

Regards - Charles

 

For what its worth, I'd just buy another DVD/RW and forget about it.

 

Hello Charles,
It appears to shutdown when the drive is "used" (for burning?). I would avoid using it until the possible solutions were investigated.

Hello Rockster,
That was my first thought as well, but checking the connectors I thought was quick, simple and inexpensive. If the PSU is overloaded, the problem would probably only get worse by adding a more powerful (?) drive.

Just had another thought, what will cause a shutdown? An overheated CPU will. Check for updated chipset drivers. Uninstall and reinstall the burning program. Check in Ctrl + Alt + Del (Task Manager) for programs related to burning that are causing high CPU usage. Check that all the fans inside the case and PSU are working, you may be not be stressing the system until you start the burning process.

Edit: Ummm...check for dust buildup under the CPU fan. You can loosen the dust with a straightened paper clip, then take the case outside and blow the dust out (you can get cans of compressed air from office suppliers). Dust should be cleaned out regularly.

Matt

 

Thanks guys, I will open the case and give it a cleaning with the compress air. I was in tv repair in the 60's. Now my eyesight is not so good and I am a bit clumsy. If the problem continues I will just take it to the shop.

 

A lot of times I will make this recommendation when I think one is in over their head, but in your case, I would discourage this. You can pick up a good DVDRW for around $40 and any shop is going to charge more than that just to look at your machine.

As has been suggested, clean up your machine with compressed air (don't let the fans spin freely as you may damage bearings) and you can check all of your connectors. If that doesn't do it, I'd give serious consideration to ordering something like a LiteOn from NewEgg and replacing the drive yourself. If that doesn't work, then go to the shop.




edit: After thinking about this for awhile, it would be negligent not to ask a few questions. What are you using for CD/DVD Burning software? Do you also have any camera software on your machine that includes a recording engine for making either CDs or DVDs? Did this drive come installed with your system or was it added later? How do you make a CD or DVD (assuming you could)?

 

Just using winxp to burn, the drive came with the machine, nothing else added.

Thanks again

 

Given that, You could go to Start, then Run (with your XP CD in the drive tray) SFC /Scannow. You could also install something like Everest to determine the drive manufacturer and model number and then search for new firmware. Note: a failed firmware update can also kill your drive forever. I'll go back to advising that you consider buying a new drive if neither of the above work.



edit: clarified sfc /scannow instruction