Strange happenings with PC

[los_design]

Hi Guys

I rank myself as a hardware novice with regards PC's, can upgrade memory, keep clean drives, keep machines running virus free etc but delving into the mechanics worries me somewhat.

Yesterday (after click on a link provided by Miss B ) my system crashed and would not re-boot past the splash screen (compaq).

I unplugged it, cleaned the dust off etc still no booty. Then I unplugged all bar 2 of the USB's and it came to life...

My gut states this could be a PSU issue but any guru's out there with an opinion?

It is an upgraded Presario 6540 (max memory, XPP) I have ran since new for around 18hrs per day for 5 years. I have other PC's in my network but this is my first born...

Ta

[TraceyHand]

Yesterday (after click on a link provided by Miss B ) my system crashed and would not re-boot past the splash screen (compaq).

Wasn't me, honest

[Darren B]

DJ dump it mate - not worth the hassle besides it will cost you more for the PSU thats it worth

Mind you if its a link from Miss Bumps could be anything

[Stereo Steve]

Is it working without the USB stuff? You could try backing it all up and running a repair install of XP. In theory it should not delete any docs anyway. Unlikely to be the PSU, they usually go pop with smoke and everything. More likely hard drive dying I would guess. Check all plugs and memory seating etc as well.

[gabrielcrowe]

no doubt a usb device is damaged and drawing too much power. power drain on usb devices sometimes trips warning on moden boards that orevent booting.

disable usb device booting in the bios and test the usb devices in another computer, or in a powered hub.

try going in the bios and re-detect the hard drives.

[Darren B]

Gabe probably toooo old to be that clever, bet there usb 1 anyway

DJ unplug them, get all the stuff off it then dump it

D

[los_design]

Gabe probably toooo old to be that clever, bet there usb 1 anyway

DJ unplug them, get all the stuff off it then dump it

D

Indeed Dazza, all USB 1.0

Yes it runs fine without the printer and external USB plugged in on start up. then works fine when I p&p them in after boot up.

I know it is old and not worth spending anything on, just a sentimental machine....built my first site on it

All important stuff if backed up to a network drive so even if the HD dies I know I am safe (he opens up and checks..yup)

Going to invest in a high end business lappy (prolly stick with HP) to replace this one me thinks.

Cheers guys.

[pinbrook]

built my first site on it

now that its tragic sentimetallity

Sadly the first actinic site i built is no longer trading (the business went tits up which was unrelated to the website) ... i think the 2nd one is still going strong though.

[los_design]

now that its tragic sentimetallity

Sadly the first actinic site i built is no longer trading (the business went tits up which was unrelated to the website) ... i think the 2nd one is still going strong though.

I am just a sentimental old fool Jo

[TraceyHand]

I am just a sentimental old fool Jo

emphasis on.....

*mutters*

[los_design]

emphasis on.....

*mutters*

......................

[leehack]

I am just a sentimental old fool Jo

Lets get the PC in a car park and kick ten bells out of it, see if DJ's tear ducts work.

Send it to Brainiac!

[los_design]

Lets get the PC in a car park and kick ten bells out of it, see if DJ's tear ducts work.

Send it to Brainiac!

they were operated on years ago