PC Shuts itself off

[LadySlinger]

Hi Everyone,

I have a IBM Netvista that I continually talk with IBM about. Since last summer each time I turn on the computer for about maybe 5 minutes, the computer shuts itself off. If I can keep it on. It's still under parts warranty.

Unfortunately I've gone through about 4 power supplies and 3 motherboards, including a new processor. IBM finally said to have an electrician test the current on my outlet, thinking that its more electrical flow versus equipment.

Electrian checked and the electrical outlet is OK. The computer is plugged into a surge protector as well.

Has anyone ever run into this? I would like to get it resolved as that computer has been sitting around not doing anything.

Thanks!
Jenney

 

[micker377]

Is the surge protector plugged directly into the wall, or into another device?

 

[LadySlinger]

Directly into the wall.

I have also placed the PC on its own surge protector too, placing the monitor and printer onto a separate surge protector that is directly to the wall.

That didn't work either.

 

[zinja]

May sound awfully simple, but have you checked it for viruses? The blaster virus can cause PC's to do things similiar to what you are mentioning. I had a customer that reinstalled his OS 3 times before finally realizing that he was getting exposed to the virus everytime. I cleaned it up and installed the patch from Microsoft and he has had no further problems.

LJ Wilson

My personal saying - Just remember, it can always get worse, and usually will.

 

[bcastner]

How does it work without the surge suppressor?

It may be that the MOVs inside the surge suppressor open to ground.

 

[paparazi]

Suspect power lead, or loose connection in the power lead or plug.
Reset or power button fault?
Martin

Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.

 

[ftechguy]

I had a similar problem where it turned out the power switch cable was causing the problem. You never mentioned getting a new case so it is worth a shot. Open up the case, turn on the PC and then immediately pull the case's power switch cable from the motherboard. See if the problem stops.
The cable may be labeled, but you may need your motherboard manual for this. Hopefully, it will include the this info.

 

[LadySlinger]

zinja - I thought that too, but this began back in early July of 2003. Blaster hit our office in August. Plus sometimes when I turn it on it doesn't even get to the Windows startup screen.

bcastner - the computer still does the same thing without the surge suppressor/protector. It gets to a point in the startup (which is random) then shuts off.

paparazi - I'm beginning to wonder if that might it.

ftechguy - yes, your solution is a possibility too. I'll have to look up the motherboard manual, but I'm willing to try about anything at this point!

Thanks! If I find a solution I'll let you all know or, if someone comes along with another idea feel free to leave it!

Jenney

 

[zinja]

The one other thing I would try if you haven't already (to really eliminate the incoming power issue) is to plug the PC into a UPS unit. A surge protector doesn't really do any power conditioning, it simply provides a moderate amount of protection against most surges and some spikes, but cannot do help against power drops. When you had the electrician check your outlet, he probably check for presence of 110-120 Volts. Did he also check for proper grounding? Without a proper ground (if your home is old enough to not have a 3 prong outlet) or if the ground is not properly run, the surge protector will not do its job correctly. I would first try plugging the PC into a UPS (battery backup) and see if the problem continues. If it doesn't continue, then maybe a more detailed look at the electrical wiring would be in order, it is does continue, start focusing on your PC hardware - the stuff you haven't replaced already. Hope this will help to at least get you on the right track.

LJ Wilson

My personal saying - Just remember, it can always get worse, and usually will.

 

[LadySlinger]

fetchguy -

Just FYI - your solution worked! I'm calling up IBM right now for the part. It was the power switch.

Sorry it took so long everyone for me to give out the results...for the first time since my last post I was able to work on this a little bit. Ahhh...the life of being the only IT in the building.

Thanks again everyone!

Ladyslinger

 

[ftechguy]

LadySlinger,

So are they sending you a whole new case? or motherboard? Taking the whole computer apart and putting it in the new case might be quite a job to fix this little problem. If the case, has a reset button, you might want to just use that instead-plug the reset button connector into the power switch connector on the motherboard. This does work, somebody else on tek-tips actually suggested it.

thread602-631039

 

[LadySlinger]

Hi ftechguy,

No, the Netvista I receive had a power switch that plugged directly into the motherboard and could be removed from the case (no hot glueing involved).

So it was just that part that they sent me and so no sweat was broken

LS