Computer Techies I Need Help With Computer Issue

[Wish Upon A Star]

Before I completely lose it and go out a buy a new computer . . . .I figured I'd ask for any advice/help that computer experts may have on these boards.

I have a computer which is currently running on Windows XP. I bought this computer 4 years ago and never had a problem with it. The computer is only used for SIMS and the internet. I just replaced my CD-ROM drive because it konked out for no reason. Now, the computer is giving me a hard time. When I turn it on, it doesn't go on . . .I have to play with the power switch until I see the mouse light up and then I press the button to make it turn on. It'll run through its cycle and then POOF, off again it goes . . .I've run virus scans (no viruses detected). Once I do this 3 or 4 times, it'll finally stay up for a good few hours, then without warning . . .POOF off it goes again.

Anyone know what could be causing this? The techie at work says when I get it to come back up I should check the display to see if there is the sleep timer on it?

 

[oogieboogie]

You could have several problems:

1. The power supply could be going bad. Just from the fact that you have to play with the power switch leads me to believe this is the problem. Try replacing the power supply. If you have a compusa, you can get a cheap one.

2. Your motherboard/cpu (processor) could be overheating. This would also cause shutdowns. Try opening the side and putting a fan right next to it and see if it still shuts down. If it does, you might want to clean the cpu fan by using compressed air and a vacuum cleaner.

Those are my 2 biggest suspicions.

 

[Wish Upon A Star]

Thanks . . .I'm going to try that CPU fan . . . .ya know when it abruptly shuts off the area where the fan is does seem very warm. Even though the fans are going . . .hmmmmm . . .