[Cialug] Slightly OT: Stupid computer problems

Fri Jun 3 21:52:19 CDT 2005

"I did a restore, same problem, send me a new one"

On Fri, 3 Jun 2005, Bailey, Jonathan C wrote:

> I pretty much need to find the point where I can tell Dell to fix the
> friggin thing... First thing they want is a restore, but I believe its
> hardware...
>
>
> Jon
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: cialug-bounces at cialug.org [mailto:cialug-bounces at cialug.org]On
> Behalf Of Bryan Baker
> Sent: Friday, June 03, 2005 6:06 PM
> To: Central Iowa Linux Users Group
> Subject: Re: [Cialug] Slightly OT: Stupid computer problems
>
>
> Oddly enough, I've been googling for similar problems (I have a Gateway
> E-3400 at work that does this sort of thing).
> Gateway had some kind of kit to deal w/ possible flexing of the PCI
> riser, but that's installed. Another post I saw points to flakey cap's
> manufactured using a flawed (illegally copied) formula from some other
> mfr.
>
> http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2003Feb/bch20030207018535.htm
>
> On Jun 3, 2005, at 5:03 PM, Lee wrote:
>> Bailey, Jonathan C wrote:
>>
>>> It doesn't seem to be linked to use of any one component, although it
>
>>> seems to die quicker with the case open. I've disconnected the CD
>>> drive, floppy, etc except for the HD  and it still does it. As far as
>
>>> a temp issue, I can get it running for about 5min or so depending on
>>> if its used heavily.
>>>
>>>
>>> Jon
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: cialug-bounces at cialug.org [mailto:cialug-bounces at cialug.org]On
>>> Behalf Of Lee
>>> Sent: Friday, June 03, 2005 4:45 PM
>>> To: Central Iowa Linux Users Group
>>> Subject: Re: [Cialug] Slightly OT: Stupid computer problems
>>>
>>>
>>> Bailey, Jonathan C wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>> The PSU is sized like a 1U.. The back-of-the-case fan keeps running,
>
>>>> and the side fan on the PSU just stops.
>>>>
>>>> As far as temprature readings, where should I measure, and what kind
>
>>>> of heat should I expect from a P4 2Ghz-ish CPU?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Jon
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: cialug-bounces at cialug.org [mailto:cialug-bounces at cialug.org]On
>>>> Behalf Of Lee
>>>> Sent: Friday, June 03, 2005 4:17 PM
>>>> To: Central Iowa Linux Users Group
>>>> Subject: Re: [Cialug] Slightly OT: Stupid computer problems
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Bailey, Jonathan C wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> I've got this computer which is giving me headaches. It's a Dell
>>>>> Opteplex GX series that just shuts off on its own. Well, kinda
>>>>> shuts off. When it goes down, the screen blanks (no video signal),
>>>>> the power supply fan stops, the power light stays on, and the
>>>>> drives keep spinning. The only way to get it out of this state is
>>>>> to unplug/plug it back in. Here's what I've done..
>>>>>
>>>>> * swapped power supplies with a known good one
>>>>> * ran memtest86+ - passed
>>>>> * ran DFT - passed
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I don't want to restore, but is this the realistic next step?
>>>>> Anything else to check out?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> --------------------
>>>>> Jonathan Bailey
>>>>> POS Analyst
>>>>> bailj0 at bp.com
>>>>> (515) 226-5005
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Cialug mailing list
>>>>> Cialug at cialug.org
>>>>> http://cialug.org/mailman/listinfo/cialug
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> The power supply fan stops? Or do you mean CPU / Case fan? Aside
>>>> from a few laptops I have never heard of a system controlled Power
>>>> Supply fan. If it's stopping I would guess you have a power problem.
>
>>>> And from the sounds of things, probably across the M/B. I would
>>>> first find out what system events can cause that paticular power
>>>> supply's fan to stop (i.e. Thermal Controls).
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>>>> http://cialug.org/mailman/listinfo/cialug
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>> This link gives you some idea of the operating temps for a P4. But if
>
>>> the BIOS doesn't provide this info, it's tough to diagnose.
>>> http://www.intel.com/support/processors/pentium4/sb/cs-007999.htm
>>> Some thoughts...
>>> Do you have any burn-in software? Test various components and see if
>>> one of the tests causes the failure.
>>> Can you boot to a command prompt and get it to shut down?
>>> Does it reboot by opening and closing a powered CD drive door?
>>> Disconnect the drives and let it set at a post screen, waiting for a
>>> failure.
>>> I did this type of tech work for years and often found a new causes
>>> for old problems.
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> Cialug at cialug.org
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>>> Cialug mailing list
>>> Cialug at cialug.org
>>> http://cialug.org/mailman/listinfo/cialug
>>>
>>>
>> I'll go out on  a limb and say it's likely CPU or M/B chipset Thermal
>> Shutdown. Check that the heatsinks are setting level on each. But
>> until you can find a way to measure internal temps on that box. Your
>> simply not going to know. Do a search for the board part number and
>> thermal controls or settings. Maybe a first or third party software
>> monitor exists.
>> _______________________________________________
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>> http://cialug.org/mailman/listinfo/cialug
>>
> --
> Bryan Baker
> Technology Advocate
> Iowa Legal Aid
> Suite 230
> 1111 9th Street
> Des Moines, Ia 50314-2527
>
> (515) 243-2151 (x1635)
>
> http://www.iowalegalaid.org
> bbaker at iowalaw.org
>
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-- 
Dave Weis             "I believe there are more instances of the abridgment
djweis at sjdjweis.com   of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent
                       encroachments of those in power than by violent
                       and sudden usurpations."- James Madison