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Windows XP suspends during start-up

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by mwhipple

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I'm having a problem with a Dell Dimension E510. When starting in normal mode (or any option other than the safe modes), the system seems to suspend itself within a minute or so (before anything useful can be done). The video signal dies, the hard drive quiets, and no input seems to do anything. The power light remains green however, though upon restarting the system by using the power button, the light comes back on yellow and the system doesn't boot (cutting the power works). I've replaced the PSU, tried reinstalling different versions of any relevant drivers, and minimized the startup processes (I'm presently trying selectively disabling drivers). The hardware seems to pass testing, and XP seems perfectly happy in safe mode (at least as happy as it can be). This system unfortunately doesn't have a CPU temp sensor. I'm hoping to avoid a fresh install (I've tried a repair), so any advice would be appreciated.
Leading up to this problem I had been hurriedly performing several tasks on this computer. It isn't mine so I'm not too sure of its history, though it's pretty dusty and at the time I was looking at an issue with sporadic hard drive access.

9 replies

by rob miners

A common reason for shutting down is the CPU overheating.

Faulty Fans, Dust and Grime build up on the Heatsink restricting air flow. I would give the inside of the case a blowout with compressed air and then remove the Heatsink, giving it a thorough clean and reseat the CPU applying new CPU grease. If the Fans spin freely when you give them a spin they are probably OK. If there is resistance replace them.

Also check Capacitors around the CPU for swelling or bulging.

Download SpeedFan and check the Voltages and Temps.

http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php

Wouldn't hurt to test the Memory either.

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

by mwhipple

Thanks for the reply. I'll pick up some compressed air tonight and see whether it helps (I suppose it would be a good idea regardless). The CPU fan is the only one aside from the (now replaced) power supply, and it seems alright though it was suffering from a virtual wall of lint on the exposed vent.
I checked the caps earlier and they all seem fine. I also tested the memory with the Dell diagnostics and RamProbe. Unfortunately there is no CPU temp sensor so the only information that seems to be available to programs like SpeedFan is fan speed. I've tried a couple similar apps (including that one) and figured the proper Intel (it's an Intel MB) one would work if nothing else but that wouldn't install correctly.

by mwhipple

Cleaned out the inside and reseated the chip...was actually fairly hopeful upon discovery that the original grease was very dry and patchy. Upon reassembly however, same problem. I guess I'm gonna go with a re-install since I've already spent too much time on this.

by rob miners

the RAM matching. IE: Kingston, Kingston or different brands.

by mwhipple

RAM matches, stock from Dell Infineon. I've done a re-install and that's taken care of it. I should know whether the problem resurfaces when I follow steps similar to those I took before but now I should be more prepared to isolate the issue (although at this point my time is at odds with my curiosity so I'm hoping for a smooth 2nd round).

by rob miners

was Device Driver issues Cookie. :)
The OP should have said that it wasn't shutting down. :)

by mwhipple

To close this thread out, a reformat seems to have taken care of the problem. Although it may be a less than desirable solution, it proved better than the investment in time bouncing in and out of safe mode trying to isolate the problem. If only there were some way to incrementally bring safe mode to the normal runlevel.

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