Need help

Tzen

Tzen

Tzen

Associate
Joined
14 Mar 2009
Posts
27
Ok, PC arrived yesterday from OCUK for my GF and it wont work.

Problem: Basically, the PC shuts itself down after being turned on for 5 minutes. The only thing that has been done to the pc since it arrived, is that it has been connected to the internet, and world of warcraft has been installed. All the relevant updates to windows have also been done.

The pc did shut itself down a number of times whilst installing world of warcraft, but it was able to stay on for longer durations. Since then it powers down much sooner, and can't handle loading any applications. I even tried going through re installing windows with her over the phone, but the pc shut itself down before we could get into the re installation.

The pc will shut itself down, then whenever she tries to turn it back on, it often powers up, but no signal is sent from the pc to the monitor.

It has got tot he point now, where the pc can be powered up with zero being done to it, and it will still turn off. I've double checdked with her that the power options are correct.

What should we do?
 
It just turns off.

Doesnt go through any process, it literally just turns off.

I can't help her much cos im miles away, im having to diagnose it over the phone, but other than a broke PSU i can't think of anything else.
 
Have you check BIOS options such as RAM and CPU voltages/speeds/etc? Is it only Windows which is unstable? or other OS as well? Try burning an Ubuntu Live CD and boot from that. Also try doing a CMOS reset first.

Other than that, it sounds a bit like power problems. Try using a different electricity socket, and check that your PSU is working, and has enough juice to power the system. Finally remove every hardware component and peripheral which is not necessary for the basic running of the OS. I.e. only things to keep for troubleshooting are mobo, cpu, 1 stick of RAM, graphics card, PSU, keyboard, mouse and monitor.
 
you should check of the cpu heatsink is attached properly it may have came loose in transistion:( check with ocuk tho before popping open your side panel wouldnt want you to void the warranty
 
Keep in mind.

This PC was pre ordered and Built by Overclockers. It shouldnt need these tests done as its brand new.

I'm also miles away from her atm, so i cant do the tests myself, and whilst she isn't stupid (not by any means) its difficult to ask her to do these things over the phone.

My intial feeling is the PSU is broke, and the machine needs to be sent back. She cant even get the machine up and running long enough for me to access the pc remotely.

For the record, ive got her to check the BIOS, and she's changed the cables connecting everything and change sockets. We did try to re install windows but the power died before we even got to anything resmebling install.
 
Ok how about this. Leave it on the BIOS settings for 5 minutes or however long it takes to mess itself up and see if it turns off again. Also definately try my idea of running a Live CD. It may be a problem with Windows.

hold on wait. is it vista 64 bit, and running 4GB RAM?
 
guys listen to me it really does sound like the cpu heatsink fan isnt on properly but if you could get her to monitor cpus temps in bios it would be useful however if the pc is not working you are entitled to send it back tbh if it is hard for you to check the system yourself and she cannot check it just send it back mate:D
 
I'm gonna get her to have a look at the fan when i call her later, and see if its the problem.

Whats this about 4g RAM and vista 64? ;)

Btw thanks for the help :)
 
Actually when I was on Vista (pre Service pack 1) 64 bit and 4GB RAM, it installed fine off the CD, but soon after attempting to load Windows, I would get a BSOD. Turns out you had to apply a Microsoft hotfix to get 4gb to work properly with 64 bit.

Oh, and like someone said before, monitor your temps. Should also be found in the BIOS. On modern CPUs/MOBOs your PC will turn off automatically to prevent damage if temps get extremely high levels. But since this was pre built be OCUK, and I assume they are experts, that shouldn't really have happened. But we're all human, so check anyway.

EDIT: if you still can't get it to work, then take it back. A pre-built system should just work out of the box without having to change any settings or open up the case.
 
Last edited:
Yeah, thanks again for the help.

Ill get her to monitor the BIOS and check the fan tonight, if that isn't it i can onyl suggest she sends it back.

My own PC is from OCUK, so im surprised it doesnt work, but anything can happen to a pc between them shipping it and it arriving.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom