Don't rule out other causes, but just for the moment assume it may be a power supply problem. Make sure you have good 110 VAC to the computer's power supply, bypassing any questionable units, APC's, etc in the line. Check the  AC cable reseated and tight. If there's a 110/220V selector switch, make sure it's set properly. If you want to open the case, you will see the power supply box at the top rear. it should have a (total) rated watts listed. That could be too small for the computer if items have been added, or the power supply could be getting tired. Inside the case, you could disconnect the four prong power leads to non-essential items such as floppy drive, CD drive, etc. If the situation improves, it may tell you something. I would guess that the initial boot phase draws the most power and once the machine is running it could continue to run just fine.
For troubleshooting purposes, I've seen two computers placed side by side on the bench. The power supply from one was used to run the other. The connectors to the motherboard will be different on older/newer computers but drive connectors have stayed the same. I you are to replace the power supply, make sure the motherboard connectors match the board it will be used on.


From: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Aug 6, 2005 3:49 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] Hibernating computer

I need help in diagnosing a computer that "dies" at irregular intervals.  It stays dead for various periods of time, sometimes hours, sometimes several days up to a week.  During that time it is just is inoperative.  When it's turned on,with one exception, the various indicator light pop on and off but nothing results.  The only (maybe) significant clue I have is that if the "A" drive light blinks on and off then I know that it going to boot up,  When that light doesn't blink then I know that I'll just have to turn it off and wait for the machine to "wake up" again - as I said this can be days literally.
The machine is a Compaq w. a 900 MHz Athelon processor, running Windows Me, with 256 Mb RAM.  I have installed Spybot, Avast, Adaware, and until a few months ago had Nortons System Work 2003 installed with annual updates.  But after reading here about problems with Norton I "uninstalled" it, but a SEARCH on Symantec still brings up a number of "hits".
I'd sure appreciate advice on how to deal with this aggravation and am willing to purchase a commercial diagnostic software package if that will point me to the problem.  The machine at home is now in this hibernating state so I'm having to write this using a machine at our local Sr. Citizen's Center.  I just cannot understand why this happens and then suddenly, just like magic, it's OK again - until the next episode.
Lewis Emerson

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