My Computer Is Fubar

JimmehJimmeh Join Date: 2003-08-24 Member: 20173Members, Constellation
Hi,

My computer just... won't work. Turn it on, everything seems fine, Windows XP logo pops up and completes, monitor clicks like the user screen is going to come up, then i just restarts <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/confused.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused.gif' /><!--endemo--> Anyone ever heard of something like this before?

Specs:

Windows XP Home
Athlon 2400+ XP
Radeon 9200 SE
512mb DDR Ram (don't know what speed)
Don't know motherboard.

Can't be a virus because it's never been connected to the internet and i've never installed anything on it apart from games (legit games).

Any ideas? Help would be greatly appreciated. Was working fine for a few weeks, then i left it for a week and now it won't work =\

-Jimmeh

Comments

  • CyndaneCyndane Join Date: 2003-11-15 Member: 22913Members
    The computer just restarts when it begins to boot up?

    If that is the case.. I would just reinstall the OS.. that usually fixes it. :-)

    Keep in mind I am NOT the best authority when it comes to computer issues.
  • ThansalThansal The New Scum Join Date: 2002-08-22 Member: 1215Members, Constellation
    sounds like heat actualy

    try:

    opening your case
    pointing a boxfan directly at it
    cleaning oyur fans (compressed air = fun)
    if you have a carpet, lift it off (try wood blocks or books)
    cool the room down.


    Also try stsrting in safe mode
  • JimmehJimmeh Join Date: 2003-08-24 Member: 20173Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin-Thansal+Jun 7 2004, 06:22 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Thansal @ Jun 7 2004, 06:22 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> sounds like heat actualy

    try:

    opening your case
    pointing a boxfan directly at it
    cleaning oyur fans (compressed air = fun)
    if you have a carpet, lift it off (try wood blocks or books)
    cool the room down.


    Also try stsrting in safe mode <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Tryed safe mode before,
    I cant do any of those things to do with heat because i'm a noob, however i doubt it's heat because it seems to happen at the same time each time =\
  • ThansalThansal The New Scum Join Date: 2002-08-22 Member: 1215Members, Constellation
    Jimmeh: that could just be b/c that is the amount of time it takes to get to over heating (I had that for a while)

    and all of those things are simple

    you can open your case (look on the back for screws)
    just take a fan you have in your house (or lots of fans) and point em right at it.
  • SpoogeSpooge Thunderbolt missile in your cheerios Join Date: 2002-01-25 Member: 67Members
    I've had this problem in the past with both my desktop and the GF's laptop.

    Try reseating the RAM. If applicable, try using one stick at a time.
  • JimmehJimmeh Join Date: 2003-08-24 Member: 20173Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin-Thansal+Jun 7 2004, 06:26 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Thansal @ Jun 7 2004, 06:26 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Jimmeh: that could just be b/c that is the amount of time it takes to get to over heating (I had that for a while)

    and all of those things are simple

    you can open your case (look on the back for screws)
    just take a fan you have in your house (or lots of fans) and point em right at it. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Problem is we have <b>no</b> fans in the house. And i'm too scared to clean out the fan because knowing me i'd brake something ¬_¬

    Spooge : I'll try that as soon as i get some spare ram.
  • SpoogeSpooge Thunderbolt missile in your cheerios Join Date: 2002-01-25 Member: 67Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-Jimmeh+Jun 7 2004, 12:29 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Jimmeh @ Jun 7 2004, 12:29 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I'll try that as soon as i get some spare ram. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Try it with the existing stuff. I can't give a specific reason why, but it did the trick for me (twice even <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif' /><!--endemo-->)
  • JimmehJimmeh Join Date: 2003-08-24 Member: 20173Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin-Spooge+Jun 7 2004, 06:34 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Spooge @ Jun 7 2004, 06:34 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin-Jimmeh+Jun 7 2004, 12:29 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Jimmeh @ Jun 7 2004, 12:29 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I'll try that as soon as i get some spare ram. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Try it with the existing stuff. I can't give a specific reason why, but it did the trick for me (twice even <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif' /><!--endemo-->) <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Only one stick of RAM in there <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • SpoogeSpooge Thunderbolt missile in your cheerios Join Date: 2002-01-25 Member: 67Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-Jimmeh+Jun 7 2004, 12:36 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Jimmeh @ Jun 7 2004, 12:36 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin-Spooge+Jun 7 2004, 06:34 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Spooge @ Jun 7 2004, 06:34 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin-Jimmeh+Jun 7 2004, 12:29 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Jimmeh @ Jun 7 2004, 12:29 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I'll try that as soon as i get some spare ram. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Try it with the existing stuff. I can't give a specific reason why, but it did the trick for me (twice even <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif' /><!--endemo-->) <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Only one stick of RAM in there <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Try moving it to another slot then. And stop procrastinating! We want your machine fixed now! Hurry!

    j/k <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • JimmehJimmeh Join Date: 2003-08-24 Member: 20173Members, Constellation
    One last quesiton, how do i remove all this static electricity ness so i dont screw my computer up ?
  • SpoogeSpooge Thunderbolt missile in your cheerios Join Date: 2002-01-25 Member: 67Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-Jimmeh+Jun 7 2004, 12:41 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Jimmeh @ Jun 7 2004, 12:41 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> One last quesiton, how do i remove all this static electricity ness so i dont screw my computer up ? <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Don't place your machine on the shag carpet and open it while wearing socks.
    Try to keep contact with the frame of the case.
    Generally just apply some common sense and you'll do fine.
  • Cold_NiTeCold_NiTe Join Date: 2003-09-15 Member: 20875Members
    You could be missing an important windows .dll file! I know mine did that to me for a while after I changed to a custom bootscreens. (The file was noskernal.dll)

    Other than that, I've no idea. Don't think it is hardware though, if it makes it that far.
  • NecroticNecrotic Big Girl&#39;s Blouse Join Date: 2002-01-25 Member: 53Members, NS1 Playtester
    Whilst you've got the case open just have a quick check that everything "looks" right, is the CPU heatsink seated right? Is its fan working? If the computer restarts itself then it doesn't honeslty sound like a heat problem, at least not with the CPU..computers tend to turn themselves off permenantly if the CPU overheats but its worth a check.
    And you definately haven't changed any settings recently? Has anyone else?
  • JimmehJimmeh Join Date: 2003-08-24 Member: 20173Members, Constellation
    edited June 2004
    <!--QuoteBegin-Cold-NiTe+Jun 7 2004, 07:07 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Cold-NiTe @ Jun 7 2004, 07:07 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> You could be missing an important windows .dll file!  I know mine did that to me  for a while after I changed to a custom bootscreens. (The file was noskernal.dll)

    Other than that, I've no idea.  Don't think it is hardware though, if it makes it that far. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I thought that =\

    Spooge : Followed your advice, turns out i have two sticks of 256mb.

    Any way, removed one stick, turned on PC, same problem.

    Swapped sticks, computer fails to load at all. Lights come on but nothing happens.

    Same with both sticks in.

    Think i fryed my motherboard.

    EDIT:

    Necrotic - Everything looked fine. No one uses the PC except me, and i haven't changed any settings.

    Why would it work for ages, then not work all of a sudden though?
  • XythXyth Avatar Join Date: 2003-11-04 Member: 22312Members
    You have a dead harddrive if you ask me. If it's a farely old computer, then your harddrive might just have bit the dust. An old 900 mhz I've had around for like 3-4 years bit it a month ago.

    Try this: take you hardrive out and stick it in another computer you know works, then see if it will boot. If it starts up fine, then you could have another problem. If it dosen't start up, well then you know.
  • HellbillyHellbilly A whole title out of pity... Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 3931Members, NS1 Playtester, Constellation
    PC's just have a mind of their own. I've been trying to help my mom fix her PC. She has the abnormal problem of when everytime she prints, the PC shuts down instantly, always when she's half way through the first page. <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/confused.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • RetalesRetales Panigg cultist Join Date: 2003-08-07 Member: 19180Members
    I think it would be wiser to keep the case shut, just to avoid even more problems. If it's open, dust can get in easier, which can cause problems. Also the computer is more vulnerable to other 'environmental hazards' (= coffee, small children etc. etc.). And air flows better with the case closed.

    [Note] I actually don't know much about these things. I just happened to know (or I believe I know) these particular things, because I had picked them up somewhere
  • CommunistWithAGunCommunistWithAGun Local Propaganda Guy Join Date: 2003-04-30 Member: 15953Members
    Mine was doing the same thing about...6 months ago. Turned out the HD IDE cable wasn't secured into the mobo fully, must have jiggled loose slowly.
  • CyndaneCyndane Join Date: 2003-11-15 Member: 22913Members
    Yes.. Cwag gets a little emotional with his computer sometimes, hence the jiggling. :-)
  • raz0rraz0r Join Date: 2003-07-24 Member: 18395Members
    I have absolutely no experience/knowledge in this kind of thing.

    If my computer gets borked, and it still boots up, i can fix it, but if it weon't boot up, i kick it a few times, and then take it as a n excuse for my parents to buy me a decent PC
  • NecroticNecrotic Big Girl&#39;s Blouse Join Date: 2002-01-25 Member: 53Members, NS1 Playtester
    <!--QuoteBegin-Retales+Jun 7 2004, 06:56 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Retales @ Jun 7 2004, 06:56 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I think it would be wiser to keep the case shut, just to avoid even more problems. If it's open, dust can get in easier, which can cause problems. Also the computer is more vulnerable to other 'environmental hazards' (= coffee, small children etc. etc.). And air flows better with the case closed. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    /me indicates perfectly working sideless computer sat on his desk

    Jimmeh it was what you said about "leaving it for a week" that got me thinking that you should ask anyone around if they used your computer at all.

    -Is your computer failing to boot at all now?
  • JimmehJimmeh Join Date: 2003-08-24 Member: 20173Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin-Necrotic+Jun 7 2004, 08:51 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Necrotic @ Jun 7 2004, 08:51 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin-Retales+Jun 7 2004, 06:56 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Retales @ Jun 7 2004, 06:56 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I think it would be wiser to keep the case shut, just to avoid even more problems. If it's open, dust can get in easier, which can cause problems. Also the computer is more vulnerable to other 'environmental hazards' (= coffee, small children etc. etc.). And air flows better with the case closed. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    /me indicates perfectly working sideless computer sat on his desk

    Jimmeh it was what you said about "leaving it for a week" that got me thinking that you should ask anyone around if they used your computer at all.

    -Is your computer failing to boot at all now? <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Lights turn on computer, fan whirs, doesn't actually load though. Motherboard doesn't even beep :'(
  • [WHO]Them[WHO]Them You can call me Dave Join Date: 2002-12-11 Member: 10593Members, Constellation
    I once had the EXACT same symptoms of your original problem. My PC would boot up fine, get to xp, load up xp, but right as it was finishing getting all my startup system tray icons in place it would just reboot.

    I never found out the exact cause, but the problem started when I moved my computer to another room without a UPS, and the problem stopped when I moved it back to my room and onto the UPS.
  • JimmehJimmeh Join Date: 2003-08-24 Member: 20173Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin-[WHO]Them+Jun 7 2004, 09:03 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> ([WHO]Them @ Jun 7 2004, 09:03 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I once had the EXACT same symptoms of your original problem. My PC would boot up fine, get to xp, load up xp, but right as it was finishing getting all my startup system tray icons in place it would just reboot.

    I never found out the exact cause, but the problem started when I moved my computer to another room without a UPS, and the problem stopped when I moved it back to my room and onto the UPS. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Thing is, i'm not even getting to the user select screen =\
  • [WHO]Them[WHO]Them You can call me Dave Join Date: 2002-12-11 Member: 10593Members, Constellation
    Mine used auto-login and the classical style (instead of those stupid clickable icons).

    It's possible that the part that causes the system to reboot is in another thread and the timing is roughly the same.
  • ironpancakeironpancake Join Date: 2003-05-23 Member: 16643Members
    Have you tried restarting?



















    Just kidding

    but yeah leaving your computer open shouldn't harm your computer in any way. And if you think about it, it shouldn't let in more dust because the fan is already sucking dust/air into the inside.

    No idea how to fix your problem though. wish i could help <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' /><!--endemo-->
  • AlcapwnAlcapwn &quot;War is the science of destruction&quot; - John Abbot Join Date: 2003-06-21 Member: 17590Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-Hellbilly+Jun 7 2004, 01:56 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Hellbilly @ Jun 7 2004, 01:56 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> PC's just have a mind of their own. I've been trying to help my mom fix her PC. She has the abnormal problem of when everytime she prints, the PC shuts down instantly, always when she's half way through the first page. <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/confused.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    yes they do...

    i remember when i didnt have a network card yet, iy used to have my cable modem hooked up threw a usb cable.

    Sometimes i would be getting a serverlist and the comp would just decide to take a break and restart =/

    i didnt know it at the time, but it was my usb connection to my cable modem. fixed now since i got a network card.

    The lesson for reading this? This story has nothing at all to do with Jimmeh's problem.
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