computer just shuts down

Hang on guys..like I said it shuts itself off evey so often then I had someone come in so couldn't get right back to you.



1. Those are the exact readings in Aida that I gave you.
2. Yes it has lightning and power surge protection and is plugged in all by itself.
3. Pete....those are what it showed me and as you can tell it does run (off and on that is).



now I will go and try to check the BIOS like you said. I will be back as soon as it lets me.

Karen

 

I just tried 3 times to get to the bios like Pete said but it just loads windows. I start tapping DEL as soon as it comes on but still goes to windows.

karen



How many fans should there be? I can see 2. A lg. one on the back of the tower and one on the side in front of something that looks like a box made up with a bunch of slats (don't know how else to describe it sorry). Is there supossed to be another one inside the grey metal box that the power cord plugs in to?

 

Ok...got into the BIOS....but all that was across the top was>Main>Advanced>Power>Boot>Exit.


There was not a Moniter option on that screen.

 

I looked under power and the only thing there was something about turning the system on by button or ac. No option to go further to see anything else.

I also found where it said >cpu fan speed back and forth between 4428 and 4369

system fan speed>back and forth between no function and 1412 rpm

cpu temp 1 44 degrees c


I couldn't find anything about voltage

 

Hi All: Could that fluctuating system fan be a result of voltage loss? I just don't see a fan speed controller on this board.

Seems we are down to focus on Power Supply but without reliable voltage reports it makes it extremely difficult.

So do what Pete says to try to narrow the issue.

Have you downloaded Motherboard monitor from:

http://mbm.livewiredev.com/ (stolen from Johanna's post)

It will help rule out the temperature issue if no other help.

I'm with Pete on the PSU, did you take his advice and feel it to see how hot? If extremely hot at the unasked for shutdown it is most likely the culprit.

And if it is failing, it can only get worse. One option might be to remove it, take it to your local PC shop and have them test it. It is only held in place with four screws, remove them and unplug the wires. If you choose this option, make sure you shut down your machine, unplug from the wall and ground yourself to the case before messing with it or the wiring to the machine.

I hope you get this issue resolved quickly, I know how aggrevating these machines can be.

Martin

 

yes the cpu temp in BIOS was 44 degrees c.


I am running XP Home

Here is from event viewer. this was right around the time it just shut down..not a red flag but a warning.

Event Type: Warning
Event Source: Dhcp
Event Category: None
Event ID: 1003
Date: 4/5/2004
Time: 6:28:46 PM
User: N/A
Computer: KARENS
Description:
Your computer was not able to renew its address from the network (from the DHCP Server) for the Network Card with network address 00E0184050A6. The following error occurred:
The semaphore timeout period has expired. . Your computer will continue to try and obtain an address on its own from the network address (DHCP) server.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.
Data:
0000: 79 00 00 00 y...





Here is a red flag from a few minutes earlier...

Event Type: Error
Event Source: Service Control Manager
Event Category: None
Event ID: 7024
Date: 4/5/2004
Time: 6:16:38 PM
User: N/A
Computer: KARENS
Description:
The TrueVector Internet Monitor service terminated with service-specific error 0 (0x0).

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.


There are a few more red flags scattered farther back and ALOT of warnings.

 

My daughters boyfriend just told me that the power supply grill was hot. He said it was really hot.

 

Trying to get rid of your daughter's boyfriend?? If the grille is really hot, the Power supply must be really, really, really hot. Open the computer and have somebody else touch the outside of the power supply case. See how high they jump. If over 6 inches, replace the power supply.

All joking aside, medium warm is the hottest it should get. If it is failing that badly, too hot to touch, it could cause a fire inside your computer. Really bad news.

Martin

 

Post Script: Neither of those errors you reported have an impact on the shutdown you are experiencing.

One is the machine looking for an IP address on a network.

The TruVector is Zone Alarm problem.

These problems rank a distant 2nd to the power supply.

Martin

 

Thanks Martin will head out to replace power supply. Thanks everyone for your help and patience with me.


Karen

 

Look at how much you learned along your adventure! We're not so scary huh?

 

One more bit of advice: don't buy the cheapest power supply you can find. I don't know what all the hardware installed in your computer, but minimum power supply today is 300 watts. Buy a reputable brand, Antec is one that I have heard recomended, but good ones are not cheap.

Might post question to hardware forum for recomendations.

You don't want to duplicate this experience.

Also, I don't have an attorney, so if the new power supply does not fix the problem, please don't sue.

Martin

 

Goodness... I didn't realize that it has taken me over 2 months to let you guys know the outcome!!


Sooooo Sorry....started a new job the same time this all happened and I just forgot


Bought a new power supply like you guys said and she is running like a charm.


Thanks so very much for all the help you all gave me and all the patience you had with me too. I do appreciate it very much; you guys are the best.

You all take care......Karen