Member Avatar for ggeoff

My daughter has a Dell desktop with XP Pro. It has been rather slow for no reason that I could find. Over the weekend it started to switch off for no apparent reason. The were no messages. Now it won't even boot into Windows. When it gets as far as the message windows didn't start properly . . . and I select Safe Mode or Last Know Good Configuration the computer starts to load drivers, a screen-full, then there is a click and it switches off. With the side of the case removed I can see a green light so the power is being supplied.

All the fans work. There is a problem with the keyboard socket which is a PS2 type with an adapter for USB being loose and a message comes up "keyboard error or missing keyboard" I have changed the keyboard around with the same message so plugged the keyboard into one of the rear USB ports. The computer then accepts keyboard entry. When I removed the cover over the CPU that channels fresh air in to cool the CPU I found that one of the clips that secure the CPU unit to the board had broken but the CPU unit seems very secure.

Since these modern computers can be switched off by the software I tried to boot up using my Norton Ghost CD but encounter the same problem. I don't know whether this rules out a software problem or not.

I have wondered whether there is a problem with the power supply button and think that maybe I can bypass it. But don't know how to do this.

The PC is vintage 2003 and I could just buy another one, but as usual there is useful data on it. Not only on the hard drive but also on an additional hard drive that I fitted even though there is no spare enclosure- I just used a glue gun to secure it the bottom of the case. It has worked like that for over two years, with no problems. The second hard drive has a full backup on it.

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Short, practical summary and next steps that build on the replies from , , and .

The symptoms (loose heatsink clip, system dies partway through driver/kernel load, bootable live media also dropping) strongly point to thermal protection shutting the CPU down rather than a Windows-only problem. Modern Intel CPUs will power the system off or throttle hard if the heatsink is not making good contact to prevent permanent damage. (Intel support explains the built‑in thermal protection and typical shutdown behaviour.) Intel: Determine Whether Your Computer Is Overheating.

Immediate priorities

  • Do not keep powering the machine on with the heatsink loose — repeated thermal trips can kill the CPU or motherboard sensor.
  • Rescue the drives first if data is required. Remove the drives (power off, unplug, ground yourself) and read them on a working PC with a powered SATA‑to‑USB dock or a USB‑SATA adapter/enclosure (3.5" drives require an external power supply). This is the fastest way to guarantee data recovery before any repair attempts. Tom's Hardware: external drive/enclosure guidance.

Repair options (practical)

  • The Dimension 2350 uses a socket‑style retention/bracket that becomes brittle; replacing the retention bracket or the whole OEM heatsink/fan assembly is the correct fix. Common replacement part listings for the 2350 show OEM heatsink and clip assemblies (example part numbers and vendors). If the bracket is replaced, clean old thermal compound and apply fresh TIM when re‑seating the heatsink. Example Dell part listings for Dimension 2350 heatsinks/clip assemblies. Dell community posts also point to the Dimension 2400/2350 service manual for disassembly/retainer details. Dell community / service manual pointers.

How to reassemble safely

  • When replacing the bracket/heatsink, remove old paste with isopropyl alcohol, follow a standard thin application of new thermal paste, and ensure the clip/bracket holds the heatsink flat and tight. iFixit has a clear step‑by‑step guide for cleaning and applying thermal compound. If uncertain about the mechanical repair, hand the board+drive to a local repair shop — recovering data first (as above) preserves the most important assets. iFixit: How to apply thermal paste.

In short: was right to flag the heatsink clip as likely root cause; ’s live‑media test narrowed it to hardware; ’s suggestion to extract the drives is the correct first move for data safety. Replace the retention bracket/heatsink and reapply thermal paste, or remove the drives and use an external dock to copy the files before further repair.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for uniquestar

Try Seeing if Knoppix will boot, then you can decide on Hardware / Firmware

commented: I learnt a new way of solving a PC problem +1
Member Avatar for Oneder

The broken clip you mentioned.

If it is a clip that belongs to the heatsink which clamps it firmly on to the cpu then it is an overheating problem.

Member Avatar for ggeoff

Try Seeing if Knoppix will boot, then you can decide on Hardware / Firmware

Thanks for that advice. I have now tried it and Knoppix loads the splash screen then when I press enter the computer switches off. I have tried again and this time pressed F2 for boot options the DOS type screen displays and the system stays up and running but then switches off as before.

Next try: allowed the Splash screen to display longer before hitting Enter. Linus started to load then after a screen full of technical stuff it switched off again.

Last try: accessed Boot Options on the Dell by pressing F12. Set to boot first from CD Rom. Knoppix opening screen as before alloed it run then pressed Enter the machine switched off. Tried once more. Saw a message about 'passing an undefined Mode Number something to do with video? set the video to 0 and then Linux started loading but switched off shortly after.

Does this mean that it is a hardware problem and only a hardware problem?

Member Avatar for uniquestar


Does this mean that it is a hardware problem and only a hardware problem?

Yep, probably the cpu overheating as mentioned by Oneder.

Member Avatar for ggeoff

The broken clip you mentioned.

If it is a clip that belongs to the heatsink which clamps it firmly on to the cpu then it is an overheating problem.

Thanks. Yes the heatsink can be pulled up with little effort. The plastic lug that secures the clip has broken. Could this be replaced? I can't see any easy way to hold the heatsink down

Member Avatar for ggeoff

Is the CPU likely to be damaged? It also possibly explains why the machine has been running so slowly.

Member Avatar for Oneder

You will have to go to PC store to see if it can be replaced.If not then a new unit will be needed.

Shouldn't be too expensive and don't forget the heatsink paste.

Member Avatar for ggeoff

Too many problems to mess with, especially the loose CPU clip.
Get a new computer.
Removing the data and transferring is very simple with the right adapters:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2477926&CatId=470
(USB/IDE/SATA adapter)

Thanks for the advice. I live in England so I found another source:http://www.techfocus.co.uk/USB-Adapters-Dongles/TFA12.htm
Usual Rip Off Britain prices though 1£=1$ although for UK prices Techfocus is good value. This device will be invaluable if I do decide to scrap the machine.

Thanks once again

Member Avatar for ggeoff

You will have to go to PC store to see if it can be replaced.If not then a new unit will be needed.

Shouldn't be too expensive and don't forget the heatsink paste.

Thanks Oneder with Hughv's advice as I am now a lot happier!!

Member Avatar for hughv

You're welcome. I've found these things very useful. You can find them with adapters that fit laptop hards drives also.

Member Avatar for ggeoff

Hi folks, I have had to buy a new PC it is a Vista machine. I will look for a new heatsink mounting bracket as probably the PC will be ok or maybe I will need to get another processor.

since I have to learn how to transfer data files to the Vista machine I have posted a new thread: http://www.daniweb.com/forums/post515793-1.html
for help with this

Geoff

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