Power Problem

[boo]

the last 2 days, my desktop computer has suddenyl turned off without me doing anything.
i checked all the cables and nothing was out of order.
i tried the power button loads of times and for some reason after about 5mins it started up with no problems
this repeated itself a load of times
what on earth is going on?

[mitz]

If it runs for a certain amount of time then shutsdown, the cpu may be overheating. You could have dust in your computer. Read how to get rid of dust from your CPU Fan here http://www.tips4pc.com/Articles/Computer%20Maintenance/computer_maintenance.htm When computers have a dust build up they usually start working again when they are cooled down.
I hope it is dust, because it is easy to fix.

[patio]

Click Here

[boo]

i know that patio but i ddnt think that stuff wud help with this
noted for future reference anyway

[dahlarbear]

When did the issue start occurring? Did you recently install a program, new hardware device, or visit a web page?

[patio]

i know that patio but i ddnt think that stuff wud help with this
noted for future reference anyway

"That stuff" helps everytime...

[boo]

ok so update on the problem

i took out the CPU fan and cleaned it with one of those aerosol air spray things. i put it back
i timed how long it took for the computer to turn off and its now down to 21 seconds.

i havent added any hardware or software
the problem has only been happening for about 3 or 4 days but is now much worse

im running XP Pro
intel 3.2ghz
1gb RAM
cant remember what mobo.
not sure if this is relavant but i clicked on a link of Facebook and firefox told me that it was a dodgy link and wudnt let me go to it.......?

i hav no idea what is going on

oh and when i turn it on, there are some noices, not loud which were definately not there before, just before it turns off

i cant even access thr bios to see if something is running too hot!
HELP!!!

[boo]

could i possibly have a dodgy power supply
i have had the computer for about 9months

[patio]

Best way to find out is to borrow one of the same or greater wattage and swap it in there...
If you do replace it do yourself a big favor and don't buy one of those 20 dollar specials...

[boo]

ok so big update
with prompting from my friend, i put my master HDD with XP on it into another working pc and when i selected which bootscreen to use (it always asks me) it went to the windows loading window then the computer restarted itself!!!
i pressed f8 and tried to boot in safe mode. it went thorugh all those lines of code if u no what i mean then restarted!!!
wot is up with my HDD!!
should i buy another HDD???

[Computer Hope Admin]

Unfortunately when you place the HDD from one computer into another computer it's possible for you to encounter conflictions and various other issues because Windows will detect and try to install all the hardware it detects in the computer.

You can try booting the computer into Safe Mode ( http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm ) and see if the computer powers off. I'm betting it wont.

Otherwise I think right now the best solution would be to put the hard drive back into your computer, make sure all your fans in the computer are working (bad fans can overheat the computer and cause it to turn off) re-install Windows in your computer, if you continue to experience issues with your computer turning off then I'd imagine it's a power supply issue and I'd suggest either trying a new power supply from a friend or simply purchasing a new power supply at equal or greater wattage.

[boo]

i see what u mean
on the original pc, i cant even get to the safe mode boot menu (it powers off b4 i get there)

is there some way that i can save all the data on my HDD b4 i reinstall windows.. (i dnt have a backup, stupidly enough)

[Computer Hope Admin]

Can you get into Safe mode?

[boo]

nop
i cant even that far
it turns off b4 i get there

[Computer Hope Admin]

Well in that case if the computer is turning off that early try replacing the Power Supply and see if you can get it into safe mode. Also as I mentioned earlier make sure all heat sink, case fans, etc. are working in the computer as it could be overheating.