OT. Comp Problems

Fish40 · 08-14-10, 11:00 AM

Guys, I'm haveing a problem with my wife's PC that I can't figure out. It seems recently it shuts down at random times as though to "stand by" mode. The power light just blinks on and off. Problem is nothing but unplugging the damned thing and replugging back in gets it to restart. I'm thinking mabey an overheat issue?

The system is not a performance rig by any means, just something for the wife to web surf. It's got XP home. Never had any probs in the past until a couple of days ago. Any ideas?

Jan Kyster · 08-14-10, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish40

I'm thinking mabey an overheat issue?

Me too! Open the box and clean every fan and heatsink for dust.

There may be problems with "burned-out" thermal compound after several shutdowns due to overheating... but check that as a step two and only if you get it running again after the cleaning.

Sailor Steve · 08-14-10, 11:15 AM

You might get more help faster if you post this in the Subsim special PC forum:
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/forumdisplay.php?f=235

Fish40 · 08-14-10, 11:38 AM

Right Steve. Can any moderator move this to the appropriate forum? Thanks. Gonna check the dust issue ASAP.

Nisgeis · 08-14-10, 12:31 PM

Does this happen after you leave it alone for a while, or does it do it when you are right in the middle of doing something? What Make and Model as well.

Vaux · 08-14-10, 12:37 PM

I agree with cleaning the cooling vents and fans. Make sure your cooling fans are actually running as well. This may also indicate a failing power supply. If you plan on keeping it and the cleaning doesn't work, you might want to consider replacing the power supply.

Fish40 · 08-14-10, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nisgeis

Does this happen after you leave it alone for a while, or does it do it when you are right in the middle of doing something? What Make and Model as well.

Yeah Nisgeis, it's usually while she's playing her games on Facebook, or sometimes while I'm trying to watch a YouTube video. The PC itself is an E Machine. As for replaceing the PSU as someone mentioned, if it's going bad that is, may not be an easy undertaking because of the type of machine I'm dealing with. I'm not too familiar with E Machine, but if they're similar to Dell's in that they use only "company" parts, forget it. It ain't worth it.

Thanks everyone for the input. I appreciate it

08-14-10, 11:00 AM	#1
Fish40 The Old Man Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Yonkers, NY U.S.A. Posts: 1,507 Downloads: 154 Uploads: 0	OT. Comp Problems Guys, I'm haveing a problem with my wife's PC that I can't figure out. It seems recently it shuts down at random times as though to "stand by" mode. The power light just blinks on and off. Problem is nothing but unplugging the damned thing and replugging back in gets it to restart. I'm thinking mabey an overheat issue? The system is not a performance rig by any means, just something for the wife to web surf. It's got XP home. Never had any probs in the past until a couple of days ago. Any ideas?

08-14-10, 11:15 AM	#3
Sailor Steve Eternal Patrol Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: High in the mountains of Utah Posts: 50,369 Downloads: 745 Uploads: 249	You might get more help faster if you post this in the Subsim special PC forum: http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/forumdisplay.php?f=235 __________________ “Never do anything you can't take back.” —Rocky Russo

08-14-10, 12:31 PM	#5
Nisgeis Ocean Warrior Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 2,909 Downloads: 77 Uploads: 11	Does this happen after you leave it alone for a while, or does it do it when you are right in the middle of doing something? What Make and Model as well. __________________ -------------------------------- This space left intentionally blank.

08-14-10, 11:38 AM	#4
Fish40 The Old Man Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Yonkers, NY U.S.A. Posts: 1,507 Downloads: 154 Uploads: 0	Right Steve. Can any moderator move this to the appropriate forum? Thanks. Gonna check the dust issue ASAP.

08-14-10, 12:37 PM	#6
Vaux Torpedoman Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 116 Downloads: 26 Uploads: 0	I agree with cleaning the cooling vents and fans. Make sure your cooling fans are actually running as well. This may also indicate a failing power supply. If you plan on keeping it and the cleaning doesn't work, you might want to consider replacing the power supply.