Computer won't start

W

willjm3931

New Member
I just ran into this when I was home for lunch so I don't have info on motherboard and processor.
When I start the computer, windows xp starts to load and then the computer just shuts off. Tried it several times. Even tried it safe mode. Still does the same thing.
What could be the problem?
 
Do you have any USB ports plugged into the computer (External HDD, Printer etc..?)
Did you install any updates recently?
Did you install any programs recently?
 
I did have a GPS on charge through usb when it first happened. I did unplug it. I also have my printer plugged in usb. No new programs install that I know of. There could have been updates of something that I don't know about. ie Quicktime and that type of stuff. I don't use this computer much. Mostly my wife and son. Son told me it wouldn't start. I don't know if it shut off on it own or if someone shut it down.
 
Ok, what you should try is to unplug all unnecessary USB connections (Like your printer and/or anything else (Note you do not have to unplug your keyboard or mouse if they are USB)) And now see if it starts up, or does the same thing with all that disconnected.
Is there any blue screens or errors when during startup before it shutsdown (Something that's unusual, that doesn't normally happen)?
 
No blue screen or error messages. The computer boots up. Windows screen shows up with the bar line showing windows is loading. I hear the hard drive running. Then just shuts off.
 
Sounds like a dying hard drive to me. download linux *here* and then burn it to a disc (on another computer of course), stick it in the dvd/cd drive, and try to boot it. if you can, then try this (if you can). take another hard drive and install windows on it. if it will boot up you know its your hard drive. I know you may have some important files on your old drive, so when you have linux running, you may be able to transfer the files to a usb stick drive or something. Hope this helps.
 
I unplugged the usb cord for the printer and it fired right up. Now see what happens. Why wouldn't it start with printer plugged in? Bad cord? Printer problem? Where do I go from here?
 
A few things to try here.

1. A different usb port for the printer
2. A different usb cable for the printer
3. A different printer.

You should be able to diagnose the issue after doing all 3.
 
Went step by step and found when I put power to my HP printer, the computer shut off. Problem solved. Must be something with printer.
Then I went to download some pictures from camera that I plugged into a different usb port. Computer shut down.
What can the problem be? Seem like it has to do with usb ports.
 
Would the underpowered usb ports just start happening?
What would cause the underpower?
I have 2 sets of ports.
Two on motherboard and 2 remote. The same conditions happen on both sets.
 
Back to square one. Now when I turn on computer it only runs for couple seconds and shuts off.
I guess I will start off with a different hard drive.
 
Have you cleaned the insides of the computer? It could just be your computer overheating. Get a can of air (if you don't already have one), take it outside and blow all the dust out. Don't use a vacuum cleaner as the creates static electricity.
 
That sounds like a power supply issue then. If the hard drive was fine (It would run til you plugged in another USB item, hence drawing more power) and the condition has deteriorated further to the point you're at now. My chips are on the PSU giving out, motherboard still being a contender however.
 
Update...
I have a GeForce 6100-M9 motherboard. AMD processor. I can't remember which one.
Now when I turn it on the fans run but the hard drive doesn't. I tried different ribbon cable. No difference. I tried different drives just to see if they turn. They do not. Going to check into the power supply.
Just curious. How would it act if the battery was bad? Any kind of fuse hidden on MB?
 
willjm3931 said:
I have 2 sets of ports.
Two on motherboard and 2 remote. The same conditions happen on both sets.
Click to expand...
Please detach the external USB Port (and cable)
Remove the power cord from the computer
Hold down the ON button for 30 secs, then let go
Put the power cord back in (external USB port still diconnected)
Turn on the computer

Purchase an internal PCI card that allows extra USB ports
 
Installed new power supply, no difference.
I hate to keep throwing money at stuff that isn't problem.
Just so everyone knows where I stand.
Turn computer on, fans run, hard drive doesn't run.
No booting, of course.
 
Try this:
Temporarily disconnect the CPU fan, then turn on the computer
If it posts (or either way really) then turn it off - by pulling power cable out.

Note you may need to > Benchtest the motherboard
 
One thing I just noticed that I didn't see before. There is a blue led lit on the front of the computer. Not sure what it is.
 
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