Topic: New Project!!

[Simon]

Right, there may be a problem.  The new PC is running at 47-50C CPU Temp, and 40C System Temp, but tonight, we had three bad freezes, which meant hitting the reset button.  Also, all the icons disappeared off the desktop on each occasion.  The second time, it even said "boot error - insert system disc" on booting up (although that may not be the exact wording).  He then turned the machine completely off for 5 minutes, and restarted.  Everything was OK, for a short while then it happened again.

I opened the case and checked the fans, which are both working.  I also pushed the memory stick, and the graphics card, to make sure they were firm, and they seemed OK.  I can't think what could have been the problem, but after we let it run with the case open for a while, it seemed OK.

Could this be an overheating problem?  Any suggestions appreciated.

[Tony]

Right, there may be a problem.  The new PC is running at 47-50C CPU Temp, and 40C System Temp, but tonight, we had three bad freezes, which meant hitting the reset button.  Also, all the icons disappeared off the desktop on each occasion.  The second time, it even said "boot error - insert system disc" on booting up (although that may not be the exact wording).  He then turned the machine completely off for 5 minutes, and restarted.  Everything was OK, for a short while then it happened again.

I opened the case and checked the fans, which are both working.  I also pushed the memory stick, and the graphics card, to make sure they were firm, and they seemed OK.  I can't think what could have been the problem, but after we let it run with the case open for a while, it seemed OK.

Could this be an overheating problem?  Any suggestions appreciated.

Well 47-50C ain't hot Simon, I cannot see it being that Mate, but you know me on software probs......I'm the last man to ask ....well after you that is    

[Simon]

Well, he was only writing an e-mail when it started, so I can't see it being that, but who knows?  It was strange, in that first the mouse clicks did nothing, although the mouse arrow still moved, then the mouse froze, and that was that.  Being a relatively gradual process, makes me think it's a hardware issue, but I could be wrong.  I usually am.  

[Tony]

Where's our Sooooondra when you need her, she ain't nipped over that blinking Channel has she for a Brief Encounter with mona me  

[Sandra]

How long had it been running and did it freeze while trying to do anything else Simon ?

[Simon]

It had been running at first for about half an hour, I think (I wasn't actually there when it started), then it froze when he was writing an e-mail.  He rebooted and then it did it again after about 5 minutes.  He called me after the second reset, when it wouldn't launch Windows, but can up with the 'boot error', when it said insert system disc and press any key to continue.  He powered off, and I went round and started it up, and it started without problem.  He started to write his e-mail again (the program loaded fine), but after 2-3 minutes, it froze again.  I then opened the case, and pushed the cards and the connectors to make sure everything was seated firmly.  We then started it up and ran it with the case open, and it was fine.  We ran it for at least 30 minutes, then I put the side of the case back on, and we ran it for another 30 minutes - no problems.

As I said, according to the 'Asus Probe', the CPU temp was about 47C, and the system temp, about 40C, with the case open.  With the case closed, both rose by 2 or 3 degrees, but nothing unusual.

Having thought about it, a couple of times before this freezing started, it has stopped for a couple of seconds two or three times before, but then carried on normally.  I didn't think this was anything much out of the ordinary, but I'm now wondering if this was a lead up to the current problem?  Could this be a dodgy CPU?

I don't think it's connected Sandra, but see your PM.  

[Tony]

Having thought about it, a couple of times before this freezing started, it has stopped for a couple of seconds two or three times before, but then carried on normally.  I didn't think this was anything much out of the ordinary, but I'm now wondering if this was a lead up to the current problem?  Could this be a dodgy CPU?

I don't think it's connected Sandra, but see your PM.  

Oh that PM must be a juicy incriminating tasty little morsel, but hey Simon, look I got dropped on my head in my infancy, but it ain't affect me, now has it  

PS: your secrets safe with me mate.............Nurse ..Nurse....I cannot move my arms, is this white jacket ment to be this tight ?

Well I may be gone some time, as this new machine flies, making mine look slow, so I going to do what Chorley Dave does, a refomat and reinstall. I'll be using that Base W2K Image I've saved, plus if the worse comes to the worse, I have an Image of the setup as is. I'm never happy that I have got Outlook sorted backup wise, but here goes.

[Simon]

OK, I'll admit it,    I DROPPED the CPU when I was installing it    and it wouldn't sit in the slot because one of the pins was very slightly out of line.  I very gently moved it back, and it fitted fine, as has been working OK up to last night.  I would have thought the problem would have manifested before now if it was due to a damaged CPU, but hey, WTF do I know?  

[Tony]

Simon,

on my first PC I bent the power switch pins over connecting the cable from the front case to the Mobo. Sweated like heck when I straightened them up, but it works perfectly. Now whever it would stand a disconect to remove the board and then a reconnect is any bodies guess...but I doubt it >  But I've learnt to be more gentle since then, touch like a butterfly now  

The CPU pins coming through that plastic body would protect the actual pin connection. And if it was related, I would have suspected you would have experianced probs from the off.

Chin up mate, it's just part of the learning curve, and in anycase you cannot help being a 'Hamfisted Five Thumbed' box builder....now can you?  

[Simon]

Thanks, mate - you know who your friends are round here!  

I had another thought - on the way round to my mates house, the case received a bump in the car (he's a bit heavy on the right foot!), which might have dislodged one of the cards, and my pushing them in may hopefully have sorted it.  As I said, it ran for about an hour after I'd done that last night with no trouble.

I'll have to wait to hear from him tonight to see if the problem recurs again.

[Tony]

the case received a bump in the car

Bumped in the back of a car, dropped on it's head, with possible brain damage, had it's  heart drive ripped out straight after birth I mean build.......I wouldn?t be surprised if ACNE pay you a visit  

I've got this new PC to play with for at least ten days yet, I have it on all the time, hottest it's got to is 54C., and very quite. By the way I did not do a clean reinstall after all...I realized it was the Thirteenth......not that I?m superstitious ......just cautious  

[TR]

Iv'e been following this thread with great interest.... well done you 2 its been very interesting.. the banter has been brilliant as is the tech knowledge, hopefully every body that has followed it can see that anybody can build a PC( not meant to be derogatary in anyway)

once again well done


just one thing though   iv'e ringed the picture


Hookstar

[Rodders]

I can't quite make it out, but it does seem to be some kind of toy.

Perhaps it's simply a nightie case.  I'm sure Simon will be along later with a perfectly reasonable explanation.  

[TR]

Slippers  

[Simon]

Gawd!!  You lot don't miss a thing do you!