Can't Figure It Out??

I bought an Emachine about 4-5 years ago. I've done a lot of tinkering with this machine. However, I was rearranging my room one day and moved my computer desk (with the computers still on it) across the room. Now, my custom computer that I built myself still works. The Emachine does not.

Specs:
AMD Athlon 3200
160gig Barracuda
ATI 9600 All In One
Some Cheap Micro ATX Motherboard
Windows XP

The Problem:
When I boot it up (doesn't matter if I even do a hard or soft boot) it will show the BIOS checking memory. It then goes to the Windows load screen. After Windows load screen it sometimes goes into Windows XP itself. After a while it, the screen will go black, but the computer is still running. Sometimes it doesn't even make it into Windows. Although, I can be in the BIOS all I want without the screen going black. On the other hand, I cannot get into Safe Mode at all. The weird part is, if I can get into Windows and start playing World of Warcraft, the screen won't go black. It will keep running like nothing was wrong as long as World of Warcraft is running.

What I've Done:
I have replaced the PSU with one I had lying around. I have tried 3 different video cards including the on-board video. I have set the jumpers on the Hard Drive from Cable Select to Master. I took out the heatsink and CPU and cleaned them off and put them back in making sure they were secure. I have tried different power cords to different power outlets. I have tried two different monitors.

My Thoughts:
I think it's the motherboard, but I don't think it's worth replacing it that's the problem. I think it could also be the processor. Or something might be overheating which is weird because I've never had an overheating problem before. I even cleaned all the dust out so there's no dust acting as insulation. I also don't know if a POST Diagnostic Card would be of any use here, or if it would be worth trying.

 

Welcome to MajorGeeks! Tis a simple problem. Your computer is haunted. :-D Just joking, looks like you did all the right stuff. Just posting to welcome you and subscribe to the thread. I am sure someone will come along with some ideas.

E

 

Have you got the latest Video Drivers installed for your card and have you tried another PSU as this could maybe malfunction and cause intermitten power. ??

 

The latest video drivers weren't installed. But that shouldn't be a problem because even the on-board video did not work. I have also stated that I have tried a different PSU.

 

Hi again Moji, apolgies on PSU subject. Have looked around the Net for an answer and here is a site they may shed some light on the subject as it sure is a sticky one....................

http://www.tips4pc.com/Articles/Computer Troubleshooting/computer_has_a_black_screen_and.htm

 

What happens when you try to enter Safe Mode? Could you be using a USB keyboard that isn't recognized so the comp isn't getting the F8 signal?

 

When I go into safe mode it goes through some files and then stops on a specific file and freezes. I am using a PS/2 keyboard.

 

The link you gave is for when the screen won't show anything period. My screen goes into windows THEN goes black.

 

When you say it goes Black when in ''Windows'' do you mean when it is booting ie. hits the Windows logo screen then goes Black or is it further into the boot sequence than that.?? If its the Windows logo it ends out it could be a Resolution problem but that can only be fixed in safe mode and you said thats a no no. But if you happen to fully boot as you said it will sometimes try resetting the resolution to the lowest and Colour and refresh rate then see if it reboots Ok, if so repeat adjustments till its running smooth. PS. have you checked that the CPU is tightly fitted and didn't become dislodged when moving. Just unscrew the heatsink fan and check lever is fully clamped if at all possible.

 

Yes I've made sure the CPU is seated correctly.
Sometimes it does the window load screen and goes black.
Sometimes it goes into the actual operating system and functions for a while before it goes black.