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computer crash...need help

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6 replies

by damasta_420

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I have an Asus A7S333 Motherboard, AMD Athlon XP 2100 Processor, running Windows XP. My computer will crash at random times, somtimes after its been on a day, sometimes for a couple of hours. The comptuer just shuts off, the power light on the motherboard remains on, but i must unplug the computer from the wall before it will turn back on. It is definately not a virus. I replaced my hard drive. I replaced my heatsink and fan to a more powerful one, to assure it isnt a heat problem. After it crashes, I unplug it, plug it back in, boot it up, and i get a Invalid System Disk error.(only after it crashes) I reboot again and it boots to windows fine. Prior to this problem, I ran windows XP for 9 months with no problems. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciative.

6 replies

by oz_media

Check you BIOS? I'd make sure th BIOS was up to date. Or reset it to default, then start upgrading it.

by thechas

If you have less than a 350 Watt power supply, I would start with a new power supply of 400 Watts or more.

Otherwise, I would suspect a heat damaged CPU.

Once the processor has been stressed by heat, a new fan will NOT stop the CPU from failing.

It is also possible that your RAM is over-heating.

If you do not have 1 or more case fans, I recommend that you install at least 1 case fan that blows fresh air into the case.

Chas

by hereinoz

I's still be suspicious of the processor or the power supply. Have you run the machine out in the open with the cover off and with a nice big 12" desk fan blowing on it to make sure it is not a system overheat, rather than just a processor overheat.

The fact that you have to unplug it from the wall smells a bit like a thermal overload or current overload in the PS that needs to be re-set.

by wlbowers

All good answers. Don't forget the incoming AC.

A good surge protector, (one that cost more than $10.00)or even a ups.

EMI/RFI or harmonics coming in on the AC line can drive a machine nuts.

Lee

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