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Resolved Windows Shuts Down after Starting Up

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by larsonjean, 2011/03/30.

  1. 2011/03/30
    larsonjean

    larsonjean Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Hi,

    I have a friend's computer here trying to help her figure out what is the problem.

    When we push the power button on the tower the computer comes on and Windows Screen and Welcome Screen shows. Then the icons appear and it seems as though they only show up for a very short time, then the system shuts down.

    I would appreciate any help you can provide in determining if this is a hardware or software problem.

    I have tried numerous times to bring it up in Safe Mode but it doesn't make any difference. Even before it comes up in Safe Mode it shuts down by itself.

    I have managed to get into msconfig before it shuts down and turned everything off but still no difference. It will boot up and then shortly after the icons appear it will turn off.

    Thanks for any help.

    Jean
     
    larsonjean,
    #1
  2. 2011/03/30
    wildfire

    wildfire Getting Old

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    Can you confirm it's shutting down and not restarting?

    If It's shutting down I'd suspect heating issues (likely a failed fan) but you can't rule out the PSU.

    If restarting it's more likely to be a software issue.

    Some system specifications may help (make/model etc)
     
    wildfire,
    #2


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  4. 2011/03/30
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Hi Jean. Since the computer shuts down in Safe Mode I would say its most likely a hardware problem. It sounds like the computer could be overheating and is shutting down to protect itself from damage. Have you opened up the computer and cleaned out any dust or dirt that has accumulated over time? When you open the case make sure all connections in the computer are properly seated and see if there is anything obstructing the fans.

    Note: Make sure you unplug all external cables that are connecting to the machine before opening it and you should ground yourself to prevent ESD-Electro Static Discharge from occurring. You can ground yourself by touching the metal part of the computer case which will get rid of any static electricity that your body has built up, and open the computer on a solid surface and not on carpet.

    Once you have checked the inside of the computer you can try just plugging in the power cable, keyboard, mouse, and the monitor cable and seeing if the computer still shuts down when you boot it up.

    Its a possibility that the PSU has failed and is not supplying enough wattage to the computers internal components which causes the computer to shut off. See if going into the computers BIOS and loading the setup defaults and then exiting makes any difference.
     
    Evan Omo,
    #3
  5. 2011/03/30
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    The first thing I would do after verifying all hardware is seated correctly (ram, pci cards, etc) is download and run a bootable antivirus cd.
     
    TonyT,
    #4
  6. 2011/03/30
    larsonjean

    larsonjean Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Hi everyone,

    I'll try a few things and get back to you. It is a Dell Dimension 2350.

    More later.

    Jean
     
    larsonjean,
    #5
  7. 2011/03/30
    Rockster2U

    Rockster2U Geek Member

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    I'd suggest throwing the first dart at the PSU. You may also want to visually inspect capacitors for leakage or signs of bulging.

    ;)
     
    Rockster2U,
    #6
  8. 2011/03/30
    larsonjean

    larsonjean Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I did open the computer and checked things out and everything seemed to be okay. I cleaned out the dust from inside and there is still no difference. The machine shuts down after the icons appear, maybe a minute or so later.

    I will take it to the computer store and ask them to check it out to see if it is indeed the power supply.

    Thank you for your help. I'll get back to you.

    Jean
     
    larsonjean,
    #7
  9. 2011/04/02
    larsonjean

    larsonjean Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Hi all,

    Thank you for all your help. I took it to the computer store and he replaced the power supply and my friend picked it up. I haven't heard from her so I'm assuming all is okay.

    Thanks again for your help.

    Jean
     
    larsonjean,
    #8
  10. 2011/04/02
    wildfire

    wildfire Getting Old

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    Thanks for the update Jean, fingers crossed :)

    Please mark your thread as 'Resolved'.

     
    wildfire,
    #9
  11. 2011/04/02
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Your Welcome. Glad the issue has been resolved. :)
     
    Evan Omo,
    #10

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