Member Avatar for molson_stock

Hey Gang,

I'm pretty frustrated with my desktop. It shuts off at different time intervals with no warning. I really have no explanation. I'm running windows xp and on the off chance, I have been able to make it to my desktop view and run notepad. So far I've ruled out the power supply (and fans) and I don't think it's software related as I can run applications if it doesn't shut down. I've cleaned everything and ensured the connections are good. I've had it for 3 years and it's very reliable until now.

Any help would be appreciated. Mike

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Dani AI

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A few practical follow-ups and safe checks that complement the suggestions already posted by and the follow-up from . These focus on isolating hardware causes, safe handling, and simple validation steps so the fault can be reproduced (or definitively ruled out).

  • Minimal-boot isolation: remove all nonessential cards and drives, leave one RAM stick in the primary slot, GPU only if needed, then power up. If it stays up longer this way the fault is likely a peripheral, add items back one at a time to find the culprit.
  • Visual and board checks: inspect caps for bulging/leakage, look for scorch marks, loose screws or misplaced standoffs that could short the PCB.
  • PSU and rails: swap with a known-good unit or use a PSU tester/multimeter to verify +12V/+5V rails under load. Intermittent rail collapse often causes abrupt shutdowns.
  • Memory and storage tests: boot from a USB tool to run MemTest86 and surface-check HDD/SSD health if the system runs long enough.
  • Logs and BIOS: if you can reach Windows or BIOS, check hardware-monitor readings for temps and voltages and Event Viewer for kernel-power or thermal messages.

Safe cooler handling and mounting notes: power down, unplug and discharge residual power before working inside. Clean old thermal compound with high‑purity isopropyl alcohol on a lint‑free cloth. Apply a modest, even amount of new paste (manufacturer-recommended approach), seat the cooler squarely and tighten mounting points evenly. Avoid over-tightening; uneven pressure or a loose retention bracket commonly gives poor contact. Beware of bent CPU socket pins and ESD — if unsure, have a shop do the reseat.

After repair, validate with a monitored stress run (watch temps and voltages). If problems persist, focus next on PSU or motherboard replacement diagnostics.

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Member Avatar for bobbyraw

can you start in safe mode and check if u shut down

Member Avatar for molson_stock

I try to boot up in safe mode, but it shuts down prior to getting through the start up. When off for a long time, I can seem to get a little farther in the sequence which tells me it's overheating, but i'm blasting 3 fans at it trying to get it to run.

Member Avatar for bobbyraw

check the t-grease on the cpu. if it's flaky repace it. if u think it's heat shut down and run a fan or place close to an ac vent for 30 mn then try again. if it runs further after that it's definately a heat prob.

Member Avatar for molson_stock

it turned out the the heat sink wasn't making contact with teh processor. problem sovled.

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