Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

PC lockup: power supply problem?

Dec 10, 2003 2:28AM PST

My 533mhz P3 (windows 9Cool has been freezing up intermittently ever since I had the processor cooling fans replaced (old ones were making noise).

I have taken it back to the shop twice, and they cannot duplicate the problem. It works fine for them, and they say the processor is NOT overheating.

But when I get it back home, it locks up. I've tried plugging it into a different electrical outlet, to no avail. Any ideas?

Thanks.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Re:PC lockup: power supply problem?
Dec 10, 2003 2:48AM PST

They could be right. Many shops are cooler than where the machine is at home. Try this:

1. Remove the case cover.
2. Point a fan at the innards.

Any difference?

Bob

- Collapse -
Re:Re:PC lockup: power supply problem?
Dec 11, 2003 1:10AM PST

No difference, I'm afraid. Beginning to suspect shop incompetence/deception. Unless it has to do with electrical service? Or my peripherals?

- Collapse -
Something you left out?
Dec 11, 2003 2:43AM PST

"Or my peripherals?"

"Tip: If you are asking for help to troubleshoot a computer-related problem, please be sure to include all the necessary information (ie: operating system, model number, hardware, software, etc) that will help others identify your problem for a speedy resolution."

This tip is put up with every post. While it may or may not help, I wish you the best in finding the cause and a cure, but let's just state that old machines can go unstable even with the best of care. A prime example is this GOOGLE -> http://www.google.com/search?&q=BAD+MOTHERBOARD+CAPACITORS

Also worth noting are the PESTS that we find on too many machines. I wrote up a short list about this at http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6132-0.html?forumID=32&threadID=1313&start=0 Not many shops will alert people to this issue because it would run up a bill and inflict too much time educating the users. (NO OFFENSE INTENDED HERE!)

Now that we've got a good idea it's not heat related, we move to "other items."

Bob

- Collapse -
Same problems
Feb 28, 2005 1:27AM PST

I have exactly the same problem with 3 pcs. 2 of them are brand new celeron-D machines. They work in my shop but not at my customers site. I have tried putting in a new power circuit and using surge protectors. The cpu and power fans work perfectly. I get lockups while in the bios or when windows starts or has been running for 20-30 min.

I think it may be related to the wireless G communications card (Dlink). It works on some networks but not on others. Do you have a wireless card in the pc?