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shugo974
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09 Feb 2009, 6:33 pm

I'm trying to fix my mother's old computer running on windows 98. To turn the thing on e had to lift the tower and play with the power button to turn it on, then it freezes after a while. DOes any one know what should I do? Were giving it to my little sister.



Dussel
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09 Feb 2009, 9:15 pm

Do you see the Bios-screen?



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09 Feb 2009, 9:29 pm

Check the fans. At least one of them may have three wires. If this fan does not turn fast enough after the system builds up heat, then the system will shut down.


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11 Feb 2009, 8:10 am

Also check the physical button. If it's sticking in the slightest, it could be sending a shutdown signal. Really all the button does is jump two pins. While you're checking fans, trace the wire, pull it, and then jump those two pins on the board with a screwdriver.

You'd be amazed how many times I've fixed that or similar problems with new buttons... god I hate my job.


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khelben1979
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11 Feb 2009, 9:50 am

Open up the case and take a look of how it looks like in there or ask someone to help you with this.

It's very hard to know what could be wrong at this point. Basically: it could be anything. If I would make a guess it might be that the cooler which is supposed to cool the main processor isn't working correctly. The powersupply might be full of dust also.

Do you know what computer hardware you have over there? ( CPU-Z ( http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php ) is a program which give you a detailed report on this, but it requires that the computer is up and running) And the reason to why I ask this, is because if something needs to be replaced it's good to know what you might need.


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