Computer Woes..

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2005-02-17 11:22am

Alright. Why the fuck would a computer just start randomly powering down? As in, one is typing a post, and it just stops running. Could this be related to a virus?

InnocentBystander · Post by **InnocentBystander** » 2005-02-17 11:25am

There are viruses that do that. It could also be a power hiccup...

desertjedi · Post by **desertjedi** » 2005-02-17 11:26am

"dirty" power... virii, dying power supply, mad at you because you don't clean it... could be any of those reasons.

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2005-02-17 11:28am

Would the 'on' button remaining lit offer any clues?

InnocentBystander · Post by **InnocentBystander** » 2005-02-17 11:40am

Not really, if the power supply is interrupted for even a split second the machine would reboot without you noticing anything. Is this a one time incident? It doesn't sound like you have Sasser though

Hotfoot · Post by **Hotfoot** » 2005-02-17 11:42am

SirNitram wrote:Would the 'on' button remaining lit offer any clues?

I had this exact same problem a few weeks ago I think. At least it sounds almost perfectly identical. The problem is most likely your power supply. You may need to get a replacement.

InnocentBystander · Post by **InnocentBystander** » 2005-02-17 11:44am

You could try taking a vacuum to your box, it's never a bad idea. The power supply could be going, in which case you'd best get working on getting a new one

GrandMasterTerwynn · Post by **GrandMasterTerwynn** » 2005-02-17 11:46am

SirNitram wrote:Alright. Why the fuck would a computer just start randomly powering down? As in, one is typing a post, and it just stops running. Could this be related to a virus?

Hrm, have you run a virus scan on your box recently? Do you have the latest Windows security updates installed. (On the software side, this sounds rather like the old Blaster worm, or one of its variants, though that worm was so 2003.)

Moving onto hardware, either your power supply is overheating and getting ready to die, or perhaps something in your computer is overheating, such as your CPU. A quick thing to try, get a can or three of air used for dusting, open up your computer (with it off and unplugged, ideally,) and blow out the dust you find in there. Blow it out of your power supply too. Also, a thing to check, with the computer open, is if the fans are spinning (on your CPU/chipset heatsink, and in your power supply.)

Arrow · Post by **Arrow** » 2005-02-17 11:49am

What's your computer plugged into? A regular powerstrip or an UPS? And check your computer for dust (but, IIRC, isn't your computer new?).

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2005-02-17 12:13pm

Arrow Mk84 wrote:What's your computer plugged into? A regular powerstrip or an UPS? And check your computer for dust (but, IIRC, isn't your computer new?).

This is my old one, which Tev is using. I'm gonna have to hold off until we can actually get some canned air...

Arrow · Post by **Arrow** » 2005-02-17 02:37pm

SirNitram wrote:I'm gonna have to hold off until we can actually get some canned air...

I perfer an air compressor (a decent size one, not the kind that plugs into a cigarette lighter), if you can access to one (neighbor, perhaps?). Its a lot better at removing dust, and your not paying a for can air.

InnocentBystander · Post by **InnocentBystander** » 2005-02-17 03:24pm

An air compressor? That's sort of a wierd thing to have around, it's not like you need to dust your PC every week...

Arrow · Post by **Arrow** » 2005-02-17 05:56pm

My step dad has three large air compressors, so I have easy access and they get rid of the stuck on dust that canned air can't handle.

Post by **Mr Bean** » 2005-02-17 07:14pm

Get a 19.99 fan from Wallmart or countries similar(The Box old nosiey box fans, comes in a box, is a box, is cheap)

Turn it on high, aim it at the computer and works just fine

As for your computer brownouts and power spikes over the years can, will and do @$@$ up computers

SirNitram · Post by **SirNitram** » 2005-02-17 07:38pm

Based on advice here and at a local computer parts shop, we inspected: The power supply fan don't do shit when turned on. Signs of dust buildup are present. Now we have to steal/borrow/beg a can of air... Ugh.

InnocentBystander · Post by **InnocentBystander** » 2005-02-18 11:13am

Arrow Mk84 wrote:My step dad has three large air compressors, so I have easy access and they get rid of the stuck on dust that canned air can't handle.

Well not everyone has immediate access to your dad's 3 large air compressors, now do they?

On another note, if you have a powerful vacuum, chances are it can do the job. Some will even push air (though I suggest changing the bag first), I know our old electrolux can

Arrow · Post by **Arrow** » 2005-02-18 11:42am

Vacuums set to suck are bad, as they can generate static electricity.

InnocentBystander · Post by **InnocentBystander** » 2005-02-18 12:25pm

Arrow Mk84 wrote:Vacuums set to suck are bad, as they can generate static electricity.

I've, uhm, never heard that before...

Arrow · Post by **Arrow** » 2005-02-18 01:05pm

Its something I read on a tech site years ago.

White Haven · Post by **White Haven** » 2005-02-18 01:11pm

Chances are it's the power supply. That'd be the first thing I'd test, at any rate. I hope they gave you a standard PSU, and not one of those supermicro eMachine ones that I sometimes see.

InnocentBystander · Post by **InnocentBystander** » 2005-02-18 01:29pm

Arrow Mk84 wrote:Its something I read on a tech site years ago.

Okay... well I think it's safe and google searches don't say anything, so with that in mind, don't let the vacuum nozzel touch anything metal and you should be okay

Post by **LadyTevar** » 2005-02-18 02:17pm

White Haven wrote:Chances are it's the power supply. That'd be the first thing I'd test, at any rate. I hope they gave you a standard PSU, and not one of those supermicro eMachine ones that I sometimes see.

It looks like a fullsize powersupply when I had the box open. I'll see if I can 'acquire' a can of air from here at work.

White Haven · Post by **White Haven** » 2005-02-18 02:22pm

And micro-atx systems don't have much in the way of power requirements. Assuming it's standard, you can get a good, high-quality 300W for around 39.

Post by **LadyTevar** » 2005-02-18 02:38pm

White Haven wrote:And micro-atx systems don't have much in the way of power requirements. Assuming it's standard, you can get a good, high-quality 300W for around 39.

WH: There is a little cutout window on the powersupply. there's a red 115 inside it.

White Haven · Post by **White Haven** » 2005-02-18 03:19pm

Jebus, 115!?!

I knew eMachine shorted on PSUs, but...115?

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