[canyonnehastings]

ok so i turn on my computer and it clears the BIOS no problem. as soon as it gets to the boot screen and starts to load windows it just dies. im pretty sure this has something to do with my hard drive because as soon as it starts to run something from it, it turns off. I would really appreciate help. thank you

[Dave Hybrid]

Start by checking fans, it's probably overheating.

[MJM]

If you can, install Motherboard Monitor (discontinued, but if your mobo is on the support list...) or SpeedFan/CoreTemp and monitor your heat levels during the scan. If they shoot higher than 50 degrees celsius, be worried.

[alex]

Originally Posted by MJM If they shoot higher than 50 degrees celsius, be worried.

Cpu dependent. The majority of newer cpu's have a thermal shutdown threshold much higher than 50c. As examples, core2's are good for around 70c

[MJM]

You're right, I just like to keep it below 50.

[slipend]

1. Check the CPU fan, ensure it is spinning. If it is not check the cable is attatched correctly to your motherboard.

2. It could be your ram. More than likely this is the problem. How many sticksm of Ram have you got? If you have 2, then take one out of the 2nd slot and just try to boot up with one. Then if that doesnt work then swap the stick of ram with the one you just took out.

3. Check the PSU, how many watts does it put through? Is it sufficiant. If you have 3 HDD, a core 2 duo and 8800 GT Vid card running on 350watt, then thats your culprit.

[canyonnehastings]

i have had no luck

[smt1967]

I guess it could possibly be virus related or temperature related. I had a Windows
shutdown issue once and decided to clean the computer. The CPU fan was so
clogged with dirt that the blades would barely move. Also, the thermal grease
between the CPU and the heat sink had completely dried up. I thoroughly cleaned everything and applied new grease and the system has run smoothly
ever since.

[canyonnehastings]

could it be a fried motherboard?

[philthomas]

Does it boot into Safe Mode ?

Can you get into bios and remain there, without it powering down ?

[canyonnehastings]

it wont boot into safe mode without dying and it only sometimes remains in bios. sometimes it will shut down even when i remain in BIOS

[philthomas]

Did you check the CPU Fan is working and clean the fins on the Heatsink/fan ? .... it does sound like it's overheating and the CPU is shutting down to protect itself.

[canyonnehastings]

ok i cleaned everything and applied new thermal compound it started up fine but after about 10-25 minutes it died again. now everytime i try to start up again it dies when its loading windows. i think its an operating system problem. i would try to reinstall windows if i had the restore disc. i have an installation disc for ubuntu 7.10. should i try that or what?

[canyonnehastings]

my computer will remain in bios forever now it only shuts down when its loading windows.

[MJM]

Possibly you have some faulty ram? I had the issue with an old mobo that would boot with faulty ram, but then crash.

Google Memtest86 and/or Memtest86+. Download, make a bootable CD or Floppy and go.