PC Crash

[xGhost4000x]

My PC just crashed. This was an old problem that seems to keep reemerging at random times. It just turns off, no error message and no reboot. It just stops. Any suggestions?

I can post my Event viewer log for the last hour if you need it. I can also post specs if you think it will help, but I have replaced nearly every piece of hardware on this computer and it still does it.

 

[dmroeder]

How about you post the specs?

I'm curious about your power supply. Does it just power down or does it reboot?

 

[xGhost4000x]

It just powers down, my specs are here:
http://ghost4k.blogspot.com/2009/02/first-blogmy-pc-specs.html

I should let you know, before that I had a ULTRA 500w PSU and the problem existed with both of them. Also, I just recently (last week) reinstalled Vista 32 Home Premium, and it still does it.

 

[dmroeder]

Have you tried running it for a while at stock speeds? Are your RAM timings set to stock? What is your RAM voltage set to?

 

[xGhost4000x]

My RAM is stock, never touched the voltages, the only thing OCed is the CPU, I don't remember the actual voltage I have it at but it's .05 or so higher than default I think. Also the problem existed before I even go my current CPU.


I'm thinking it has to be software related, It seems to show up last maybe a week or two, constantly turning the PC off every few hours then it's gone for a month or so and comes back. But I've done formats and reinstall and it still happens...

 

[dmroeder]

So when you say it shuts down, I'm picturing it powering off like someone pulled the plug. Is it like that, or is it as if someone pressed the power button on the front of the case and it goes through the normal shutdown.

 

[xGhost4000x]

Its like someone pulled the plug or flipped the switch on the PSU.

It's immediate, with no warning. And then it stays off.

However it actually hasn't happened since the 25th now, as always it seems to happen for a little while then go away. It makes no sense to me.

 

[Scotteq]

To be honest, that sounds like your PSU is dying.... or possibly a loose connection internally. Check that, please.

 

[dmroeder]

I agree with Scott. I can't imagine how it could be software that is causing it.

Since it's common between power supplies (new and old), it could be the power strip or receptacle that it is plugged into that is the issue. I'd wiggle some cords.

 

[xGhost4000x]

Alright, thanks.

I'm going to change the topic if that's alright.

I've actually had a more serious problem occur.

See, the reason I have been operating on a fresh install of Vista is that last weekend (the 19th) my computer froze and when I rebooted it had said that my System 32 files where damaged. So I reinstalled.

Now, just this morning it happened again. I'm thinking that it has to be my HDD. Is there any way I can check this. Other than chkdsk?

 

[dmroeder]

Download Ultimate Boot CD. It has all kinds of cool utilities.

If you need something to burn an ISO, download ImgBurn

 

[xGhost4000x]

Will do, thanks!

 

[Guest]

take of the battery and the cd/dvd out and trial to turn on and them put

 

[dmroeder]

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

 

[pat mcgroin]

I just looked at the specs for your memory and it shows 2.2V
Most Mbs default to 1.8V
I would suggest getting that set before any more trouble shooting occurs as it can cause a lot of problems.
I cant say for sure if it is your problem but it is sure worth a try.

 

[xGhost4000x]

I have fixed the problem, after hours of troubleshooting, and multiple reinstall.

The primary HDD was indeed damaged. Not physically, but after a few more installs I could no longer use the windows boot cd to install. I also could not access the drive with any other boot cd.

After replacing the drive and reinstalling on my storage drive everything is fine, I'll have to purchase a new drive to save on space but things have been going smooth now.

Thank you all for your help.