computer shuts down during start up. win 98

[ballyhoo]

hello there

My computer shuts itself down at random times during start up. After this has happened i have to disconnect the power supply from the motherboard in order to try starting it again. Eventually it will complete the start up process.
Is the PSU the problem ? No hardware changes have been made.

Any thought appreciated

 

[hotfusion]

What hardware are you using? Especially how much RAM?
Windows 98 can become unstable if too much RAM is fitted - in my experience 512Mb or more although instabilities could possibly occur with less RAM than this.
Andy.

Regards, Andy.
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[wolluf]

History on this problem would be useful - eg, when did it start, what made you decide you have to disconnect the PSU to get it to work (what else have you tried), have you checked temperature cpu runs at? When it does start, does it run ok?

 

[ballyhoo]

many thanks for replying

the pc is one we put together about 4 or 5 years ago. Struggled getting it running this morning and it switched itself down not during start up but whilst i was online, i did notice when starting it up it ran the microsoft registry checker. The problem has only occurred in recent weeks. When it shuts itself down the pc is dead and can not be switched back on, the only way i could get it let me try to switch it back on again was by removing and then replacing the power connecter from the board. Eventually when the start up completes it usually stays on fine.

Its msi micro atx board with a 750 amd duron processor and 128 of ram. cpu tem says 34 if that helps ! thanks again !

 

[hotfusion]

Broken track on the motherboard?
Maybe when you unplug and re-insert the connector, you disturb the tracks near it and it makes contact again, for a while.

Other than that, no idea at the moment. Anyone else?

Andy.

Regards, Andy.
**************************************
My pathetic attempts at learning HTML can be laughed at here:

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/andyspatch/index.htm

 

[ballyhoo]

ok andy cheers for your time

ballyhoo

 

[garebo]

Almost certain to me that its the power supply. Can you borrow one from a friend or other place and try it in your pc for a while. Id bet that is the answer to your problem.
You see, just because a power supply with start a pc doesnt mean its working 100%. There are different lines with different voltages and very complex arrangements inside that ps (power supply). And, to be honest, some arent made that well and start to fail as they get older.
Also, the tester you can get for $7 to $10 at best buy only tests to see if the ps will start but thats only one of many tests needed so its not near enough.

Its easier to simply borrow another power supply but you can use a digital or analog multimeter and a tutorial and check the existing ps out for sure. You can go to techrepublic.com and use the great tutorial they have there. YOu do have to sign up but its free and its a great site just like this one!


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[ballyhoo]

many thanks for all your advice !
i have tried a different power supply and it all seems ok now

thanks again

ballyhoo

 

[garebo]

Bingo!!
I read thru this whole post and it hit me right between the eyes, sorta, when you mentioned taking the connector off and putting it back on. What you were doing was a sort of manual re-set that likely will work with a bad psu but you would have to continue doing this all the time. That would be out of the question but it also shows the power supply is bad and would eventually start causing other problems anyway.

If you do have more of the same type problems the other thing that could cause this is a defective on\off switch at the front of the case. But if all is well right now then you have taken care of the problem.

One other thing, if you care to give us the make and model of the power supply that you have installed in your system, make sure its one that might last you a bit. Some of the people around here can spot a good or poor quality unit right away just by the name. Of course there is another way and it works, sounds silly, but its true. You can pretty much judge a pc power supply's quality by the weight of it. Also, you can judge by the amount of molex connectors and other connectors and there are a few other ways, but weight is a good judge.
Which power supply weighs more, the new one you have or the old one?





Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[hotfusion]

Price isn't too bad an indicator, either;
Some power supplies can be obtained for a little as £5; Personally I wouldn't trust my computer to a PSU that cheap.

Andy.

Regards, Andy.
**************************************
My pathetic attempts at learning HTML can be laughed at here:

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/andyspatch/index.htm

 

[garebo]

Yer right, i should have added that in as well. Also very right about the cheap price, forget it, only asking for trouble!

We have:
make,model
price
weight
number of connectors
number and size of fans
what other parts go with it
retail\boxed or ?

Not getting into type\sata\24 pin etc, that opens up a whole page.

Out of all of them the make\model is the best qualifier, with weight being good when you dont recognize the make!

Another thing, on better power supplies the fans tend to have an add-on guard with screws.
And if you arent in North America, then having that voltage changer on the ps is important. I dont know if they make any without, but just in case, lol.


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[ballyhoo]

ok lots to take in there !

well the one i have put in is a spare a friend of mine had so no idea of cost really !

It weighs about the same as the one i have removed

Its make is Q technology model atx-730 qt 300w

Total number of power connecters not including one to board is six

thats all i think, if you think this a poor quality power supply let me know and then any advice of what to replace it with would be appreciated

once again thanks for the help

 

[garebo]

I have never seen the name before, but i googled them:

http://www.qtechnology.net/

Looks to me like it could very well be a decent power supply. Is the fan cover screwed in or is it part of the power supply? Just wondering, no big deal.

If its working ok then you might just let it be. You have an older duron system that isnt grabbing a lot of power so you are likely just fine there with that one.




Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[ballyhoo]

the fan cover seems to be part of the power supply case not a seperate bit. Its alot quieter than the last one to. Voltage changer on it too.

the only difference is the power, the old one was 350w and this 300w but all seems well for now so i think i'll stick with it !

many thanks

 

[garebo]

Yes, you will likely be ok, only running a smaller duron cpu is the main reason. It may also very well be a decent power supply. Wattage as reported is not to worry about. The decent companies that state 300 and 350 often supply more power than cheap ones claiming 600 watts!
I bet you will be fine.


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[ballyhoo]

ok back to normal!

once again thanks for all the help !