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  • #2326323

    mystery problem

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    by daz’n’ash ·

    I have a computer that has developed a mystery problem.
    The Symptoms: Random reboot for no apparent reason, this happens in various programs and when certain web sites are accessed.
    Windows Media Player freezes or causes whole system lock.
    When trying to go into system tools in the start menu, the computer reboots itself.

    What we have tried: Stripped the mobo totally including cables, and replaced IDE cables.
    Have tried a different HDD in the PC with same result.
    Replaced the RAMchips (PC 100 SD RAM 128 MB)
    Replaced video card; problem still remains
    Have tried the HDD from the problem PC in another computer very similar to the problem one, nothing amiss, everything works fine.
    Reformat HDD and reinstalled using a different CD to setup Win Me again, the problem remains.
    Have replaced sound card, the problem remains.
    Have run manuafturer HDD diagnostic tools, all tests pass, no faults found.
    Have an updated anti virus installed and scans found no viruses.
    The owners of this PC told me they had it in a computer shop to have a CDR/W installed and he said the techie who worked on it was very rough with it. When they got their computer home they soon realised that it had only HALF the amount of ram it should have. When I opened the case I saw that they had not properly seated the ram in and that’s why they had only half the ram showing.

    The system is only an old Intel Pentium 233 MhZ, 128 MB PC 100 SD RAM partitioned 10 GB HDD running windows Me.

    Anyideas out there?
    My thoughts would be they need a new mobo?

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    • #3665883

      mystery problem

      by hinrgman ·

      In reply to mystery problem

      I did not haer any mention about the power supply???

      Try a new power supply, that sounds like your problem…

      • #3665876

        mystery problem

        by daz’n’ash ·

        In reply to mystery problem

        Thanks for the reminder, have already tried that too. I knew there was something else to add to the list of things tried. If you have other ideas, please post them. THanks again.

    • #3665879

      mystery problem

      by jlouis45 ·

      In reply to mystery problem

      also try the desktop, properties and power settings. See that it never reboots in that when the pc is not used. Also as said replace the power supply and check. Also replace the power cable.

      • #3665850

        mystery problem

        by daz’n’ash ·

        In reply to mystery problem

        I think I already mentioned that we changed all the cables, still get the problem. Power supply was changed, the problem remained.

    • #3665878

      mystery problem

      by pinoy_teknik ·

      In reply to mystery problem

      Bad power supply can cause system to reboot and mostly turned off…..

      Use your DIgital Multimeter to find out, if the power supply can give a exact voltage for your system.

      Other thing is adding more drives and peripheral can also need a higher wattage of power supply..

      I hope there is no Mystery here at TEch Repbublic..that’s all for now…

      Pinoy_Teknik

      • #3655181

        mystery problem

        by daz’n’ash ·

        In reply to mystery problem

        Hello Pinoy, thank you for answering my question. I have ruled out everything else and all that is left is the mobo. So now we know that is the problem, but would you know how to test the board with a digital multimeter? Please email me if you know .. tuituckta@yahoo.com

    • #3665877

      mystery problem

      by daz’n’ash ·

      In reply to mystery problem

      OOPS! Thanks for reminding me. Tried that too, have changed the power supply and still the problem remains.

    • #3412844

      mystery problem

      by hjs ·

      In reply to mystery problem

      Try reseating the CPU. It sounds to me like it is a motherboard issue but try the CPU first.

      • #3412563

        mystery problem

        by daz’n’ash ·

        In reply to mystery problem

        Thanks, just tried that, the problem still remains

    • #3412688

      mystery problem

      by jmarchetto ·

      In reply to mystery problem

      I have yet to hear anything about the HEAT. See if your BIOS lists temperatures or get a freeware program that will display the temp in your task tray (this must be board supported).

      It could be as simple as that “rough” techie may have clogged some of the fans by jostling dust clumps. If so, get a can of air and spray all fans & vents.

      Try running the computer with a house fan blowing on the MB. Else, buy one of many case fans or coolers available. They even make mini air conditioning units for chips now (but are $$$)!

      I know some computers reboot (and not freeze) when they get too hot.

      Good Luck!

      • #3412564

        mystery problem

        by daz’n’ash ·

        In reply to mystery problem

        Have checked the cooling fans and they are clean. Tis will hapen from cold boot too, so it can’t be a heat problem.

    • #3408006

      mystery problem

      by jewojcicki ·

      In reply to mystery problem

      An interesting t-shooting peoblem.
      Did you check input devices: the keyboard, the mouse etc?
      It could be also cold soldering, eratic contacts/shorts, capacitance.
      I would suspect these type h/w problems.
      joe w

      • #3655185

        mystery problem

        by daz’n’ash ·

        In reply to mystery problem

        Have checked all input devices, all are working correctly.

      • #3655182

        mystery problem

        by daz’n’ash ·

        In reply to mystery problem

        Have checked all input devices, all are working correctly.

    • #3655432

      mystery problem

      by tocolote ·

      In reply to mystery problem

      Check the Motherboard for cracks. This type of damage has been known to cause strange problems. Especially if it happens after the computer has warmed up (sort of like cold solder joints, just not as obvious).

      If the techie was rough enough with it for the people to have noticed, he may have done some damage.

      • #3655183

        mystery problem

        by daz’n’ash ·

        In reply to mystery problem

        Can’t see any obvious cracks, but the only thing left is the mobo. Have swapped all other hardware and still the problem remains

    • #3655180

      mystery problem

      by daz’n’ash ·

      In reply to mystery problem

      This question was closed by the author

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