Why does my computer like to just randomly shut off?

[iamtrout]

My computer always shuts off when I open a new program.
Its not just one program, its random ones.
It's not the power supply because I replaced it (300W enermax) with a
new one (400W antec), that has functioned perfectly for half a year, and
it still does it, just not that often.
I unlocked the 1GHz Duron but its currently not overclocked. The
voltage is at default.
Could some of the bridges have worn away?
Someone also told me that there was a problem with Shuttle boards that
don't give the processor enough power at times.

The shutoff is like when someone pulls the power cord from the socket.
No reboot, just flicks off.

Shuttle AK31A
AMD DURON 1.0GHz unlocked but not OC'd
WD 40GB HD
WINXP
128 DDR PC2100

 

[Idz21]

What I would suggest is to go inside and just replug everything. There might be a cable that's not clicked in right. Maybe rearrange some power cords so it looks neater, and created more airflow. Also check your PC power cord. The problem might lie there. Also make sure all the cooling fans are operational. Like cpu fan, power supply fan, case fan, and if you have a fan on the north bridge.

Also what OS are you running. I found that with certain components running certain OSes causes these kinds of shut offs. Another thing you can try is to actually up the voltage to your CPU even if it's not being overclocked. Maybe by only .025 if ur board supports those kinds of increments. Since you said it might not deliver enough power, maybe upping the voltage could fix it.

 

[Idz21]

Oh, i see you're running XP. XP is the same OS a friend of mine was having problems with, with shutting off. But his was more in the restarting boat. When he originally powers on his PC, it would reboot like 5 times before it actually went into windows. And then restart randomly while he was already in windows.

Sad to say, but the only solution to his problem so far was to put on Win ME

 

[Xelloss]

Ugh. Not ME Go for 2000 It's about as good as it gets (as Microsoft goes).

 

[Scudtech]

<< Oh, i see you're running XP. XP is the same OS a friend of mine was having problems with, with shutting off. But his was more in the restarting boat. When he originally powers on his PC, it would reboot like 5 times before it actually went into windows. And then restart randomly while he was already in windows.

Sad to say, but the only solution to his problem so far was to put on Win ME >>


And just think, all that time you could have just looked around in your System > System Recovery (or similar) options and un-checked 'Reboot on BSOD'. That's a different issue that other people get confused with.

 

[iamtrout]

I rechecked all of the connections and everything's in place. It's still doing it though.
Why would the thing only shut down when a new program starts? Some CPU or HD damage?
Also the new power supply seemed to help it a little bit, but it wasn't exactly a cure.
Anyone else got any ideas?

I've built five other computers with the exact same specs but none of the other ones have encountered this problem.
I feel an RMA coming up... but which part?

 

[ddeder]

I doubt this is a hardware issue if it only happens when you open an application. Try a clean install of the OS and make sure you have up to date drivers for everything.

 

[zogg]

Have you downloaded any free software lately?
Like from morpheous, kazaa, etc?
There is a lot of this free software that is loaded with trojans like shutdown.exe, Ihateyou.exe, etc.
Do a search for those files. Also make sure you go into mycomputer/tools/folder options/view and uncheck hide file extensions for known file types.
I believe there are a lot of trojans that are named something like this: "filename.mp3.vbs" notice the dot(.)mp3.vbs
if you don't uncheck the "hide file extensions from known file types"; you will never see the .vbs extension and think you are downloading an mp3 when really dloading a virus or trojan.

 

[Joe2683]

If your running XP, then it should be a simple fix. All you have to do is right click on MY COMPUTER, then click the ADVANCED tab, then click the SETTINGS button under STARTUP AND RECOVERY and uncheck Automatically Restart

P.S. This doesn't fix the problem, but it does stop the restarts!

 

[CADsortaGUY]

Anyone thought of the RAM being bad? I know i've had "mystery" reboots like described and a new/different stick of RAM always seems to "cure" the problem.

CADkindaGUY

 

[iamtrout]

the computer doesn't reboot! It just shuts down like the power cord is unplugged. No reboot. Just poof, and it's off.

 

[Woodie]

Hey, I can do that...not quite on demand, but 2 out of 3 times I drop my Visor into the USB Hotsync cradle, my Compaq Deskpro EN shuts right down. No warning, no pattern, it just dies.

Good luck w/ yours...

 

[MrElusive]

I have the same problem but when I open up I think it is Creative Media Player 2 my computer will just automatically restart. I think this has to do with Windows XP. Why can't computers be easier and not have stupid problems like this?! :| It's either my computer doesn't want to hear Deftones or is virtually and technically retarded.

 

[hoihtah]

from my experience...
this happens when you have an issue with either ram or powersupply.

my first instint would be to check your powersupply.
more than anything... check your 5v rail.
if that drops more than .2 then you're playing with fire.
but antec's 400w's should be good enough though... in most cases.
but do check.

as idz mentioned... unplug and replug just to make sure that everything is in place securely.

if all that works out to be okay...
then check your ram.
if you have more than one stick in there... then remove so you only have one.

if you only have one and the symptom contines...
then try different mem slots.

oh... and make sure you have the latest bios of shuttle ak31a.
that could indirectly affect your ram.

can you tell us what software is causing this problem...
and when?... during what procedure?

that would tell a lot about your situation.

 

[iamtrout]

It just shuts down when any type of software is opened. It's just random. How do you check the 5v rails?

 

[DaiShan]

do you have any cards in pci slot 1?

 

[iamtrout]

nope