Member Avatar for Giorgi

OK, this has become real challange for me as I tried almost anything, now I am out of ideas...

The story:
It is my friend's old P3 comp, Runs on SOYO SY-7VBA133 mainboard, one small RAM stick, integrated everything, and small HDD.

The problem:
The PC was working perfectly untill now, then it suddenlly started restarting itself while in Windows... then it started to happen more frequently, then freezing during boot-up, and restarting and so on.

What I tried untill now:

1. formatting... restarts during set-up
2. Resetting BIOS with jumper and battery + removing cable - same problem
3. flashing BIOS - did not help, when I go to BIOS screen it shows same old version number of bios.
4. inspecting part-by-part - it says RAM, HDD are both OK.
5. Various things such as switching power to 220 Volts and back, cleaning fans etc, etc.

Now I am out of ideas and dont know why it still restarts itself and why I cant flas bios...

any suggestions? Thank you in advance

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by fren

Dani AI

Generated

Short, practical next steps and likely causes for the symptoms described by . ’s PSU-swap idea is the right priority — random restarts while loading Windows and during setup are almost always hardware, not software.

  • First triage (do this in order): 1) Swap in a known-good PSU (or bench supply) and try a minimal build (CPU, one RAM stick, no drives or cards). 2) Inspect the motherboard visually around the CPU/VRM area for bulging/leaking capacitors or scorch marks. 3) Try booting to a minimal DOS/floppy/USB environment and run the vendor BIOS flasher (not the Windows flasher) if you must attempt updating again. These steps isolate power issues, motherboard faults, and flashing method problems quickly.
  • Why the PSU first: failing PSUs produce the exact behavior reported (sudden reboots, failures under load). Measure the 12V/5V/3.3V rails under load or just swap with a known-good unit to confirm. See general PSU background here: Power supply unit.
  • Motherboard hardware clues: electrolytic caps and VRM parts on older boards fail and cause instability. Look for swollen caps or leakage and cold solder joints. Learn common capacitor failure modes here: Electrolytic capacitor — failure modes.
  • Why BIOS won’t update: common causes are using the wrong file/flasher, a write-protect jumper, or a damaged EEPROM/boot block. Use the vendor’s DOS flasher and correct ROM image. If that still fails, the BIOS chip may be corrupt and needs an external programmer or replacement — an advanced, last-resort option. General BIOS info: BIOS.

If the PSU swap and a clean minimal boot don’t help, the next practical step is replacing the motherboard (older P3 boards are often cheaper to replace than to repair). Handle the board and BIOS chip carefully and observe anti-static and power safety precautions.

Recommended Answers

All 4 Replies

Member Avatar for fren

Try to change your ram with the same speed. Where did you test your memory stick?

Have you tried to change the power supply?

Member Avatar for Giorgi

Try to change your ram with the same speed. Where did you test your memory stick?

Have you tried to change the power supply?

1. I tested it on another machine
2. powe supply? you mean the cable or block itself?

Member Avatar for fren

The power supply unit or box.

Member Avatar for fren

What I mean is test your system with a known good power supply.

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