computer starts then shuts down

Hello,

My computer was on when I experienced a power outage while pc was plugged into surge suppressor. Now when I start the computer, it will shut down within 30 seconds. I have checked all cables and all are tight. I have suspected the HDD, since the O/S does not seem to initiate. I have unplugged the SATA cable from the HDD and started the pc and it will stay on but hangs. Also, the pc attempts to process by the indicator light shown on the front panel of the pc. Also, runing a tv tuner two fans dvd, so unsure about whether the power supply is sufficient or can be tested for accuracy output.

PC specs: HP Pavilion M8100N media center edition
Socket type: AM2 Motherboard Athlon 64 X2 with Dual Core technology up to 5600+ (up to 89 watt)
memory 3 GB Speed: PC2-5300 MB/sec, hdd is a western digitial 500 gb, power supply is only 300 W. Thanks anyone for any help in this.

DWA

 

That's about 5 years old right? PSU could be almost dead if not so already. When Windows loads then all systems are engaged when booting up. 300W is a piddly amount. I ran my X2 3800+ with a 450W 24/7 @%100 load for 3+ years with no issues. How much you willing to spend on a new PSU? You can get some decent ones still at around $40.

 

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Yes, I agree the PSU is probably on a slow time death...I will probably replace it this week. However, I noticed when I have the HDD unplugged it start and dies, just like before. So I assume the o/s is not engaging? Thanks for the advice, will replace the PSU and see what happens.

 

With the HDD unplugged I would expect an on onscreen message saying no boot device available. Your sudden shutdown bothers me as a failing PSU can also take other components out.

 

Yes, you are correct,,,I will check online for a 450 W or more. I have a HP home media center, fully loaded. I am hoping that a 450W will be sufficient. I have two fans, tv tuner card,four smart media input, dvd. thanks for your input

 

Well, I replaced the old psu with a brand new and it still shuts down before going to the operating system. It does indeed reach stage 1 and then shuts down. any help is always appreciated.

Thanks

Den

 

stage 1 is when the windows o/s shows a status bar. I have been looking at BIOS and everything looks good. Not sure what is going on right at this point, I was wondering about the battery, but the computer is not that old 2 years. Thanks

Den

 

Try a know good Video Card, sometimes either Bad Ram or a bad vid card can cause the most interesting errors. I am telling you this because I went through 8800GTXs so many times that they had to give me a 9800GTX which was actually considered worst haha. But, I believe if the card is starting to fail then it causes interesting errors. If you have on-board Video then give it a shot for a bit. If not, then find something you can use.

 

Thanks for the reply. The computer has no graphics card, all onboard in mobo. I have reset all the four sticks of ram all to no avail. Thanks

Den

 

Yes windows shuts down before accessing the o/s, the fans are always running until shut down. I also have four sticks of ram. I have changed out(reversed sticks) into two of the modules, however, the module colored blue(1 gb) I have not changed out, but I will. Thanks for your help

Den

 

Did you clear your CMOS or remove the CMOS battery or do any type of overclocking what so ever? :O

 

No I have not overclocked. I have not taken the battery out or replaced, but the mobo is only 3 years old and looks like the clock, in bios, is still taking correct time.

Thanks for your help

Den

 

I ran a diagnostics test with a vista dvd disc and it states that the memory has passed the test. Is this an accurate test for evaluation of the RAM? Thanks

Den

 

I have noticed the main processor fan makes a slight noise before it shuts down. All ram has been swapped and replaced but makes no difference in the proper boot. thanks for all the help.

Den