Dead desktop

[ChrisMClark]

Been having problems for a while, and today I think my desktop has finally given up the ghost. Had some issues with memory a while back, resulting in the BSOD every now and then, but now everytime the computer tries to boot and go into POST it just shuts off with no warning. This happened a while ago and it just stopped happening...but not this time. Not too fussed, as I only really used my desktop for photoshop, games and storage, but it's still a real PITA. Anyone had similar problems they were able to resolve?

[Paulie]

How old is the unit?

You mention memory issues, is the memory much older than the motherboard or the same age?

[Soulmanure]

Could be a number of issues, but it does sound like something in the boot. Have you tried swapping out the memory or hard drives to see if other ones work?

[Paulie]

Have a look through this list and see if you can identify the point at which it all goes wrong.

http://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm

[DeadBase]

How far along do you get? Does it clear POST and start to load you OS or is it failing POST?

[eggopp]

Make sure your graphics card is properly seated in its slot... if its not when it looks for the card at post, it will close down.. it looks for, mouse, keyboard then graphics, if a main component is loose or missing it will shut down.

[andrewb150]

If It were me I think I would basically just unplug everything and then reseat it first before doing anything else. Id then try and swap parts over, but I guess you don't have many spare bits kicking around!

You said you had memory problems before if you remove the memory completely the PC should still stay switched on with a blank screen, if you have a pc speaker attached / onboard speaker you should hear a constant beep.

I've actually experienced a PC fail to boot due to memory issues because over time the memory slot had actually managed to warp and had sunk in the middle so much so that it was not connecting to all the pins. Basically someone had built the pc without using all the supports and screws. Removing the board bending it back into flat and installing the supports fixed the problem.

I've also experienced a pc randomly switch off due to a faulty power button.

Both rather unique problems.

[andrewb150]

Re-reading your post if it shuts of that quickly i.e. before you see anything on the screen I'm leaning towards power supply problem or some sort of electrical short ie check for loose cabling, screws in the case etc.

[celsis]

First thing I would ask is; do you have a boot disk? If not, do you have the OS disk? If you have the OS disk, put it in the drive and boot from it. See how far you can go.

You may also have a thermal problem as this happens if the fans don't kick in. Check the fans when you boot.

re there any messages?

[monkey66]

As it is pre OS it is a hardware problem.
1. remove and reseat everything and each connector. Start off with only one memory module (to try to eliminate a faulty stick, quite a common problem).
2. If you care further swap out the psu (about £30), the next most likely culprit.

[ctrl]

Check your psu

I know it sounds odd, but, the draw on the psu is high at the end of post...
A lot of suposid nemory troubles are a duff psu failing to supply correct stable voltage

Opps just spotted monkey said the same

[ChrisMClark]

Cheers for the input folks. I'll be taking it apart at the weekend, or whenever I get time. Machine is only a couple of years old (self built).

Are we seriously saying, though, that even a duff keyboard could cause the problems I'm encountering? I ask because even before it dies, it won't recognise me pressing DEL to enter BIOS setup?

[monkey66]

Its possible but unlikely, a USB device problem would normally cause the boot to hang not die.

It is worth disconnecting all usb devices as they can jam up sometimes preventing boot. Nice easy things to eliminate.

[ChrisMClark]

Okie dokie. Keyboard is actally PS2, but mouse is on USB. Going to give it all a go at the weekend...I'm far too hungover today.