Slight Movement Restarts Computer

M

MrNah

New Member
So I have this computer I'm fixing for a family friend that I thought would be easy. They didn't need any files so I just had to reformat there computer. They told me upon pick up that it restarts randomly. So during re-installing windows xp it restarted 2ce and it was always around the time I had to switch cd's (Its a MDG computer that has 2 cd's for the operating system). So then I started to think it was a hardware issue. So I tried a different hard drive, different ram and then after unpluging and replugging everything in I thought I'd try it again. It has a front door that covers the cd-rom and power button so I opened it, pressed the button and everything was working well. As Soon as I closed the door it restarted. Now every time I even shake it slightly it restarts. Any Ideas? What could it be? I've never ran into a case problem before... or could it be the power supply? Nothing looks outa the ordinary. Any suggestions would be awesome.

MrNah
 
I would remove the reset wires from the MB and then see if it makes difference. If not, I would disconnect the power switch wiring and hook up the reset switch in its place to eliminate the switches and wiring being your problem.
 
Last edited:
MrNah said:
So I have this computer I'm fixing for a family friend that I thought would be easy. They didn't need any files so I just had to reformat there computer. They told me upon pick up that it restarts randomly. So during re-installing windows xp it restarted 2ce and it was always around the time I had to switch cd's (Its a MDG computer that has 2 cd's for the operating system). So then I started to think it was a hardware issue. So I tried a different hard drive, different ram and then after unpluging and replugging everything in I thought I'd try it again. It has a front door that covers the cd-rom and power button so I opened it, pressed the button and everything was working well. As Soon as I closed the door it restarted. Now every time I even shake it slightly it restarts. Any Ideas? What could it be? I've never ran into a case problem before... or could it be the power supply? Nothing looks outa the ordinary. Any suggestions would be awesome.

MrNah
Click to expand...

There is the clue right there. Try it with the door open and see if it still has the problem.
 
Update

So, I've taken the front cover off and unplugged the power and restart button. However when I shake it, it restarts... The short is somewhere else. I'm gonna start unplugging things and see if I can narrow it down.. However theres only so many things I could unplug. Am I looking at getting a new power supply? would this fix it? or could it be anything from the video card to the hard drive?

Any suggestions will be test and replied to.
Thanks a lot,
MrNah.
 
Take out the motherboard and make sure there's standoffs behind the motherboard. If there's just ONE out of place itll ground out the computer and cause it ti short out and shut off.
 
Okey I'll have to try that because I just tested the power supply and it's perfectly fine. If the motherboards okey what are the chances its the processor? and how can I test that? never done it before...
 
cant really test a cpu unless u have another system you can flop it in and test it. but if a cpu is bad it wont post period. the vibrations is either a wire or ground out some where.
 
spacers are good. it was dusty as hell. now its not ;). should i put it back together and hope the dusting and the replugging would be sufficient to fixing the ground problem. or should i take a picture and post it?
 
Pictures help some what but hands on is better. you can power up the motherboard outside of the case carefully to see if it helps. if it does then you have more work to figure it out.
 
ARGH. I was hoping for a quick fix.. dusting pluggin back in. and it had to be soon because I gotta go to work in an hour and a half.. however.. problem still occurs.. starts up great. when i shake it.. it restarts. I'll have to wait till monday to work on it again. I will take out the m/b and try it on its own. Since your my one and only good help on hear, which I thank you grately for, can you list off a few ideas that come to mind? I will think of my own of course but it always helps to have an outside opinion.

Thanks a lot for all your help big rich im sure Ill figure out the problem soon enough. It has to be a short. I'm still thinking its the processor.

MrNah
 
Could also be a bad hard drive and any vibrations could casue it.

Try this. While computer is up and running tap on the hard drive on all sides to see if it restarts. If it does then replace the hard drive.
 
Found the problem. Short in the power suppy. Replaced it and im good to go.. however, 1 more question. Forgot how to plug in the front case power and restart plugs. Anyone know where its located? Cant find it for the life of me.

M/b = Intel® Desktop Board D945PLM
 
MrNah said:
Found the problem. Short in the power suppy. Replaced it and im good to go.. however, 1 more question. Forgot how to plug in the front case power and restart plugs. Anyone know where its located? Cant find it for the life of me.

M/b = Intel® Desktop Board D945PLM
Click to expand...

Looks like bottom right, near the sata ports.
 
wicked.. thanks alot man. The computer is 100% again, now just have to finish installing drivers and such and im done! thanks alot everyone :D
MrNah
 
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