Desktop

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Computer dead

0 helpful
5 replies

by wolverine93

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
Yesterday my son was on the internet and working fine. When he was finished I performed a logoff (Windows 2000) and logged onto another user account (on local machine of course). After 5 minutes the screen went black and the computer would not do anything. I rebooted and logged in again but after 5 minutes samething happened. I tried one more time and this time the computer wouldn't even boot up. The indicator lights are on but nothing is happening. I didn't get any beep codes either. After waiting an hour or so I booted up again and was able to log on but after 5 minutes the scenario started all over again. Thoughts?

5 replies

by jschein

Sounds as if your processor is overheating or gone bad...

Remove the side panel.. Is the fan spinning on the processor?

Do you have a spare one to test with?

Can you just press F1 F2 F10 DEL or whatever to get into the system CMOS / BIOS? There you should be able to watch your temperatures on your processor. Does it go up? After time, does the system still hang? If so, it's more than likely a bad processor / overheating problem.

by otl

Not a good answer, seen controller cards cause this, however normally after 5 to 30 minutes an error message will appear although I did have a HD controller card that will not give me an error message. I recieve random boots with this HD, basically it is sending so much incoherent data to the buss it is stopping the system and not allowing an output to the monitor (no beeps/video).

Log on with your sons login/password if it works fine, part of your profile is corrupted/infected telling the computer to go to hibernate mode after a certain time (could even be random).

by csmith

Sounds like dirt and dust to me.

I will hazard a guess that if the PC is left off overnight, it will run longer, before shutdown.
There is nothing wrong with the hardware. One of the thermal sensors (There can be up to three on a normal motherboard) is sensing a temperature that is above the limit, and shutting down the PC.
The readings, and the max allowed settings are in the BIOS.

These sensors can go bad, but since the time varies, it is not likely in this case.
Open the case and clean the inside gently with a vacuum cleaner using the brush attachment.
Be careful not to bend or hit anything. The leads on the ICs are not that robust.
Don't forget to clean the power supply fan.
I have seen them get so clogged with dirt they would not turn.
If after cleaning, any of the fans do not turn, it usually is bad bearings in the fan, and the fan has to be replaced.
Regards, Chris

by brianmann57

Someone said to log back on with the sons logon and check for the problem to duplicate. I would try that first. Next is press the F8 key as the computer boots so I can bring it up in safe mode. Let it come up in safe mode and see if the problem comes up. If it does the the answer with the temps dust and dirt are the next step. If it keeps running then you need to look into the taks manager ti see what service is whacking you. It could be the hibernate issue as well. good luck.

This discussion is closed to new replies.