edwardwilliam

Firstly, I want to thank anyone that reads! If you can help, that would be awesome.

So, lately, I've had problems with my computer cutting out on me. I hadn't really diagnosed why it was happening. Last night, I put a CD in the drive to install some software, and just as it's ready to spin up, my comp shuts off.

Now, when I try to start it, it kicks right on and right off. The only thing which stays on is the power light on the front of the case.

But, the plot thickens...I can get it to attempt to boot if I pull the power to my SATA hard drive. (obviously it won't because there's no os, haha)

Originally, I assumed it was the power supply, given that it just shut off, but now that I realize that it won't go with the HD connected, I'm not sure...

Unfortunately, I don't have another unit on which to test the drive!

Should I just go ahead and buy an HD -- or does anyone have something else I could try?

Thanks,
Ed

Computer_Doctor

Hmmm......I first I recommend you test your computer with a spare power supply. Borrow a friends if they have one or purchase a new one for temporary testing and make sure to keep the receipt just in case you will have to return it later.

If you do get the compute booting after you install the new power supply, test your hard-drive for any errors. I recommend downloading a good program called "powermax".

Put the program onto a CD and boot the computer to it. Follow the on-screen instructions and test your hard-drive for any errors.

dai

post your specs including the power supply
brand
wattage
sound like it could also be a heat problem,does it stay on longer if you leave it for awhile before trying to restart it