XP fails, turns itself off

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I run XP.
All of the sudden the machine shut off. I pressed the on button, but
nothing. Then I cut all power to the machine (turning the surge protector
off), waited a minute. Then it powered up perfectly. WHAT COULD THIS BE? Is
this the beginning of the end? Power supply issue? What?
 
Hi,

Overheating cpu most likely, but could also be the power supply. Either way,
don't wait to get it to a technician.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
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I run XP.
All of the sudden the machine shut off. I pressed the on button, but
nothing. Then I cut all power to the machine (turning the surge protector
off), waited a minute. Then it powered up perfectly. WHAT COULD THIS BE? Is
this the beginning of the end? Power supply issue? What?
Click to expand...

Obviously a hardware problem of some kind. Would check for overheating.
Most systems will shutdown when temperatures skyrocket. When you tried, the
system would not restart right away. This could happen if the components
were still hot. You took some time to power off and wait. Time enough for
components to cool off. The next attempt at startup succeeded.

Possible causes include faulty fans or an over abundance of dust. Check
that fans are working properly. If it's been a while, clean the dust out of
the case. When everything is back together again, make sure the case is
positioned to optimize airflow (intake and out).

There could be other explanations for what happened but this would be my
first guess if it happened on my system.
 
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Sharon F said:
Obviously a hardware problem of some kind. Would check for overheating.
Most systems will shutdown when temperatures skyrocket. When you tried, the
system would not restart right away. This could happen if the components
were still hot. You took some time to power off and wait. Time enough for
components to cool off. The next attempt at startup succeeded.

Possible causes include faulty fans or an over abundance of dust. Check
that fans are working properly. If it's been a while, clean the dust out of
the case. When everything is back together again, make sure the case is
positioned to optimize airflow (intake and out).

There could be other explanations for what happened but this would be my
first guess if it happened on my system.
Click to expand...

Machine continues to work well. What do you think, could it have been a
passing power surge (even though I have an old Curtis surge protector)?
 
As SharonF notes:
Obviously a hardware problem of some kind.
Click to expand...

Since details (ie type of processor) were not provided, then every
answer will be speculation. Your responses will only be as good as the
facts provided.

The power supply is controlled by a power supply controller. That
controller has a safety circuit that can lock out the machine. Power
will not return until power cord is fully detached from AC power. Was
this the case? We don't know even though that information could have
been obtains in but minutes by recording information before trying to
fix anything. If it happens again, your approach should be different
so that relevant answers can be obtained.

A Curtis protector was doing same useless functions as when new.
First, it may even make surge damage to the computer easier. Second,
it does nothing for shutdowns. Either transient damages hardware or a
transient is made irrelevant by protection already inside a computer.
Third, worry about this:
http://www.cob.org/fire/safety/surge.htm
http://www.hanford.gov/rl/?page=556&parent=554
http://www.westwhitelandfire.com/Articles/Surge Protectors.pdf

And fourth, both XP and protector would be irrelevant to a possible
power lockout problem.
 
Machine continues to work well. What do you think, could it have been a
passing power surge (even though I have an old Curtis surge protector)?
Click to expand...

Pete, it's really impossible to say for sure. If it's a one time fluke,
shelf it in your memory banks. Maybe check wiring and connections when you
have time just as a reassurance.

If this starts to happen repeatedly, check the hardware with a fine tooth
comb. If not sure how to do it, have a repair shop do it for you. Also if
repeats start, don't wait too long to check the machine over. Depending on
what's wrong with the system, it could be stressing several components. You
want whatever's wrong fixed before it starts breaking/damaging other
things.
 
Hi saron what is a ms windows shell user can you maby post some pictures of
what the shell looks like.
 
Hi saron what is a ms windows shell user can you maby post some pictures of
what the shell looks like.
Click to expand...

Andy, maybe this explanation will make the term "shell" clearer: Any part
of Windows that you can see or touch (click on) is considered the "shell."
 
ok thanks

Sharon F said:
Andy, maybe this explanation will make the term "shell" clearer: Any part
of Windows that you can see or touch (click on) is considered the "shell."
Click to expand...
 
also i use linix on my other box red hat version and i like it so far.
Click to expand...

Other operating systems are interesting, aren't they? Have not tried that
particular version yet. I'm glad that you like it.
 
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