Ok so over the last couple of weeks my parents have been telling me how their computer (since I have my own), has been rebooting randomly, I was gonna look into this but never got around to it. I should let you know that this happened before and it was because the CPU was getting to HOT and so I took off the side panels and everything was working fine. Silly me I put the side panels back on but I THINK the symptoms were there before I put them back on. Anyway I took them off to see if that was what it was but no luck.

Basically what happens is when I turn the computer on, the CPU and System fan turn on and spin just fine so Im hoping the power supply is ok. The Activity LED in the front is solid (not blinking) and the Power LED is off. I have tried resetting the BIOS (CMOS jumper reset thingy) but unless I didn't leave it the the other position long enough, that didnt work. Also I was checking out the CPU/CPUFan, I noticed that it was a little wobbly. Anyway any help would be appreciated

Oh a few specs: P4VXASD Motherboard made by ECS and P4 CPU (not sure what one exactly) If you need any other info just email me or post here

Thanks
Josh

PS I'm the one that is USED to getting the call from family etc so any help will be greatly greatly appreciatedMost probably a heat issue from the info you have given...a wobbly CPU fan is definitely NOT a good thing....get a can of compressed air and clean out the inside as best you can.
Next examine the CPU fan to see if it is not seated properly or if there is a broken hold down.
If it is broken it needs to be replaced immediately if they don't want a dead machine on their hands. I'd suggest to them to not use it until this issue is resolved.

If i'm not mistaken the P4's use a plastic hold down cage for the CPU fan...these can be replaced but it involves removing the MBoard to do so...First off thanks so much for the reply. I got the MB out of the case and OH yea the fan/heatsink definently was not sitting on the CPU correctly. I have included some pics (sorry about the QUALITY in advance)



CPU with fans and heat sink off, the fan unit gets cliped on to those black things with metal clips




Well theres your problem...Right?



Horrible pic but hopefully you can see how it is broken

Anyway we are gonna run out tomarrow and buy a new fan. And I was just wondering if you guys think that this was the real problem. Obviously it was a problem but I would think that the computer would at least start up for a min or two before it got too hot and shut off again. Just wondering if you guys thinks this is the only problem

Thanks
Josh

P.S. CPU goes in and out of slot with zero pressure
A Pentium CPU will shut down to avoid damage, in this case probably a second or two is all it would take.

It looks like there is smoking beind done around the computer also. My problem is along the same line. Last week my computer did a total Shut-Down without warning, and since then it will not even boot up.

I did a complete BIOS Re-Start ( removed the battery for 2 Hrs. ) and changed out the RAMs. I pulled all external cables and still nothing. The HD light comes on, but the power-light does not - even though all fans are working. This is an out of the blue thing - soooo I am at a dead end.

Motherboard: Intel DQ965GF
CPU: Pentium D 945

I am guessing that the processor is shot - and this computer is only 4 months old and was working up till the Shut-down perfectly. Any help on an Easter Sunday??? PLEASE....Ahh no dice, still doesnt work. Im think it is probably either the processor, motherboard, or powersupply. Any ideas on how to check these with out taking it somewhere/free? Or is it still maybe something else?I've also just noticed that when i disconnect the ATA for the hard drive, the activity LED does not go on. Is this normal or could this be a sign the hard drive is somehow to blame. Im thinking of just sticking the HD in my computer and see what happensQuote from: JoshT on April 08, 2007, 07:39:42 PM

I've also just noticed that when i disconnect the ATA for the hard drive, the activity LED does not go on. Is this normal or could this be a sign the hard drive is somehow to blame. Im thinking of just sticking the HD in my computer and see what happens