Is my computer dying? Please help.

[Swoosieque]

Ten years ago, we built my computer. I use/d it daily for digital photo restoration, at-home customer service, and now, transcription work. For two months now, the computer started doing weird things when I pressed the front power button - the fans would startup, but the system wouldn't load.

I found that shutting down the main power switch on the back of the computer and turning it back on only helped if I did that three times, along with pressing the front power switch. Sometimes, it will seem like it's going to 'kick-in", but then, all of a sudden, will restart, all while in the initial startup phase.

After ruling out a virus, I thought it might be due to the latest upgrade of Win10. I started backing up important files to an external drive, while removing programs, etc... Finally, I bit the bullet and did a fresh install of Win 7. Nope, that did not fix my problem.

Next, I took my main power supply out of my computer, installed it into my husband's computer and it started up like a champ, so, that rules out a power supply problem.

As I mentioned, the case, all components and hardware are ten years old. Could one, or all, of my computer's guts be dying?

Here are the specs of my computer:

Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q9400 @ 2.66GHz
Case: ATX Mid tower, Thermaltake
Motherboard: Intel DP43TF
Memory: Crucial, 4GB
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GSO 512
HDD: Seagate ST31000528AS ATA (1TB)
Fans: A total of 3 fans, as well as a heat sink for the CPU

I just don't know what to do. I'm afraid of spending money on this if I'm going to eventually be replacing everything. Thoughts, please?

Thank you so much, in advance, for any help you can offer.

Swoosieque

 

[sneekypeet]

Have you inspected the motherboard for bulging capacitors or anything that looks odd? Also, unless the "husbands" rig is the same specification and power draw, you cannot rule out the PSU if the second rig draws half the power as yours does.

 

[jboydgolfer]

If it's doing these things from a boot before loading the OS then it has nothing to do with anything Windows-based , or even a virus for that matter. My guess is it's hardware, possibly power supply. I suppose it could be a faulty switch but id bank on The problem being the power supply

Or like pete said check the system closely for any obvious damage or blown capacitor's

 

[Bill_Bright]

While inspecting for bulging or leaky caps, make sure the interior is clean of heat trapping dust. Though that will not be causing this problem, it is still best to keep it clean.

If you have more than one stick of RAM, I recommend pulling all but one then boot and see what happens. Make sure you fully power down, unplug the computer from the wall and touch bare metal of the case interior (to discharge any static in your body) before reaching in or touching the RAM.

@jboydgolfer - note she already tried her supply in her husband's system and it worked fine.

 

[Swoosieque]

Have you inspected the motherboard for bulging capacitors or anything that looks odd? Also, unless the "husbands" rig is the same specification and power draw, you cannot rule out the PSU if the second rig draws half the power as yours does.

No. I didn't know anything about bulging capacitors, but I did open the case, blew it out with air, and checked all the connections for being secure, and to my eyes, nothing looked weird.

Also, I didn't even think about my husband's computer having different specs, great point! Thank you!

If it's doing these things from a boot before loading the OS then it has nothing to do with anything Windows-based , or even a virus for that matter. My guess is it's hardware, possibly power supply. I suppose it could be a faulty switch but id bank on The problem being the power supply

Or like pete said check the system closely for any obvious damage or blown capacitor's

Thank you so much for your help. I think I'll go ahead and buy a new power supply and see if that fixes the problem. If nothing else, then at least I'll have a new power supply for a new build, if that's what ends up happening.

While inspecting for bulging or leaky caps, make sure the interior is clean of heat trapping dust. Though that will not be causing this problem, it is still best to keep it clean.

If you have more than one stick of RAM, I recommend pulling all but one then boot and see what happens. Make sure you fully power down, unplug the computer from the wall and touch bare metal of the case interior (to discharge any static in your body) before reaching in or touching the RAM.

@jboydgolfer - note she already tried her supply in her husband's system and it worked fine.

Okay, I'll try that, while grounding myself, remove one of the RAM sticks (there are only 2), and if the problem still persists, repeat this step while replacing the other stick, and if the problem still persists, try different RAM slots on the mobo.

Will doing this test prove the RAM isn't bad?

I will check for bulging or leaky caps, remove, RAM sticks, restarting with one stick at a time, move them around to different slots and check back with you. Thanks so much!

 

[Bill_Bright]

Will doing this test prove the RAM isn't bad?

Sadly, no. But it will be pretty convincing. Sometimes RAM works great alone but fails when paired with other sticks.

You might try putting your husband's power supply into your computer and see what happens.

 

[64K]

I suspect the PSU but ten years is a pretty good lifetime for a PC. Is a new build possible for you right now? PSU, CPU, MOBO and RAM.

 

[Static~Charge]

No. I didn't know anything about bulging capacitors,

Go here for some clear pics of bad electrolytic capacitors.

 

[jaggerwild]

Next, I took my main power supply out of my computer, installed it into my husband's computer and it started up like a champ, so, that rules out a power supply problem.

That doesn't mean the voltage wont dip or fluctuate, only another computer boooted off of it, power supply testers show bad powers supplies as good under load cause its not a "REAL" LOAD.

 

[Bill_Bright]

power supply testers show bad powers supplies as good under load cause its not a "REAL" LOAD.

I agree. Also, a tester (and most multimeters) cannot test for excessive ripple and other anomalies that affect computer stability. But a PSU Tester does put a small load on the supply where the paper-clip method does not. If the tester shows a voltage is missing, or out of the required ±5% tolerance allowed, the supply is bad. So while a tester is not conclusive, it is better than nothing if you don't have a known good PSU to swap in or a professional shop near by where a qualified technician can use an oscilloscope or power supply analyzer to properly and conclusively test the supply.

 

[Swoosieque]

Sadly, no. But it will be pretty convincing. Sometimes RAM works great alone but fails when paired with other sticks.

You might try putting your husband's power supply into your computer and see what happens.

That's a great idea! Haven't done anything with this today, too much fun yesterday, paying for it with a wasted day today, will try these things tomorrow - try husband's power supply and move around the RAM.

Go here for some clear pics of bad electrolytic capacitors.

Thanks so much for the pics. I definitely have never seen anything like that before, and, luckily, nothing on my mobo resembles blown or leaky capacitors.

I suspect the PSU but ten years is a pretty good lifetime for a PC. Is a new build possible for you right now? PSU, CPU, MOBO and RAM.

That's what I'm thinking, rather than pinpointing one problem, another will follow due to the age of everything, and I'll end up replacing everything anyway, so maybe just start all over again because all this trouble shooting is so timely.

That doesn't mean the voltage wont dip or fluctuate, only another computer boooted off of it, power supply testers show bad powers supplies as good under load cause its not a "REAL" LOAD.

I guess the only way to rule out the PSU is to buy a new one and see if that fixes the problem?

 

[jaggerwild]

Can buy a used one, a known good one. If you have a buddy with a unit borrow, etc............

 

[Bill_Bright]

I guess the only way to rule out the PSU is to buy a new one and see if that fixes the problem?

If you put your husband's PSU in your machine and it works, that is pretty conclusive your PSU is bad. If his PSU does not fix the problem, then buying a new PSU will likely be a waste of money.

 

[Swoosieque]

Can buy a used one, a known good one. If you have a buddy with a unit borrow, etc............

I'm 63 yrs. old and nobody I know around here knows anything about computers - really computer illiterate.

But, this morning, I spent a few hours switching out the RAM, one at a time (only have 2 sticks) both worked fine. I mean, the startup problem is still the same, but, the RAM showed as working when it finally booted up, the screen showed that I decreased my RAM (because I pulled out the 2nd stick). Then I replaced the one stick with the one I pulled out and it was okay.

Next, I removed my power supply and replaced it with my husband's, which is of the same specs and known to work without any problems in his computer. MY problem (o/s won't load) still exists. It only starts up after powering down main switch 3 times, then it will suddenly stop everything and start over again, and then the o/s boots.

Process of elimination now is that it's either the HDD, CPU or mobo. I think I'll start with replacing the HDD.

I don't need a raging gaming computer, just one where I can do my spreadsheet work and transcription work and a little bit of surfing. But, I've got to be careful with what HDD I choose to make sure it's compatible with my mobo and any mobo I might have to replace.

Any more thoughts?

If you put your husband's PSU in your machine and it works, that is pretty conclusive your PSU is bad. If his PSU does not fix the problem, then buying a new PSU will likely be a waste of money.

Thanks for your help. We save old computer parts and I'm going to look to see if we saved an old HDD, install it and see if that might be the problem. If not, then like I mentioned to jaggerwild, I think I'll start replacing parts, starting with the HDD, but make sure that it will be compatible with a new mobo.

After testing the psu and memory, I'm left with the problem source being either the mobo, cpu, or hdd, don't you think?

 

[sneekypeet]

Any more thoughts?

When the PC does eventually boot, is the date and time correct? I almost wonder if this could be a bad CMOS battery.

 

[Swoosieque]

When the PC does eventually boot, is the date and time correct? I almost wonder if this could be a bad CMOS battery.

The very first thing I did was replace the CMOS battery. And the date and time are okay. Actually, the date and time were always okay, even after this problem first began.

Found only one hdd in our old boxes, an old Maxtor Model 93073UA. Going to shower, have lunch, then try and install it. Will get back to you guys.

 

[SKBARON]

Could it be a cold bug? With the age of that system I am wondering if maybe it needs to be a certain temperature before it starts up. I have had hardware that did not start until I literally used a hair dryer to warm it up to about 30 degrees C. The GPU and motherboard chipsets are the most susceptible to this as far as I know.

It's a long shot, a crazy long shot.

 

[Filip Georgievski]

Starting up every 3rd time sound like a bad CMOS battery, i had same problem, solved it by buying new Energizer battery, and it was gone.

If you have a movable heater (those with wheels, few ribs and a heat regulator), you could try to open the sidr panel, place the heater beside it and try to start it up and see if problem is still there, as mentioned above by @SKBARON.

 

[Swoosieque]

Could it be a cold bug? With the age of that system I am wondering if maybe it needs to be a certain temperature before it starts up. I have had hardware that did not start until I literally used a hair dryer to warm it up to about 30 degrees C. The GPU and motherboard chipsets are the most susceptible to this as far as I know.

It's a long shot, a crazy long shot.

Cold bug? Wow! I've never heard of that, but it kind of makes sense because once the system is running, and if I shut it down or restart for any reason, it starts up like normal. So, the solution is to keep a hair dryer on my desk and warm the ol' lady up first? (just kidding)

Starting up every 3rd time sound like a bad CMOS battery, i had same problem, solved it by buying new Energizer battery, and it was gone.

If you have a movable heater (those with wheels, few ribs and a heat regulator), you could try to open the sidr panel, place the heater beside it and try to start it up and see if problem is still there, as mentioned above by @SKBARON.

I replaced the CMOS battery with a brand new one (Energizer) before I moved on to other possibilities.

 

[TheMailMan78]

Cold bug? Wow! I've never heard of that, but it kind of makes sense because once the system is running, and if I shut it down or restart for any reason, it starts up like normal. So, the solution is to keep a hair dryer on my desk and warm the ol' lady up first? (just kidding)

Turn off sleep mode and make sure its on "performance mode". Just remember to turn it off when you aint using it. Sleep mode causes all kinds of issues.

 

[Swoosieque]

Switched out the hdd with the old Maxtor, the same problem happened. But, I don't know why on earth we've hung on to a 13 yr. old hdd?! Something is probably wrong with it too. Maybe tomorrow I'll pull my husband's hdd out and try it in mine - his computer works fine. If it works/starts up with booting the system, then I'll know it's the hdd. If it doesn't, then it must be the mobo and cpu.

Turn off sleep mode and make sure its on "performance mode". Just remember to turn it off when you aint using it. Sleep mode causes all kinds of issues.

Jesus, did you mean the peroformance mode in Windows or in the Bios? I just double-checked Windows and made sure nothing was set to sleep or hybernate. I'm gonna restart now and check my BIOS settings. I sure hope this might solve the problem!

 

[TheMailMan78]

Jesus, did you mean the peroformance mode in Windows or in the Bios? I just double-checked Windows and made sure nothing was set to sleep or hybernate. I'm gonna restart now and check my BIOS settings. I sure hope this might solve the problem!

Everything is in Windows. Hibernate is the devil.

Also have you checked your event monitor to see if there is an error on boot? Personally it kinda sounds like your RAM might be going. Can you swap out your husbands RAM just to test it? If everything runs fine you could just buy new RAM or maybe up the voltage. Overtime electromigration can wear down just about any electronic. Perfectly normal. So when this happens you can up the voltage to compensate. This is just a temp fix however. Now I am not saying this is what happening. I'm just throwing possibilities.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromigration

10 years is a great run for RAM IMO. That's where I would start with your symptoms and time frame.

 

[Swoosieque]

Everything is in Windows. Hibernate is the devil.

Also have you checked your event monitor to see if there is an error on boot? Personally it kinda sounds like your RAM might be going. Can you swap out your husbands RAM just to test it? If everything runs fine you could just buy new RAM or maybe up the voltage. Overtime electromigration can wear down just about any electronic. Perfectly normal. So when this happens you can up the voltage to compensate. This is just a temp fix however. Now I am not saying this is what happening. I'm just throwing possibilities.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromigration

10 years is a great run for RAM IMO. That's where I would start with your symptoms and time frame.

Yes, I know we have been very, very fortunate with our builds lasting this long. I'd like the next build to last just as long. And then, my eldest son mentioned, "Mom, c'mon, in 10 years, you'll be 73 yrs. old!! By then, you probably won't be transcribing anymore and just using your laptop for whatever you want to do." Sometimes I forget I'm getting OLD!! haha

Okay, tomorrow's game plan: install hubby's hdd, then his ram, if it's the same type, and even his graphics card. He told me it could be my graphics card too. Process of elimination.

Insofar as my event monitor, I've been getting tons of kernel errors, kernel event tracing, SChannel, DbxSvc, ... within the last hour, but, during the last hour, I've been changing things around. Gotta run, more later... thanks for hanging in here with me.

 

[Swoosieque]

Thought I'd try something "easier" than messing with my husband's hdd. Found a package of Corsair XMS2 DDR 240pin 2x 2GB sticks. Without wondering is they were non-ECC or unbuffered, I installed them and WHOA, computer beeped 4 times and I quickly shut it down and put my old RAM in, and proceeded to try my husband's hdd. His worked, but, still not sure if hdd is the problem, so I ordered compatible RAM and it should be here within a week.

After thinking some more, I decided to go ahead and order a new HDD. The Seagate I have is the Barracuda, 1TB, SATA, and I'm going to order the Firecuda, 1TB, SATA. I've been so impressed with the longevity of the one I had, I hope this next one lasts as long too.

I'll get back to the forum after these pieces come in and I've got it up and running.

Thanks again to everyone for all of your help and suggestions.

 

[biffzinker]

Since your here @Swoosieque why not fill in your system specs?
https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/account/specs