Desktop computer turns itself off and back on

I have a desktop p4, 1.6ghz with 256 RAM. I cannot install an operating system due to the fact, the computer will come on and recognize the devices and allow me to start the os installation process, but will turn off at random times.

It stays off for a few minutes and then will turn back on. There are no stop errors or anything, it is like it looses power.

I have tried to change to a different power outlet on the surge protector, and also replaceing the power supply. Neither of the options allowed me to install an operating system.

Any ideas.

Start by making sure the cpu is firmly seated, along with the fan.  I've seen fans pop off before. Not much fun.  

If that isn't the problem, start testing memory, and componets. If that doesn't work, I would start to suspect the mb or cpu has gone bad.

Random restarts: if I had to guess it's usually power related as in either a poor connection or the PSU itself.
Check the main power block and additional P4 connectors as well as the power cord itself ie: loose wire in the plug.
Ram can also show this symptom, try just one stick (if more than 1 is fitted)
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Has this machine ever worked?  Is it a hand-me-down or a new build?  Which components are new and which are used?  Does the mainboard support the processor for sure? Is the CPU heatsink Intel approved?  

It might be as simple as a bad IDE cable or a wonky CD drive but reboots are usually either thermal or power oriented.  Maybe there either is not enough or is too much thermal paste on the CPU, a loose fan, or a poor heatsink/missing fan on the northbridge.   Best of luck.

Hey,
I had the same problem... but mine was like this:
I have a laptop which came with an installed windows home edition in itself. Now whenever i tried installing windows xp professional everytime it did'nt allow me to install in a way the same as yours. It would randomly shut down in between the installation, finally i tried to install the home edition with the cd provided by the vendor and it worked smoothly till the end... So if u could figure out by the OS maybe...

Will the machine stay on if you don't load the OS?

Could be heat related, also.

-David
2006 Microsoft Most Valueable Professional (MVP)
2006 Dell Certified System Professional (CSP)

I have reseated the cpu with new thermal grease and checked the power supply. Nothing on the power seems to be wrong.

THe machine worked before but started to have this problem and the owner decided to reformat and reinstall. I think he built it. He brought it to me to see if I knew what the problem was.

dglienna
The machine restarts at random intervals and it does not matter if I try to install an OS or not. I tried to install different OSs but no luck.

I don't think the CPU, OS, or memory would make all the lights and fans turn off on the computer.

The power supply may have a cold solder joint.
Try replacing the power supply.

he replaced the power supply according to his post, it sounds like an overheating issue on the CPU.

I think the first step is to find out what the last change was (hardware or software, most likely hardware) before this began occuring.  Did he try some new PCI card for expansion or a new peripheral of some sort?  It's possible something just died, but I would think that there is possibly an incompatibility between some piece of hardware and the mainboard.  I've seen this happen before.

Possibly a short somewhere?  Try taking the hardware out of the computer and run it outside the case (on a chopping board or the like).  Does it still reboot?

Carlsberg don't run I.T departments, but if they did they'd probably be more fun.