Computer shuts down all by itself

My computer shuts down without warning. I can start the computer sometimes and use it without problem, other times I will start it and it will shut down even before windows loads. There doesn't seem to be any pattern as to when it shuts down, just shuts down whenever. I'm not sure what other info you will need to help me with this problem, I'm not sure it's a hardware problem, but thought I would start here anyway. Computer specs are:
Celeron 566
Asus CUBX motherboard
256 MB ram
Quantum Fireball LM30 hard drive
Asus TNT 32 Meg video card
Creative Live Value sound card
Creative CDRW
Acer ALN-320 network card
Windows 98SE
Norton Anti virus running auto protect
Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.

 

What have you checked so far? Problem sounds like a loose connection somewhere. Check all your power cords, from the wall socket to the computer. Also pop the cover and make sure all connections from the power supply to the motherboard are secure. Check to make sure cables to HHD and Floppy and CD's are tight, both power and data cable. If you are comfortable with removing and reseating PCI/AGP/Modem cards, ram etc. remove each card, ram stick and re-seat. I would also check the cables to the monitor, and any printers etc. you have.

Also possible the power supply might be on it's way out.

Post back success or not.

 

Thanks for your reply JohnB. I have checked all the power connections and removed and replaced all cards, memory, etc. One thing I did noticed was that the power supply felt rather hot even tho the computer was not on for more than a couple of minutes. The computer has been running at this present time for about 1 hour and the power supply doesn't feel hot at all. I think I may try a new power supply and see what happens. Thanks for your help JohnB and I will let you know how I made out.

 

I think you may have isolated your problem. The PSU should only be slightly warm. My compter has been on for about 6 hours and the PSU is just comfortably warm. I'm not sure what safety devices are inside a PSU but there may be a heat sensitive circuit breaker that kicks out when it overheats. If there is an intermittant short or something in there that could cause your sudden shut off problem. Maybe your checking all the connections might have fixed it, but you are probably wise to try a new PSU.

Let us know how you make out.

 

Problem solved!

Hey JohnB. My computer wouldn't start at all yesterday. Installed new power supply and everything seems back to normal. A big thanks to you JohnB and everybody else that helps out on this site. It's people like you that make this such a top notch place!

 

You're welcome and thanks for posting back. Hopefully that has solved your problem.