computer turns off after ram removed

[coradean]

Hi
My son removed a 2GB ram from our computer (leaving 2 GB) to boost his own computer. As soon as he did this, our computer (the one with the removed ram) randomly shut off after about thirty minutes of use. Every time we tried to turn it on since the shut down it would stay on for a shorter amount of time. After trying mem tests and switching ram around between the computers, and running an external fan and entering the bios to change settings to match the working computer and cleaning the computer out with air compressor it turns off even quicker than before.
Could it be the Motherboard? And how would we be able to test it?
Thanks

[drmsucks]

More info, please! http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,33586.0.html

In the meantime, verify that the remaining RAM is in the proper slots as prescribed by the computer/motherboard manual.  If in the correct slots, re-seat RAM; white retaining clips must 'snap' into place.

Does the computer return to normal if you put the removed RAM back into your computer?

Check to be sure that he didn't accidentally knock off or loosen a connection - particularly fans. Re-check all internal connections - with the unit unplugged from the outlet. Does the CPU fan spin when the computer is on? Case fan? Chipset fan, if applicable?

[coradean]

We've done the suggestions listed above to no avail.
Edit: Both sticks are 1Gig, not 2

We're running Windows Vista Home Premium.
Pentium D Processor
nVidia GeForce 7xxx Video Card (can't turn it on long enough to gauge the specifics)
2 Hard Drives, one of which is broken.

I didn't post this before as I thought it wasn't applicable.

[JJ 3000]

Make sure you're grounded before touching any internal components.
What happens if you put both sticks back in?

[JJ 3000]

2 Hard Drives, one of which is broken.

Why do you have a broken hard drive hooked up to your computer?

[coradean]

Thanks for the help, we've found it's the power supply, it must've blown somehow when the RAM was removed (my son said he left the cord in, that might've done some harm).

We have the broken HDD because we had no reason to remove it and it might be fixable but since we already have ample storage; we didn't see any need to look at it closer.

Thanks again,
Corrina

[drmsucks]

Thanks for the help, we've found it's the power supply, it must've blown somehow when the RAM was removed (my son said he left the cord in, that might've done some harm).

Very glad that you got your computer back running!

Please tell your son to NEVER add or remove computer components while the system is plugged in. That procedure is somewhat dangerous for HIM and VERY dangerous for the computer; this includes the peripherals located outside the case, as well. The computer should always be shut down normally, then disconnected from the wall socket. The only components that can be safely added or removed while the computer is plugged in are USB components.

Best of luck!