Computer shuts off during boot of operating system

[darkmuck]

I am having a hard time tracking down the cause of this issue. My computer has been shutting itself off automatically during the boot process. This doesn't necessarily happen every single time, but when it does happen it is always at the same point of the boot process (or so it seems like it). Sometimes the computer will boot up fine after a few tries and other times I can't get it to boot fully into the operating system. I have tried reinstalling windows... After the install disc copies the setup files and then reboots and is on the stage of "Completing installation" which is when it starts to boot into the operating system to finish the install it will automatically power off here as well.

From what I can gather, it seems that something is happening at the same point during the boot process, it couldn't be a software issue because it happens when trying to install all kinds of OSes. I have tried Ubuntu, Windows Vista, and Windows XP. I got lucky and got vista to install after a few attempts. To me it would seem like some sort of motherboard issue, but I'm not sure. Once the PC is booted into the OS it runs fine. It's just getting it to boot thats the problem.

 

[tf1]

Have you looked at the Event log to see if there are any clues? Usually a failure at that stage is a bad driver. If the event log doesn't point to the problem, next time you get it running, try updating all the motherboard firmware/drivers.


Regards: Terry

 

[goombawaho]

You need to verify your hardware - memory and hard drive first.

Download the ultimate boot CD and boot with it. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic and then the manufacturer's hard drive utility for your brand.

You "don't know nuthin'" until you establish that these two components are good.

 

[G0AOZ]

Do first what Goombawaho suggests. I would also look at the PSU if the whole machine is shutting off abruptly. Try temporarily replacing the PSU with a known good one of equal or greater Wattage.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[BadBigBen]

I second the notion for the PSU, as being the culprit...


Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"

 

[kjv1611]

If you can get to the BIOS screen, take down what the BIOS version is while you're at it. Post that along with the motherboard manufacturer and model #. Or if it's an OEM machine (Dell, HP, Sony, etc), post the manufacturer of the PC and the model # along with the BIOS version.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[goombawaho]

Power supply is not a bad option if you have one laying around. If not, try to check what I suggested. If those items check out, start looking toward the power supply.

 

[njwcad]

I have seen this issue (twice) with failing Seagate hard disks.

Pete.

 

[goombawaho]

It could be anything, though if it's physically powering off (now that re-read the original thread), I would focus on the power supply.

A bad hard drive or memory doesn't normally power down a computer. That's more of an electrical issue - power switch, reset button, power supply.

 

[gbaughma]

If it's just shutting off (as in "Poof", no bsod, no nothing) I would first check fans, and make sure that the processor isn't overheating. Bad thermal paste, an improperly seated heat sink on the CPU, etc.

Second I would look at the PS.

But think about it... it's going poof as soon as there's load on the CPU, which increases heat....



Just my 2¢

"What the captain doesn't realize is that we've secretly replaced his Dilithium Crystals with new Folger's Crystals."

--Greg

http://parallel.tzo.com

 

[goombawaho]

If the CPU fan is spinning, move on to the P.S. Thermal paste doesn't go bad overnight.

 

[darkmuck]

Thanks for the help everyone, One thing though: I really doubt it is an overheating CPU, because once I get lucky and the PC does boot properly I can use it as much as I want until I try to reboot it or turn it on the next day - it may not boot on the first try.

I'm going to try another PSU in the next few days once I get ahold of one. it does seem like some sort of power issue, but i just don't understand why it would run perfectly once it actually gets a change to boot up fully.

 

[tf1]

As I said earlier, if you are able to boot it up, check the Event log. If it is a driver problem, the Event log should record something. OTOH, if it is the PSU failing, then the Event log won't record anything - which in itself may be a pointer to the PSU.


Regards: Terry

 

[kjv1611]

Here's another thing to look at, though I don't think it's your problem with this instance:

1. Turn off the computer
2. Open the case side panel.
3. Visually inspect the motherboard/mainboard - use a flash light or lamp if you need extra light to see it.
4. Look specifically for any busted/bulging capacitors.

If you find any bad capacitors, then that may be your issue. In that case, you CAN replace the capacitors, or better yet just replace the motherboard.

Another reference I just found - don't know much about this one yet:

http://www.badcaps.net/pages.php?vid=5

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[goombawaho]

Power problems can be really freaky. I had a case where my PC would reboot when I put a CD in and closed the door. It would run perfectly otherwise. It WAS the power supply. Blew my mind.