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Thread: Strange problem.

  1. #1
    Junior Member
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    Strange problem.

    I have a machine here which switches off after a few minutes of activity.

    The bios shows no over temp or anything and its a pretty standard machine so I wouldn't expect it.

    Tried so far.

    1. New PSU
    2. New Memory
    3. New Hard Disk (ghosted from old one)
    4. Reseated cpu and heat sink

    Anyone got any other suggestions aside from new motherboard and processor ?

  2. #2
    Gonzo District BOFH westin's Avatar
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    Check to make sure that the CPU fan is working. Even if it is not overheating, I have read that some systems will shut down if the fan stops working.

    Does it shut off after a few minutes even if it is just sitting in BIOS?
    \"Those of us that had been up all night were in no mood for coffee and donuts, we wanted strong drink.\"

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  3. #3
    Senior Member t34b4g5's Avatar
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    Is the Power button or Reset button faulty? ie loose wires etc, what OS? if it's winblows what are the "Power Scheme" settings?

  4. #4
    Senior Member nihil's Avatar
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    Hi Mark...........long time no see?

    I guess your first move is to see if this is hardware or software?.....after all:

    New Hard Disk (ghosted from old one)
    So you just might have ghosted the problem?

    My first move would be to get any sort of boot disk and fire her up with that..........if she doesn't shut down, then you have an OS/software issue.

    You don't say, so I will guess Windows XP, or at least Win 2000; so is there anything in the logs?

    Also, will she fire up and stay running in safe mode?

    This is in addition to what has already been suggested

    Cheers,

    Johnno

  5. #5
    Only african to own a PC! Cider's Avatar
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    Have you checked that this isnt actually software?

    How is your event viewer?

    Do you get a BSOD with some info for us?

    Have you tried running AV in safe mode jsut to double check its not software related.

    If you feel it isnt software then definately a fan of some sorts.
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  6. #6
    Senior Member nihil's Avatar
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    Hmmmm,

    If you feel it isnt software then definately a fan of some sorts.
    Mark will have checked that, but the fan on the video card is frequently underneath, given the way they mount, so it isn't immediately obvious if there is a problem. I would suspect the video card or chipset, as he didn't mention replacing that.

    Also, there is no mention of whether this happens if it is booted into safe mode?



    EDIT:

    Following my most recent bad experience, does the monitor work OK with another computer?
    Last edited by nihil; July 3rd, 2009 at 10:00 AM.

  7. #7
    0_o Mastermind keezel's Avatar
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    You might benefit from using a multimeter to check the power outlet it's plugged into. The PSU should account for anything slightly wonky, but if it's way out of whack you should notice something immediately when you check it.

    Also...good to see you. :-)

  8. #8
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    ok guys,

    1. its not the fan
    2. its not software
    3. I am still scratching my head.

  9. #9
    Senior Member nihil's Avatar
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    OK Mark,

    1. What happens in safe mode?
    2. Any messages in the logs?
    3. Try a different video card.
    4. Try a different monitor cable.
    5. Try a different monitor
    6. Remove all USB devices

    Unfortunately it sounds as if the MoBo might have gone to join Gordon Brown and his cronies
    Last edited by nihil; July 4th, 2009 at 04:40 PM.

  10. #10
    All the Certs! 11001001's Avatar
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    Have you tried a different power outlet?

    Edit: Yeah, what Keezel said.
    Above ground, vertical, and exchanging gasses.
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