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Win98 computer spontaneously shuts down!

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5 replies

by sherry

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Of course, I first checked Power Management in Control Panel -- everything was set correctly to keep monitor & HD on all the time.

Then, on someone's advice, I checked to see if I could disable Power Management in BIOS -- but it was already disabled. So I changed to "user enabled" thinking that it would defer to control panel settings. That didn't work either.

Are there any other settings I can check/change to stop this from happening? (My boss' computer...:( )

Thanks in advance,
Sherry

5 replies

by thechas

Sherry, start by checking the power supply and CPU fans.
If either fails, some PCs shut down to protect the CPU.

While you are at it, you may want to use a motherboard monitor utility to verify that the power supplies and fans are running properly.
Here is a link to one such program.
http://mbm.livewiredev.com/

Next, I would try swapping in a new power supply.

If the CPU fan has failed, you should replace both the CPU and the fan.

As to settings, many BIOS's have a PC health section. The default is usually to shut the system down in the event of a power supply or fan failure.
If the monitor is checking for a fan that is not installed, or does not provide RPM feedback, it could shut down the PC erratically.

Chas

by neville

Sherry I would tend to agree with Chas and think that your problem is most likely caused by a faulty power supply momentarily cutting or dipping voltage to the motherboard causing the reboot. I would be even more suspicious if the PC is connected to a UPS, as the square wave that a ups generates tends to shorten Power Supply life as opposed to a sine wave from the wall socket which is better when talking power supply life. Sometimes when listening carefully to the power supply it has a buzz over the fan sound, which is a sure sign of a fried supply.

I have also come across inefficient CPU fans mostly caused by the build up of dust slowing the fan or a fan which has been installed blowing air in the wrong direction. Hot air should be taken away from the CPU and not blown onto the CPU. Many fans its easy to get it wrong.

If the above fails, I would think that the CPU itself, may be faulty

Regards
Neville

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