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Please save a computer's life

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by joe 1 view

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I have a computer on my network that shuts down for no reason. If does not matter what program a person is working in or doing, the system will reset itself. When it resets itself you can see the cd-rom activate, then the hard drive, but nothing ever comes on the screen. The computer needs to set for about eight hours before it will re boot properly. I have had the Video card checked (SIS 6326 AGP true color) and according to the tech that performed the tests, the card is functioning normally. I am so frustrated right now, that I am about to take a hammer to the computer and beat it to death. If you can help me I would appreciate it.

15 replies

by jparade

It could be a heat issue. Try moving the PC to a different location or trying a new fan. Hope this helps, JAKE

by ann777

What kind of computer is it? Newer or Older? Have you looked into the BIOS ; is power management active? (if yes, and you are not using it, then disable it).

If a laptop, then I'd look toward battery problems or hibernation. If a desktop, I'dlook more toward power management.

Is this computer similar to the others in your network? Or is it unique? If it is similar, you might want to take another computer and swap components (esp. the video) and see if the problem follows the component. Or try another type of video card in the "misbehaving" computer.

by pricepd

I had this same problem. Sorry to say it was the motherboard. When the computer warmed up it somehow made a disconnect. I would say the hammer is the best thing for it at this point!

Sorry,

Preston

by vopro

I have heard of this sort of problem happening due to a faulty power supply. You can pick one up for cheap so if that's not the problem you won't be out a lot of money like you would be if it was the mother board.

by zlitocook

hey try this befor you kill the computer. I will send you a compleat check list of things to look for.

by tocolote

If you've ruled out the power management (Doesn't sound likely because of the 8 hour wait to restart the computer) then it could be a cold solder joint. Whenever the computer heats up a connection will break on the motherboard/controller.

If the fan and lights stay on after the computer crashes then it's probably not the power supply.

Take the motherboard out and inspect it for cold joints or cracks on the motherboard. All solder joints should be a shiny silver color. Connections between components are made on the motherboard by an etching process where the interconnections are fractions of an inch thick. Any crack that crosses one of these lines may cause the connection to be only partially connected.

Re-soldering cold solder joints is pretty easy to do, but should be done by a trained technician. Overheating components will cause them to fail permanently.

If these tips don't help, it's probably a bad component. Send it back to the factory or donate it to your local high school.

Good luck.

by m1wheeler

That is defintely a heat issue, take the case covering off turn on the machine and check to see if the fan on the heatsink is working or if the heatsink is fitted properly. also try setting a fan next to it with the case cover off it will help or upgrade the fan/heatsink combo on your processor because overheating is definetly the case. best of luck

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