Computer Randomly crashing

Hey guys. So I've been dealing with this issue for a while now. I got the point where I said muck it and went to my laptop for months and just ingnored the issue but now I'm really wanting to get it fixed. The problem is my computer crashes on me randomly. There's been a lot done leading to where I'm at now so I'll explain what I've done so far.

- Computer was showing a blank screen. ( replaced video card ). Turns out the monitor died on me at the same time. ( replaced monitor ).

- Image came back on screen and was able to run everything normally.
( Computer crashes )

- Tested computer in different room to see is power bar was faulty ( still crashes )

- Did a complete format of the HD and reinstalled windows. I'd run a lot of virus scans etc and cleared out a ton of junk from my HD previous to getting to this step and nothing seemed to work.

- Finally new windows installed. logged in. Crashed...

- Tested both(2x) 2gb ram sticks individually and in different slots while running windows memory diagnostic. Diagnostic made it past 50% both times then crashed ( ruled out bad ram / bad ram slots ).

- Ran windows memory diagnostic with HD unplugged. Crashed around 50% again.
Switched around sata cables from HD.

- Ran crystal disk info to check HD ( Caution message with 1 bad sector located )

- CPU temp hovering around 65-68 degrees.

At this point I'm not sure what the problem could be but I'm leaning towards the mother board being mucked or the power supply. Could also be the CPU though? the fans in my case are running and this continues to happen even with the sides of the case off giving lots of cool air. My next steps are to do a good dusting of processor / ps fan. I don't think its a dust issue but maybe it could be a bit cooler. Anyone have any advide on where I should go from here? I usually just throw money at the problem but If I can find out what the problem is exactly maybe I can save a few bucks. Thanks and looking forward to your replies.

PS. windows has yet to crash in safe mode..

Also.. my computer is on carpet flooring. Sometimes when I step near or around the it will randomly power off. if the dog walks neat it she might randomly reset it also. Computer never blue screens just either resets or goes completely off.

just a little update. cleaned fans out, ran core temp and still getting same readings. Still crashes.

took both sticks of ram out. heard 3 beep pattern so I put the ram back in.

currently running in safe mode with networking..

Computer crashed in safe mode for the first time. Definitely looking at a hardware issue here?
Motherboard, HD, Power Supply? How should I proceed?

Error came up while booting. CMOS checksum error.. I reset the cmos.. computer still crashing

Computer crashes after entering set up mode. Ran set up with HD removed and crashed..

At this point I guess it's between the power supply, processor ( maybe? ) or the motherboard...

Bored.. cleaning power supply. it was the last thing I replaced on the computer and it was handed down by a friend. It could be dusty.

Fan was not even dusty >.<

Really wish I had another power supply to try out...

Update* - I'm done for now. I don't know what else to do on my end. I'm thinking If I have to replace one component I might as well replace the other.( Assuming the problem is either the Power Supply or the Motherboard ).Is there any chance this could be my processor ?

Also.. my computer is on carpet flooring. Sometimes when I step near or around the it will randomly power off. if the dog walks neat it she might randomly reset it also. Computer never blue screens just either resets or goes completely off.

This is likely the cause of your problem right there. If the dog can reset the computer by walking by it, you have a static electricity problem, and it has probably damaged your system to the point that it is unreliable now. If the dog can do it, you sitting beside the computer and moving your feet or chair on the carpet can definitely do it.

My suggestion: The motherboard and processor are probably damaged and may have to be replaced. Get the computer up off the carpeted floor and onto a desk where it is less susceptible to static electricity. It will be less dusty that way too.

Incidentally, the memory tester in Windows is not that great. A better memory test is performed by Memtest86+. You can get it from here:

Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

Mellon Head said:

Also.. my computer is on carpet flooring. Sometimes when I step near or around the it will randomly power off. if the dog walks neat it she might randomly reset it also. Computer never blue screens just either resets or goes completely off.

This is likely the cause of your problem right there. If the dog can reset the computer by walking by it, you have a static electricity problem, and it has probably damaged your system to the point that it is unreliable now. If the dog can do it, you sitting beside the computer and moving your feet or chair on the carpet can definitely do it.

My suggestion: The motherboard and processor are probably damaged and may have to be replaced. Get the computer up off the carpeted floor and onto a desk where it is less susceptible to static electricity. It will be less dusty that way too.

Incidentally, the memory tester in Windows is not that great. A better memory test is performed by Memtest86+. You can get it from here:

Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

Good call Mellon Head.
Very good possibility it's static electricity. Also could be the dog is moving the power cable to the power supply. A poor connection their is possible.

I don't know what the paper clip test is, but I would avoid doing any tests which involve static electricity, just to prove a point. It sounds as though the system has been badly damaged enough already, if it will not run more than a couple of minutes at a time. You don't want to do any more damage to your system as it may take out the hard disks.

Computers are extremely susceptible to electro static damage (ESD). It doesn't take much of a jolt to do serious damage. Especially to RAM or to a CPU.

Put your system on the kitchen table, or somewhere with no carpet, and see if it runs there. Let us know how it goes.