Inappropriate computer shut down

gdmrn · 10-01-2009, 04:46 PM

Hello,

I have a desktop Dell Dimension 2300, WinXP OS, that I bought about 2003. In the last two weeks, the computer keeps shutting down. It's like the plug is pulled on it. All the cables are connected well.

I am wondering if it is a mechanical problem with the start button, because it has begun to feel a little loose lately.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Tumbleweed36 · 10-01-2009, 04:59 PM

Go in to the bios and check the voltages and temperatures and report them back here. Also, please list specs including the brand name and wattage of the power supply and the video card you are using.

gdmrn · 10-02-2009, 08:39 PM

Could you tell me where to find "bios" and where to find brand name and wattage of power supply?

I've been searching and haven't been able to find these things.

Thanks!

Tumbleweed36 · 10-02-2009, 09:15 PM

The Dell Dimension® series Bios is normally entered by pressing either F2 or DEL when the computer starts to boot.

The power supply info can be found if you take the side of the case off and look on the side of the power supply. The info should be listed there.

**koala** · 10-02-2009, 09:17 PM

To enter the BIOS, turn the computer off and on again, then press the F2 or Del key before Windows starts to load. It should tell you at the top or bottom of the black screen with white text which key to use as it can be different depending on the computer. List of commonly used keys here.

To see your video card details, go to Start > Run > dxdiag > Display tab and post back with everything listed in the Device and Drivers sections.

To see your power supply unit (PSU) details, remove the side panel from your case. The PSU is the large box at the top rear with all the cables coming out of it. The label on the side of the PSU will give you the brand name, model number and total watts. See pic below.

EDIT: Sorry Tumble. Took too long typing and didn't see your reply.

Tumbleweed36 · 10-03-2009, 04:40 AM

Yours is more detailed and a better explanation, thanks for that one.

10-01-2009, 04:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
gdmrn Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2 OS: Windows XP	Inappropriate computer shut down Hello, I have a desktop Dell Dimension 2300, WinXP OS, that I bought about 2003. In the last two weeks, the computer keeps shutting down. It's like the plug is pulled on it. All the cables are connected well. I am wondering if it is a mechanical problem with the start button, because it has begun to feel a little loose lately. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

10-01-2009, 04:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,657 OS: XP Professional	Re: Inappropriate computer shut down Go in to the bios and check the voltages and temperatures and report them back here. Also, please list specs including the brand name and wattage of the power supply and the video card you are using. __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread.

10-02-2009, 08:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
gdmrn Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2 OS: Windows XP	Re: Inappropriate computer shut down Could you tell me where to find "bios" and where to find brand name and wattage of power supply? I've been searching and haven't been able to find these things. Thanks!

10-02-2009, 09:15 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,657 OS: XP Professional	Re: Inappropriate computer shut down The Dell Dimension® series Bios is normally entered by pressing either F2 or DEL when the computer starts to boot. The power supply info can be found if you take the side of the case off and look on the side of the power supply. The info should be listed there. __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread.

10-02-2009, 09:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,355 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Re: Inappropriate computer shut down To enter the BIOS, turn the computer off and on again, then press the F2 or Del key before Windows starts to load. It should tell you at the top or bottom of the black screen with white text which key to use as it can be different depending on the computer. List of commonly used keys here. To see your video card details, go to Start > Run > dxdiag > Display tab and post back with everything listed in the Device and Drivers sections. To see your power supply unit (PSU) details, remove the side panel from your case. The PSU is the large box at the top rear with all the cables coming out of it. The label on the side of the PSU will give you the brand name, model number and total watts. See pic below. EDIT: Sorry Tumble. Took too long typing and didn't see your reply. __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here Last edited by koala; 10-02-2009 at 09:20 PM.

10-03-2009, 04:40 AM	#6 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,657 OS: XP Professional	Re: Inappropriate computer shut down Yours is more detailed and a better explanation, thanks for that one. __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread.