Computer Keeps shutting off randomly

[Pc Fixed Right]

Got a gateway machine in because it keeps shutting down randomly.

First I checked the hard drive for cross linked files bad sectors etc.
Sure enough there were bad sectors.

So I replaced the hard drive installed Windows Xp Media Center 2005.
After the fresh install the computer shuts off when it attempts to load the windows splash screen.

I than replaced the power supply thinking that was the issue but the issue remains the same. Instead of turning off randomly it now shuts of only when the windows splash screen comes up. Keep in mind this is a fresh install.

I dont see any bad capcitors on the board. I have tested the memory that also works fine. I have checked the cpu temperature its fine.

I dont get it

I also have a HP A720 desktop with the same exact problem. Is it something I am doing or Missing?

 

[nonchalant]

Does it shutdown if you try to boot into SafeMode? If yes, you may have a driver issue. If no, you may have a faulty board. Try disconnecting everything except CPU, I stick of RAM, and HDD.

 

[NYJimbo]

What software did you use to check the ram. Some people are still using memtest86 instead of memtest86+. Believe it or not there is a big difference between the two. We have seen machines come in that show errors with memtest86+ that the customer could not find with memtest86.

 

[koonter]

if you display your drivers instead of the loading splash screen, you might be able to see what driver is causing the problem

 

[7leaves]

Had the same issue

I Had the same issue just recently, I think the bios got reset somehow, and the internal sound was enabled while there was an external sound card present. Removed the external (Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS) and everything was back to normal. An earlier post suggested to remove all cards except HDD CPU ect., try that for sure, there is a conflict somewhere. Hope this Helps. Post your results.

 

[Pc Fixed Right]

Okay I will try just the cpu, hdd, and 1 known good stick of ram as well as test with memtest86+ =D lets see what happens.

The machine also did not boot up in safe mode.

Update: After trying all the above the machine did not work properly. I got irritated and decided to take the whole thing apart. I unplugged everything, battery, cables, and took the cpu off put a little more thermal compound on it and than re assembled the whole thing. Viola the machine now works.
I still dont get it.

 

[JohnG]

It could also be a graphics card or graphics chip...try a card to be sure. The symptoms you are describing sound like a over heating problem. Shutdowns such as these, in my experience are usually heat related in that the computer will shut itself down to prevent serious damage to one or more components. This is especially true of motherboards with temperature monitors/settings and/or sensors. If you can't pinpoint the problem, give us some specs/model of the machine.

Edit: Ah...Didn't read your update, definitely heat related.

 

[ootuoyetahi]

Check the logs for the category and event ID. I had a similar situation recently and it turned out to be a driver issue.

 

[kris.mcdougall]

?

Couple things I would try ...

Grab a different video card and see if that helps.

Also when booting if you press F8 on that menu there should be an option for no restart after errors or something like that ... even though it is not restarting but turning off you still might be able to see a bsod with some more info ...

Maybe try a BartPE disk for further troubleshooting.


KM