Weird computer problems

OryansBelt · Sep-13-2004

I have a Dell computer with windows xp. 1.8 Ghz.

Here is my problem:

When I turn computer on, it goes to my log-on page. I click on my icon and then it hangs up and in about 30 seconds the machine shuts off. Other times when I try to turn the machine on, some gibberish comes onto my screen most of which is about "ram drives" and ".sys" files. Then the machine turns itself off. Then there are other times, when I press the power button on, It stays on for about 5 seconds and then shuts off. I called Dell support--They said it was a virus and to call my anti-virus software. I need help on this one. Thanks

Alan · Sep-13-2004

It could be : corrupted windows files, a virus or a faulty motherboard.
Try loading up in 'Safe Mode' if you are able to do that then it may well be a virus.
Let us know if you are able to do that so we can advise you how to proceed.

OryansBelt · Sep-13-2004

Dell support had me try that, but the computer would either do :

A

Get so far and then shut off never getting into safe mode
B

Or just shut off.

They also had me open the machine up and remove the heat sink. I then re-did all of the above plus the previous post. Nothing worked. They also wanted me to re-install win xp, but the computer would not co-operate.

Thanks

Alan · Sep-14-2004

Does it make a beeping sound? If so count the beeps and whether or not they are long or short.
When it powers itself down, does it turn itself off completely, i.e. the lights go out?

OryansBelt · Sep-14-2004

It does not make any noises. You hear the hard drive spin down. It goes all the way down. I have to push the power button on to get it to restart. And then it does not stay on for long. The Dell person also had me look at the back of the CPU to look at four lights. They were all green. That is when she had me "pop the top" off of it and take the heat sink out and then put it back on and re-try. It goes down just as if you unplugged it or the power went out in your whole house.

Alan · Sep-14-2004

Ok what springs to mind now is if there are no beeps at all then the video card and Ram should be ok, I would look at the CPU and/or the motherboard.
Maybe Rob will have a better idea.

OryansBelt · Sep-18-2004

It was the CPU. Thanks for your input.