Computer starts to turn on, then shuts off
 

I have a problem with an older computer (98-99) I turn it on, and it starts to turn on, and then as soon as it starts to load a little bit it turns off, The moniter stays on though. I have Tried putting in the recovery disk but the computer turns off before I get to start formatting, does anyone know what it could be? I have tried plugging it in different outlets and nothing changes.. Is it the power supply?

Re: Computer starts to turn on, then shuts off
 

It could be, but we need more information. How far does it get? What's the last message that you see before shutdown? Is it consistent?

You should also check around the back of the unit and see if the power supply fan is spinning normally (it's usually visible). If not (a common problem due to binding bearings or being clogged with dust), the PS is probably baked to death (long-term overheating) and will have to be replaced.

Re: Computer starts to turn on, then shuts off
 

It gets to where the things on startup are loading, you can see the desktop and move the mouse, then it shuts off. Now if I push the button again, it doesnt work, unless i go down on the ground, turn OFF the power strip, wait 5 seconds, then turn it back on, and the process will happen again. It seems as if the fan is spinning like it should

Re: Computer starts to turn on, then shuts off
 

That's a Windows problem you have there, then, most likely. It doesn't sound like a hardware problem at all.


Somehow, your drivers have been corrupted, or some software is trying to load which is causing Windows to have a 'seizure'. You could spend ages trying to track it down, or you could format the hard drive and install Windows again. you'd lose all your data if you did that.

Try booting Windows in 'Safe Mode' (by pressing the <F8> key while Windows is first loading) and see if it runs that way. If so, it may be recoverable.

Re: Computer starts to turn on, then shuts off
 

You don't even get to the startup? Perhaps your video card blew it...

Re: Computer starts to turn on, then shuts off
 

I have tried Formatting, it turns off in that, I have tried loading in safe mode, it turns of in that, i have tried loading in Bios (is that it?) and it turned off there... TallCool1 was trying to help but he now beleives its hardware because it doesnt run in any of those

Re: Computer starts to turn on, then shuts off
 

After this further information I'd believe it's a hardware problem as well. I'd initially thought it to be a software one, as you'd mentioned it had loaded far enough for you to view the Desktop and then froze.

You've mentioned that the fan seems to be working, but which fan?

You might mean the fan in the power unit, or you might mean a case fan. Have you checked inside the case to ensure that the fan on your processor is working? If it isn't, your processor would quickly overheat, and cause problems similar to what you describe. If the inside of the system is full of dust and clogged up, that could cause overheating problems as well.

Check inside the system case to see that all fans are actually operating.

Re: Computer starts to turn on, then shuts off
 

er if it's not always at the same point, it could be an under powered PSU, i had that problem once.

Re: Computer starts to turn on, then shuts off
 

Ah Ha, youre mobo is screwed!! simple as that, my bros pc had that.

Re: Computer starts to turn on, then shuts off
 

I too have just started to have the same problem, but my computer is pretty new.

Specs:
AMD Athlon XP 2800+
512 DDR 3200 RAM
MSI K7N2 Delta - L Mobo
40 gig HD
Radeon 8500
Windows 2000 Professsional

Power supply and processor fans are working, and I have 3 more case fans running fine as well.

When my computer shuts itself off, I have to go to the back and switch that button to off and then on before it starts up.

Also, the computer turns off at random times, and it has only made it to the startup screen once before turning off. It usually turns off at the scren that says Loading Windows press f8 or whatever for troubleshooting (The screen right before the one with the Loading WIndows 2000 Professional, and there's the color picture.) But sometimes it doesnt even get past the, ummmm, lol, omg I forgot what it's called. Umm, where it checks for the cd-rom, floppy, and HD. Anyways, that's what happens. Hopefully you can enlighten me on my problem.

Another problem that might be linked as well is for some reason when I play Call of Duty, sometimes my computer will just turn itself off. Then, after I turn it on again, if I don't play Call of Duty, my computer will fine for hours and hours. It has yet to turn off on me when I'm not playing CoD.

Well those are my problems, any help would be greatly appreciated.