Computer Shuts Down

[CsrLiz344]

I searched, and didn't find a match.

emachines, XP sp2

After only being on for a few minutes, it just shuts down. Will not turn back on unless I pull the power cord from the back and let it sit for at least 30 seconds-then it shuts back down again.

Suggestions/ideas??

[sultan_emerr]

I searched, and didn't find a match.

emachines, XP sp2

After only being on for a few minutes, it just shuts down. Will not turn back on unless I pull the power cord from the back and let it sit for at least 30 seconds-then it shuts back down again.

Suggestions/ideas??

Random restarts/reboots/resets/crashes/freezes could be due to several reasons, including overheating, RAM, hardware issues, etc.

Try rebooting(restarting) in safe mode = http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm , then go to control panel/ system / advanced Tab/ startup and recovery box/ settings button/ sytem failure and uncheck "restart on system failure" ( take the check out of automatically restart box ) , and check the Write a system event, and the Admin alert boxes (check "send admin alert"). This will force a BSOD on the next crash (freezes/restarts = crashing) that posts the Stop Error Code. On the next crash write down the exact Stop Error Code and post that exact error in Yahoo and/or Google search, and in the MS Support Knowledge Base (KB) = to check it out.-

http://support.microsoft.com/search/?adv=1 + http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316416

Also go to your device manager (devmgmt.msc) and check the properties and look for anything suspicious and check that the settings are where they should be. Events and Errors Message Center = http://www.microsoft.com/technet/support/ee/ee_basic.aspx

Check:

1. Overheating(Open the case and check to see how much dust has collected inside it, and if there is alot of dust get a can of compressed air and blow the dust out and clean out all dust bunnies, etc. on the heatsink/fan combo,etc.; and be sure all the fans are spinning and properly functioning ). Install diagonstic tools like MotherboardMonitor= http://mbm.livewiredev.com or Everest = http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html , and check the tempurature.

2. Poor power supply (weak power supply or noisey / dirty electricity). If possible, swap the RAM and Power Supply (PSU) around with another computer.

3. Bad driver or drivers not updated, or a device conflict. Pull the connectors and push them back on. Reseat all of the cards. RightClick - my comp/properties/select the hardware tab/click device manager/see if there are any "!" next to anything. Try updating the drivers from the manufacturers' websites.

4. Not enough memory or bad Ram. You might need to add more Ram. Missmatched ram or a bad stick of ram will cause this also. Try reseating and or swaping the ram sticks. Make sure they are seated/snaped in firmly.

Run Memtest86: = http://www.memtest.org

and

FREE RAM Diagnostic Tool. - CST Inc.s DOS based DocMemory = http://bucarotechelp.com/computers/default.asp .

5. Could be IRQ conflict

6. Perhaps the CMOS battery on the motherboard is going bad and needs to be replaced. Check it to be sure.

Also check your pc clock's time and day, to be sure it is set correctly.

7. Hard drive could be failing.

8 Right click desktop/properties/screen saver/Power/Hibernate tab ,and make sure hibernation is not enabled, and cleann out your Cache & Cookies & Temporary Internet Files and Folder: = http://www.coloarts.state.co.us/cleanFiles.asp[/L]

9. Make sure you have updated all programs and hadrdware.

10. Motheboard short (loose screw, misplaced mounting standoff , etc.)

[shanenin]

I would guess the highest probability would be overheating. It could be a dust buildup, or maybe a bad fan. You should watch and listen to the computer with the side off. You may be able to tell if any of your fans are bad.

[TheTerrorist_75]

Many Emachines used crappy power supplies from Bestec. That is one of the usual symptons of those lousy PSUs. Sometimes when they fail they take the motherboard with them.

[CsrLiz344]

Many Emachines used crappy power supplies from Bestec. That is one of the usual symptons of those lousy PSUs. Sometimes when they fail they take the motherboard with them.

That has happened before withthis one. The motherboard has actually been replaced twice-once from the original power supply, and the second time from the replacement which was bad, so they re-replaced it free. But, then it didn't come on at all, so I'm not thinking that's it.

I'm gonna take it apart and clean it, see if that helps before I move on to the rest of the suggestions.

Edited April 16, 2008 by CsrLiz344

[CsrLiz344]

Ok, now it's totally dead, so I can't do anything.

DH lost his job 3 weeks ago, so if it is the power supply, I'm just gonna take out the hard drive, add it to this one, and give the rest away.

[Tootsdog9]

Ok, now it's totally dead, so I can't do anything.

DH lost his job 3 weeks ago, so if it is the power supply, I'm just gonna take out the hard drive, add it to this one, and give the rest away.

Last E-machine I worked on not only had the Bestec psu fail but it also took out the motherboard, dvd and cd player along with the keyboard all from just turning it on in the morning. Bestec has the wrong name for sure!

[Pete_C]

I searched, and didn't find a match.

emachines, XP sp2

After only being on for a few minutes, it just shuts down. Will not turn back on unless I pull the power cord from the back and let it sit for at least 30 seconds-then it shuts back down again.

Suggestions/ideas??

That unplugging the power cord is the only solution makes me very strongly suspect that the power supply is bad.

That it is an Emachines having this problem makes me even more confident that this is the probable cause.