Craig Posted January 14, 2006 Report Share Posted January 14, 2006 Hi folks,I’m reporting this problem on behalf of my manager at work, details are limited at the moment, but I should be able to answer any questions with regards to fault finding.Currently, his computer intermittently shuts down without warning, and then powers itself backup again (the way in which it was described seems like a total power failure).A Virus / Trojan have been eliminated as a virus and spyware scan have been preformed and the computer cleaned of any unsavoury items.He isn’t playing any PSU intensive games, and apparently he can be writing a word document and the system will fail. There isn’t any pattern in the power failures at all.The system itself is a Compaq, and just over a year old now.My initial thought is the PSU is on the way out?Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topband Posted January 14, 2006 Report Share Posted January 14, 2006 Currently, his computer intermittently shuts down without warning, and then powers itself backup again (the way in which it was described seems like a total power failure).Hi Craig,It sounds like the PSU. Just a question at the moment, normally the on/off switch is a software switch, therefore if the supply is removed does he have to push the on/off switch to get the computer to boot again, or does the computer start on its own? Also try changing the IEC mains lead, they can cause problems.Paul. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted January 14, 2006 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2006 Hi, the computer reboots automatically.What does this suggest? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-pops- Posted January 14, 2006 Report Share Posted January 14, 2006 The re-booting behaviour suggests overheating but, if the CPU isn't being worked hard, it more or less rules that out unless there is an intermittent fault with the fan (bearings going or something like that - are there any changes in the sound?). Is there anything in the event viewer that might give a clue immediately before the shutdown happens?How comprehensively has the malware scan been done? I run several different scanners (as do most here, I think) and very often things missed by one or other are picked up by something else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted January 14, 2006 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2006 Not sure in any changes in sound, so I shall ask.I think ad aware was run and it found 10 critical and 130 standard objects which were removed. In addition Norton was run as the AV, and from experience that racks up a lot of CPU power, so would create a lot of heat, I guess that run the full sweep with no failure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadyassa Posted January 15, 2006 Report Share Posted January 15, 2006 I agree with pops on the scans, I usually run 3 or 4 different ones and they mostly find different nasties.Can he reboot after the shutdown or does it hang till something has cooled off before restart ?Athlon processors are renown for heat problems, probably time for a hoover out and a fan check. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-pops- Posted January 15, 2006 Report Share Posted January 15, 2006 I've found Ad Aware to be the weakest of the malware detectors. Yes, it finds things that others don't but it also misses a lot.A squared is quite comprehensive as is Ewido. I also sometimes use SpyDefense and Spybot S&D.SpywareBlaster is useful to have as a background scanner as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted January 25, 2006 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 Update on this:Manager took PC into local PC shop in Stroud, and the PSU was found to be at fault.New PSU and labour £40 :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doug Posted January 25, 2006 Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 NO commission? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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