Computer starts and stops repeatedly

[kennetht04]

Hi. The last few days my computer has been crashing for reasons I don't know. Today, I moved my computer out from underneath the desk as we were cleaning everything out, and when I put it back and set it all up again, the problem started occurring. Basically what happens is I start my computer wait a few seconds, and there's no sign of life on my monitor and then it shuts off, and then a few seconds later it starts again, and repeats. The computer is only about 18 months old so I'm a little baffled as to why it's happening.

I've tried unplugging all of the wires from the PSU inside the computer and plugging them back in, and I've removed the RAM and placed it back in, and I've removed the graphics card and put it back, with no luck. Forgive my newbieness when it comes to computers.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[kawininjazx]

Try resetting the BIOS. After that, if you have multiple stick of memory, try them one at a time. If you have onboard video, take out your video card and try the oboard.

 

[cub_fanatic]

That, unfortunately, is a sign of a possible short somewhere on the motherboard. When you moved the PC, did anything inside move? Were there any loose bolts that may have rolled under the board? The most common cause for this is not having the standoffs installed on the case. I had a board that was doing this and I discovered that 4 of the tiny traces on the board were scratched completely off after someone pushed the CPU socket lever down too hard. It was in a power on for 5 seconds then power down, then power up 5 sec., then power down cycle. I'd start by taking the entire motherboard out of the case and testing it on a table. Use a piece of cardboard or something non-conductive to rest it on. Only connect the RAM, CPU, CPU cooler, case fan, PSU and hard drive and, if it reaches, the front panel power button wire. If it works like that, there is probably something touching it in the case.

 

[kennetht04]

That, unfortunately, is a sign of a possible short somewhere on the motherboard. When you moved the PC, did anything inside move? Were there any loose bolts that may have rolled under the board? The most common cause for this is not having the standoffs installed on the case. I had a board that was doing this and I discovered that 4 of the tiny traces on the board were scratched completely off after someone pushed the CPU socket lever down too hard. It was in a power on for 5 seconds then power down, then power up 5 sec., then power down cycle. I'd start by taking the entire motherboard out of the case and testing it on a table. Use a piece of cardboard or something non-conductive to rest it on. Only connect the RAM, CPU, CPU cooler, case fan, PSU and hard drive and if it reaches the front panel power button wire. If it works like that, there is probably something touching it in the case.

Wow, quick reply! I'll try that now.

 

[kennetht04]

That, unfortunately, is a sign of a possible short somewhere on the motherboard. When you moved the PC, did anything inside move? Were there any loose bolts that may have rolled under the board? The most common cause for this is not having the standoffs installed on the case. I had a board that was doing this and I discovered that 4 of the tiny traces on the board were scratched completely off after someone pushed the CPU socket lever down too hard. It was in a power on for 5 seconds then power down, then power up 5 sec., then power down cycle. I'd start by taking the entire motherboard out of the case and testing it on a table. Use a piece of cardboard or something non-conductive to rest it on. Only connect the RAM, CPU, CPU cooler, case fan, PSU and hard drive and, if it reaches, the front panel power button wire. If it works like that, there is probably something touching it in the case.

Well, I've just tried what you suggested and the problem still occurs. I'm unsure what to try next. Again, thanks for your reply.

 

[kennetht04]

I've tried using a different PSU and I still get the same problem. I've tried placing the motherboard on a non-conductive surface to see if it was shorting and it still happened. I've removed and reinstalled the RAM, took out and cleaned the fan, and removed the graphics card and the problem still persists. Any suggestions? Sorry to be a pest

 

[cub_fanatic]

I've tried using a different PSU and I still get the same problem. I've tried placing the motherboard on a non-conductive surface to see if it was shorting and it still happened. I've removed and reinstalled the RAM, took out and cleaned the fan, and removed the graphics card and the problem still persists. Any suggestions? Sorry to be a pest

Sounds like something with the motherboard. Did you take a closer look at the PCB? Check the top and bottom for any sign of physical damage. If you have another CPU that works in that board, try it. If not, there really is no other way you can test it without either replacing the motherboard or the CPU. You said it was crashing before you moved it. The motherboard must have been on its last legs and when you moved it, it finally kicked it. If it is under warranty, I'd go ahead and RMA the motherboard. If it isn't, it is probably a sign that you need an upgrade.

 

[kennetht04]

I've tried using a different PSU and I still get the same problem. I've tried placing the motherboard on a non-conductive surface to see if it was shorting and it still happened. I've removed and reinstalled the RAM, took out and cleaned the fan, and removed the graphics card and the problem still persists. Any suggestions? Sorry to be a pest

Sounds like something with the motherboard. Did you take a closer look at the PCB? Check the top and bottom for any sign of physical damage. If you have another CPU that works in that board, try it. If not, there really is no other way you can test it without either replacing the motherboard or the CPU. You said it was crashing before you moved it. The motherboard must have been on its last legs and when you moved it, it finally kicked it. If it is under warranty, I'd go ahead and RMA the motherboard. If it isn't, it is probably a sign that you need an upgrade.

I see. I couldn't see any signs of physical damage, no. It's only an 18 month old computer so I'm surprised it's already on it's last legs, but hey, what can you do. Do you think it's worth taking it to a PC repair shop?

 

[cub_fanatic]

I've tried using a different PSU and I still get the same problem. I've tried placing the motherboard on a non-conductive surface to see if it was shorting and it still happened. I've removed and reinstalled the RAM, took out and cleaned the fan, and removed the graphics card and the problem still persists. Any suggestions? Sorry to be a pest

Sounds like something with the motherboard. Did you take a closer look at the PCB? Check the top and bottom for any sign of physical damage. If you have another CPU that works in that board, try it. If not, there really is no other way you can test it without either replacing the motherboard or the CPU. You said it was crashing before you moved it. The motherboard must have been on its last legs and when you moved it, it finally kicked it. If it is under warranty, I'd go ahead and RMA the motherboard. If it isn't, it is probably a sign that you need an upgrade.

I see. I couldn't see any signs of physical damage, no. It's only an 18 month old computer so I'm surprised it's already on it's last legs, but hey, what can you do. Do you think it's worth taking it to a PC repair shop?

I would check the warranty policy on the motherboard itself since it is only 1.5 years old. If it is a custom or white box PC then chances are that the motherboard is under its own warranty. You would be better off financially if you found out
who made the board and then search on google for that company's RMA page. You would only have to pay for shipping the board to them (about $15 with a USPS priority mail flat rate large box) and they will either repair it for you for free or replace the entire board. If you take it to a PC repair shop, you will spend more than that $15 on just getting them to look at the PC and diagnose it and then the repair would most likely cost you about as much as a brand new motherboard.

 

[Traker74]

I had this problem and found this thread. None of the above solutions worked for me. I am leaving my solution for anyone else who happens apon this. You may have a stick of ram not seated correctly. Uninstall all your ram and reinstall. Making sure all are seated firmly in their slots. That was my problem. Hope this helps a person or two.