Computer keeps shutting down

[shadow82]

Hi there,
My old Gateway keeps randomly shutting down. This happened every once in a while in the past. I recently installed Windows XP on this machine and now it shuts down constantly. It shut down about 10 times today. When it shuts down I have to un plug it, and then plug it back in in order for it to start up again. Any help appreciated
thanks

 

[mechBgon]

Check inside to confirm that the fans are still running, for starters.

 

[Slammy1]

Have you changed anything recently? If not, I'd suspect some component is going bad. Watch your temps and pay attention to when the shutdown occurs. Review EventViewer to see if you're getting a specific error. Some things that could cause this to suddenly start occurring include (but are not limited to) bad sectors on a critical section of your HD (system restore is notorious for creating such errors for some reason), viruses, PSU going bad, CPU going bad, driver problems (pay special attention to USB devices). I'd suspect memory also, but if it worked, you didn't make changes, and you're getting shutdowns it sounds implausible.

 

[jdiddy]

Check the power supply fan to see if its spinning also checked for popped or leaking cappacitors

 

[shadow82]

USB device driver problems could be the problem. I am getting a message that some of my external cd burner drivers are not working correctly. Would looking for new drivers possibly fix this?

 

[Markfw]

Virus ?? The new one does that. Check Microsoft.com

 

[acebake]

Whoa, I'm actually having the same problems with my HP (there's a thread on it somewhere). I would recommend un-checking "automatic restart," and seeing what the BSOD says. Then go from there. From what I've heard, it could be a lot of things....

 

[Hyperfocal]

Check for the sasser virus. Especially if you get a message saying the problem is with Lsass.exe

 

[mechBgon]

I would've said Sasser too, except to the best of my knowledge it doesn't result in the system needing to be unplugged from the wall before it'll run again. I'm envisioning an overheat/dust-bunny issue perhaps... shadow82, do check whether your fans run and see if the heatsink needs a good blowing-out.

 

[LordAsriel]

I would try leaving it in the bios for a few hours. See if it happens there. Then you can narrow it down to the OS or HW. I would reseat the mem and the pci and agp cards also.

 

[Slammy1]

You might try updating the Chipset Utility.

 

[shadow82]

Thanks for the suggestions..ill try all that once i get a chance and update ya
-Alex

 

[shadow82]

Ok I did some checks on the computer. I dont see any signs of the sasser virus. What i did find is that my fan on my PSU is not working. I was thinking it was a problem with the PSU. Could this be it?

 

[shadow82]

O and if that is the problem... Is it possible to get a new PSU/PSU fan for an old gateway? Or is worth it to just upgrade. This is my girlfriends computer btw and its only used for email/AIM/word processor/internet.

 

[jbrock31]

Definately invest in a new powersupply. make sure to get a good brand such as antec or something. A faulty PS can definately result in random reboots and shutdowns.

 

[Mem]

Ok I did some checks on the computer. I dont see any signs of the sasser virus. What i did find is that my fan on my PSU is not working. I was thinking it was a problem with the PSU. Could this be it?

Very possible,I had a PSU that would just randomly shut down,getting a new PSU fixed my problem.

 

[shadow82]

Ok I think I will try to get a new PSU because neither of us has the money to shell out on a whole new system at the moment. Now how can I tell what kind of powersupply to get. As far as ATX etc. Is every tower case atx? Anything else to look for? I am not looking to spend alot of money since this computer is only going to be used until we get the money together for a new computer.. I just dont want it to keep shutting down on her.

 

[mdcrab]

If you have moved, kicked or hit the computer, make sure the HSF is seated properly on the CPU.

mdcrab