Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: kingelvis on April 20, 2009, 08:08:51 AM

Title: PC shuts down by itself while installing Windows
Post by: kingelvis on April 20, 2009, 08:08:51 AM

I've had problems with a virus, so I decided to format the HDD and reinstall XP Pro, but when I reach the "37 minutes remaining" part of the install my PC shuts off, sometimes before. I've tried letting it cool off and even opened up the case and stuck a fan on it, but it keeps doing it. Any ideas what it may be?

Title: Re: PC shuts down by itself while installing Windows
Post by: patio on April 20, 2009, 08:14:35 AM

Genuine XP CD ?
Any hardware issues prior to this ? ?

Most common problems causing this are overheating, bad RAM or hard drive issues...
Try cleaning the CD in an outward motion from the center with a soft lint free cloth first though...
Then DLoad the drive diagnostics (FREE) from the HDD manuf. site and run the long test.
For the RAM DLoad and run MemTest...let it run at least 2 hours...any errors at all and you have a bad stick of RAM.

Title: Re: PC shuts down by itself while installing Windows
Post by: kingelvis on April 20, 2009, 08:19:36 AM

It's a genuine CD and it's happened a few times before. Sometimes it'll work fine for hours, other times it'll shut down after an hour, but for some reason it consistently  shuts down during the particular part of the installation. Man, the RAM better not be bad, I only got it a few months ago!

Title: Re: PC shuts down by itself while installing Windows
Post by: patio on April 20, 2009, 08:39:50 AM

Should still be under warranty then...

Title: Re: PC shuts down by itself while installing Windows
Post by: kingelvis on April 20, 2009, 08:40:53 AM

The recession got them

Title: Re: PC shuts down by itself while installing Windows
Post by: patio on April 20, 2009, 09:00:10 AM

Got who ? ?
There is a manuf. warranty on most RAM.