PC keeps shutting down

[mbasimon]

My PC keeps shutting down somewhat consistently whenever something sudden happens. For example, if I connect a USB pen drive, it will just shutdown, as if it couldn't supply enough power. Or if I get an MSN message at the wrong time (like when I'm gaming). I just changed the power supply from 300W to 400W, and the problem still happens. And the only way I can start it up again is to turn off the power supply in the back, or unplug the machine. Simply powering off or pressing restart causes the machine to freeze during the boot up process (it always freezes on the windows logo screen, during the 4th time the progress bar sweeps across).

Has ANYONE encountered anything similar to this before? Thanks...

 

[linney]

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

How much RAM have you?

Check your RAM for faults.

http://www.memtest86.com/

http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

314503 - Computer Stops Responding with a Black Screen When You Start Windows

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314503&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

HOW TO: Create a Boot Disk for an NTFS or FAT Partition in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q305/5/95.asp

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[SGTRawlins]

Linney is along the right lines, you may wish to try a repair on the OS, this facility can be found on the WinXP CD.

 

[bcastner]

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;832577&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

 

[mbasimon]

linney and SGTRawlins: thank you, I'll try the chkdsk and scannow. I have 512MB RAM, and I'll check that too. I seem to have misplaced my XP cd, I've been looking all over the place for it, so I'm trying to avoid the OS repair for now.

bcastner: thank you, that sounds like it may be something there.

 

[linney]

326246 - How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326246&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

 

[SGTRawlins]

I Believe that the rapair feature is somehting you can download from the microsoft website and then burn onto a CD. have you checked your PC for any Adware or Spy Ware, these may be eating your system rescources.

 

[bcastner]

You can load recovery console from diskette images:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=310994

 

[IFRs]

Sounds to me like your RAM is suspect

 

[sabbathunter]

did you check to make sure you didnt have the sasser virus? i know it seems like an stupid reply on my part, but that virus causes unexplained shutdowns.


if your computer is networked, even though your computer is virus free, another on the system may have the sasser virus. i saw a similar situation at a client recently.


just a thought

peace
david