Solved Computer turning off by itself

[shadow35]

Hi guys,

I'm running Windows 7 home premium on an older Compaq Presario. It has developed the habit of turning itself off just like someone pulled the plug and especially when I try to play a facebook game (every time!). I've run SFC /scannow, chkdsk, Malwarebytes, CCleaner and have McAfee. None of them came up with any problems. Speccy doesn't indicate anything is overheating (28C on the processor and 38C on the motherboard). I'm beginning to think that maybe it's a wonky power supply?


*Forgot to add - I can immediately turn it back on and it will usually work for a while before it turns itself off again.


Anyone have this problem before and if so, what was it???

 

[TechnoMage2016]

Something as simple as a bad plug on the power cord, or maybe just not fully plugged in. Any vibration could cause the PC to shut down.

Look at the simple things first, before going crazy with the highly technical stuff. Eh?
I can do the technical stuff, but I always check the simple stuff first.


Under the heading of Technical Stuff, it could even be a bad capacitor on the motherboard.
If you weren't so far away, I'd just say, "Bring it on down here and I'll check it out for you.".

 

[iko22]

Hello shadow35, welcome to seven forums.

Is the computer actually shutting down, or is it going into a sleep state?

If the machine is going into a sleep state, then it could be a power plan problem.

Otherwise, you've already nailed the culprit, it could be a problem with power supply to meet the demands of the game. So, has the graphics card ever been upgraded on the machine? It could be that a newer gpu is drawing more power than allowed by the current supply.

or it could be the supply can no longer supply steady voltage on the rails.

 

[shadow35]

No, Iko, it's not sleeping, it's totally dead just like you pulled the plug. Then when you can get it to start again it's the screen that asks if you want to start windows normally or in safe mode.


Techno, I've unplugged and replugged everything on the machine so I don't think it's anything loose.


It's only got a 250 watt supply but has been running for several years with no problems and I haven't added any hardware that would suck up any extra current. Perhaps the power supply is just old and tired??

 

[shadow35]

Well, I replaced the power supply with no change in the problems. I fear that something is wonky on the motherboard. I'm giving up and changing computers and having to move to windows 10. Many thanks for the advice guys. Have fun my friends.

 

[iko22]

Sorry to hear changing power supply had no effect. What size power output is the new PSU?

You can switch to a new computer, if you wish. However, I have a couple of other suggestions you might want to try consider, before you move on. They are a little time consuming, but they could be worth the effort:

1) Try RAM - Test with Memtest86+ . This tests the Hardware without OS involvement.

2) Try Repair Install . This repairs, or "resets", the OS, and is recommended after trying SFC /scannow. If the problem is not H/W or PSU, then take a look at the OS itself.

 

[TechnoMage2016]

Well, I replaced the power supply with no change in the problems. I fear that something is wonky on the motherboard. I'm giving up and changing computers and having to move to windows 10. Many thanks for the advice guys. Have fun my friends.

1. I wish I could have been close enough to fix that beast for you. It's what I do.



2. I wish I could be there to properly set up that new Windows 10 PC for you. That's also what I do.



But alas, I can do neither. So all I can do is wish you 'Good Luck'.


Y'all have a great Memorial Day!

 

[file3456]

I suspect it may be the motherboard as you suggested, but it could be a faulty power switch in the computer case. To rule that out you'll have to jump start the motherboard. If the computer turns on right away via jump starting, you know you have a bad power switch in the case. If not, then we can conclude it's the motherboard.


Method one: How to Jump a Motherboard Without a PWR_SW Button | GamersNexus - Gaming PC Builds & Hardware Benchmarks

Method two: How to Jump a PSU | bit-tech.net

Warning! Wear an anti-static wrest band attached to the computer chassis. Or if your electrical outlet is grounded, keep a hand on the chassis at all times.

While you're nosing around the computer. Check for any leaking or burst capacitors. They look like little water towers.

The caps you're looking for are the electrolytic. https://cdn3.volusion.com/btfzd.umflq/v/vspfiles/photos/180-2.jpg?v-cache=1567532682

Not the ceramic. https://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00FLEYUhZKECkn/Monolithic-Ceramic-Capacitor-104.jpg

 

[shadow35]

Many thanks for all the hints guys. I have found a cheap computer that will run windows 7 and (hopefully) won't cause me any more problems. You guys are all great and if I have any more problems I'll be sure to come back here again.


Everyone have a happy.

 

[RoWin7]

How about a bad CPU fan that's overheating?