Startup problem

[RichieP]

Here's a strange one. It's got me so I thought I'd see if anyone has any suggestions.

Customer using a Fujitsu Siemens desktop running XP as a file/print server.

In the morning when they switch it on, it turns off again after about 2 seconds. They switch it on again, it turms off after about 4 seconds.

After switching it on about 10 times, each time the start up process getting a bit fut=rther, it eventually stays aon all day. Even if you turn it off in the afternoon, it switches back on startight away no problem.

It's as if a component has to warm up enaough to stay on.

Only time I've seen anything like this a new PSU has resolved it. Another time something similar was resolved by cleaning out the contacts on the power switch and making sure it wasn't sticking in when pressed.

Needless to say I've donoe both of these things but still the same.

A slight problem is that they need it all the time, so I can't take it away to test memory or hard drive, although I doubt it's either of those as they would continually crash if faulty anyway.

I've told them to manage for now, as it least it works, although annoying.

Any suggestions welcome, as I'd rather not they have to wait until it fails completely, although it will probably be easier to fix and diagnose once that happens.

Cheers
Richie

[thescruff]

Have you checked the fan isn't sticking and it's over heating.

[root]

that is an odd one... sell them a print server will save headaches and expense

[RichieP]

Cheers for the quick replies.

The fan is fiune, but it's too quick for it to overheat anyway, it's literally about the second before it truns off the first time.

Cheers Root, possibly not quite the solution they're after.

[root]

could be some odd settings in the bios with power management and health monitoring, try updating if not latest ver, or resetting? - oh and go mental with the can of air

[chat_to_rich]

Have they got another identical machine lying around? You could swap the hard disks over and continue troubleshooting the other machine.

[RichieP]

If only I had that luxury.

[dandan]

Sounds like a power supply or mother board issue to me.
If you have a spare power supply, you could swap it out. Otherwise if it is the motherboard, you would be better off getting rid and starting again.

I guess you have checked all switches, connectors etc to make sure they are all OK?

[root]

http://bit.ly/zDGrjt

[Razor]

I just asked a mate who does computers for British Gas.


He says you need a powerflush and a new boiler

Well it's how they fix everything

I'll get my coat

[big-all]

can the back up battery effect the running ??
sounds it gone flat and each subsequent spurt builds up untill enough in the tank to hold on ??

[kellys_eye]

Definately a power supply problem - either the PSU itself or the capacitors on the mobo around the CPU. If you want to open the case and have a shufty you might see the tops of the capacitors 'bulging' - (tall metal cans about 10mm diameter, around 20mm tall and often covered in blue, black or green plastic) - sure sign they are 'toast'.
This is because there is high ripple frequency on the capcitors from the switched-mode supply circuitry.

The only 'sure' cure is replacement of the capacitors - a lengthy and expensive proposition that usually means the trash can for the PC.........

[Megaross]

I beg to differ, the capacitors aren't that difficult to replace provided you're any good with a soldering iron. Sourcing the correct replacements can be a nightmare though.

[root]

Only time I've seen anything like this a new PSU has resolved it. Another time something similar was resolved by cleaning out the contacts on the power switch and making sure it wasn't sticking in when pressed.

Needless to say I've donoe both of these things but still the same.

Probably something wrong with the motherboard if a bios reset and swapping out psu didn't fix it.

[BillyGoat]

I'd be looking at PSU myself - swap onsite, no need to move computer. Get one with long wires - crack it open and test onsite in the morning. 5 minutes job.

Also - it's not impossible for it to overheat in seconds at all. The thermal management CAN shut a computer down in seconds. Think back to the old days of AMD Athlon chips that didn't have the termista - they could burn out in 2 seconds flat if the heatsink wasn't on correctly (I know this....as we dealt with 1000's that were damaged during shipping...)

Check BIOS if it has temp sensors, or install monitoring program if it can't be restarted.

If it's running high, might just need the heatsink taking off, scraping the hard paste off and reapplying (I've seen it 'cure' when put on too thick, which ultimately turns it into insulator rather than conductor of heat).

Those are my Spanish thoughts on the situation - maybe wrong.

BG