hi all.
i have a friend that has a 3 year old Acer Desktop Pc (not sure on the exact model) but it is sometimes having the problem where it starts to load up windows and crashes on the 'Sliding Bar' screen. Then after being forced to do a hard shut down, the computer comes completely dead. The computer doesn't even try to start up, no fans, nothing.
The only way that I can see to FIX this is to UNPLUG the power and a minute or two later after plugging it back in it springs back into life as if nothing ever happened. This is a random problem. I can't really see any pattern with it.
I have already installed a new PSU, in case that was faulty, and cleaned out the heat sink and re-applied thermal paste in case it was over heating (desperate stab in the dark) and shutting it self down.
I'm kinda at a loss here, can anyone think of anything it might be?
Thanks,
Luke
It could very well be the RAM-try each stick of RAM in each DIMM slot. Is it possible to boot other OSes(i.e. Ubuntu) from a USB drive/DVD? This happens randomly, as you say...[/size]Thanks for replying. Unfortunately he is at university at the moment, so I don't have access at the moment. But would failing RAM cause it to not respond to the power button all together? To be honest, I've never tried to start up a computer without it - I'm not sure on the outcome. Also, how would taking the power out help? Do you think that is just a coincidence?
I have the Windows Ram testing software to test it. I also have the 'Ultimate Boot CD' that tests all kind of stuff (not really had a chance yet..)
But it sounds like the RAM is a good possibility with it's age and price range. If these all come back okay, then I'll lend him some spare RAM for a while to see if fixes it.

LukeRun MemTest from the UBCD...let it run at least an hour...
Any errors at all and you have a bad stik of RAM...
If it doesn't even respond to the power button... 1) Bad PSU 2) Bad On/Off Switch 3) Bad PSU Cable (I once bought a REPLACEMENT for my PSU thinking it had fried. RMA'ed it because the replacement still wouldn't turn on. I was sitting there scratching my head when I suddenly thought of the power cable. Both PSUS are still as good as new.) 4) Dead Motherboard.


If you attempt to boot a computer without RAM, there will be beeps from the case speaker(If you have installed one. Please consult your motherboard manual for beep codes.) If you attempt to boot a computer without the CPU, it will not beep, fans will run, and need to hold the power button for around 10 seconds to turn the system off. If you attempt to boot your computer with a fan with a faulty RPM sensor, it will have symptoms identical to that of booting without a CPU. If you attempt to boot a computer without a PSU... well... good luck.