New guy, with a big problem

[JFortner5]

I am hoping I can find some help from this forum. I have an eMachines computer that was new this past Christmas. It has been great so far. It has Windows 7 64-bit, a Dual Core E5300 @ 2.6ghz, 4GB RAM, 750GB HD, and I added an nVidia GeForce GT220.

Sometime last week, Wednesday or Thursday I think, is when the problem started. One night as I was turning the computer off, it said that it was going to install updates before it shutdown. I turned the monitor off and went to bed. The next morning my wife turned the computer on, and it said that it did not shutdown properly and asked whether to boot up in safe mode or start normally. She started it normally and then it began. After about 5-10 minutes, the computer just turned off. It did not shut down, it was like it was unplugged from the wall. She turned it back on and it did it again after the same amount of time.

I thought maybe one of the fans or heatsinks had a lot of dust, so I took the cover off and checked it out and it looks good. I blew it out anyway and put it back together and the problem is still there. I took my video card out to see if maybe it had something to do with it, but I still have the same problem.

I don't think it is heat related, because when the computer turns off, I can turn it right back on. Sometimes it stays on 5 minutes, the other day it stayed on for nearly an hour. It doesn't matter whether the computer is just sitting idle, or if I am doing something.

Sorry that this got a little long, but I wanted to give as much information as possible. This is really frustrating me. I really think that it had something to do with the update that happened. We did a system restore, but I'm not sure if that will undo an update or not. It didn't help so who knows.

Thank you for any help,

Joey

 

[richc46]

One step at a time. Try to boot in safe mode.

When we see If that works, we can try a clean boot, to find the exact problem.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

 

[JFortner5]

Wow that was fast.

I forgot to mention, I did that too. I also booted it up into BIOS to look at the temperatures, and it did it then too. It seems like the highest the CPU temp ever got before it turned off was 33* C

 

[richc46]

I put some new information. Try clean boot.

If we cannot find the problem, we will solve with a system restore.

 

[electrotune1200]

Did you by any chance upgrade your PSU (Power Supply Unit) before you installed the Nvidia card?

I'm wondering if you were drawing too much power than the PSU could handle.

 

[JFortner5]

I did not, the factory one is a 250w which I know isn't a whole lot. My card said it would work with a 250w PSU, but I won't rule it out yet.

I am using a laptop to post all of this, but I did a clean boot about 10 minutes ago and it is still going with everything disabled.

Nevermind, it just turned off. :devil:

 

[richc46]

Can you do a system restore from before the updates? Frequently, when there are many updates that require a boot, there are problems.

 

[JFortner5]

Can you do a system restore from before the updates? Frequently, when there are many updates that require a boot, there are problems.

We tried that already, but I can try again.

 

[ken9122]

Sure sounds like the PSU. You need more than 250w to run all that hardware.

Ken

 

[madtownidiot]

No, it's not a software issue.. computers don't shut off like that because of a software problem. Its a power issue, and you should upgrade to at least a 400 watt power supply. NEVER use only the minimum recommended PSU for a graphics card, especially when you can get an adequate power supply for less than $40.

 

[JFortner5]

No, it's not a software issue.. computers don't shut off like that because of a software problem. Its a power issue, and you should upgrade to at least a 400 watt power supply. NEVER use only the minimum recommended PSU for a graphics card, especially when you can get an adequate power supply for less than $40.

I'm not trying to argue, I am definitely open for suggestions. But, I put that card in the second day I had this thing, and it has been flawless for 8 months. Can PSU issues just come out of the blue like that?

 

[richc46]

Bottom line, it does sound like PSU, but your description seems to put the blame on the updates, which quite often go wrong when there are many.

 

[madtownidiot]

I wasn't arguing with anyone, just making a definitive statement. Power supplies that run too close to their maximum capacity tend to degrade much faster than normal, so it can start to cause problems seemingly out of the blue, and it will only get worse..

 

[ken9122]

That PSU was probably about to go south soon. The updates just pushed it over the cliff.

Ken

 

[JFortner5]

It could just be pure coincidence. I just tried a system restore, but it turned off before I could do it.

I think I've had enough for one night. I need to go to bed anyway. I really appreciate everyone's help. I'll try to do a system restore tomorrow when I get home from work just for the hell of it.

One more thing, I don't know if this changes your diagnosis, but I do not have the video card in right now. Im using the integrated graphics until I get this thing fixed.

 

[JFortner5]

I wasn't arguing with anyone, just making a definitive statement. Power supplies that run too close to their maximum capacity tend to degrade much faster than normal, so it can start to cause problems seemingly out of the blue, and it will only get worse..

I didn't mean it like that, I just didn't want you to think I thought you were wrong or something and that I am open to any help.

I just need to figure out how to install one now and what to buy.

 

[madtownidiot]

I can help with that, just give me the model # of your system and a few minutes to do some research

 

[electrotune1200]

If there was damage done to the PSU, it's already done.

I'm not too knowledgeable about how power supplies work, but I do know once they are pushed to the edge, these symptoms happen.

On another note, does your power supply have a fan for cooling? Maybe the fan was overworked and just decided to quit.

 

[madtownidiot]

Picking a PSU and installing it is relatively simple even for someone who's never done it, so long as you get the right type. Still waiting for the model # as some eMachines use ATX cases and others use ATX12, which are similar but not interchangeable

edit: According to Nvidia.com, a GT 220 requires a minimum of 300 watts, and I would recommend getting a 600 watt PSU

As for installing a PSU for the 1st time:
remove the screws that hold the power supply in place so that you can eventually remove it, but don't disconnect anything yet.

Make sure the PSU has all the correct connectors by matching them

Then one by one, disconnect each lead from the from the old PSU and connect a matching lead from the new one in its place before going on to the next one. That way you can be sure everything is connected properly, and don't let wires from the old PSU get tangled with those from its replacement. don't forget to connect power to the graphics card too. When you're sure you have everything connected, try powering up the system for a few minutes before you close the case.

If it looks like a mess, try using twist ties to neatly organize the wires and keep them out of the way.. good luck

 

[gregrocker]

It could just be pure coincidence. I just tried a system restore, but it turned off before I could do it.

Do the System Restore from booted Win7 DVD Repair console or Repair CD. You need a Repair CD anyway in case it won't boot.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html

Get back before the Updates to know for sure they aren't causing this.

Next check the Event Viewer>Admin view for repeat errors, then the Performance-Diagnostics log for events logged at time of power fail. Click through WEI score link at Computer>Properties to Advanced Tools to access Performance Log, look for cued issues, and Generate a System Health Report.