Computer Powers Off after turning it on

thejerkface · #1 10-05-2007, 08:08 PM

My PC keeps turning off after turning it on. It'll go through the boot process and load XP, then after 5 mins or less, it'll turn off. My PC is custom built and about a year old. I scan for viruses regularly. However, I can't really check for new viruses again b/c the computer doesn't stay on long enough. I think it might be the power source that is causing it. Any ideas on what it could be?

I just bought a new laptop and I really just want to get my files from the old desktop onto it. I have other PCs around the house. Can I remove the hard drive from the malfunctioning PC and swap it into a working PC in order to access my files (assuming it's a power problem and not a virus)?

Beavis68 · #2 10-05-2007, 08:42 PM

have you tried booting in safe mode? do you have any desk top utilities or system monitor software with the motherboard? what brand MB?

thejerkface · #3 10-05-2007, 08:55 PM

It's an ASUS motherboard. I haven't tried booting in safe mode, I'm not really sure how to do that. I'm also not sure about what software like system monitor that my motherboard came with.

Meech · #4 10-05-2007, 11:23 PM

I vote either power supply or broken motherboard fan. Either the PSU is wigging or something is getting too hot and it's shutting itself down.

Buy a USB hard drive enclosure and access it from whatever.

Beavis68 · #5 10-06-2007, 01:14 AM

try googling safe mode, it will explain it better than I can. it will eliminate software problems.

Low Key · #6 10-06-2007, 03:44 AM

I had a problem once of the PS connection to the MB not being tight enough/all the way snapped in. My pc would randomly restart, not turn off, though.

If nothing else helps, get some sage in a tight bundle, light it on fire, and walk around the room holding it near the walls. This is called "smudging" the room, and will help clear out any bad "pc power off" ghosts that may be lingering and toying with your computer.