Windows XP shuts down after 3 seconds

[usmanozzy786]

Hi I need help

 

So basically this is what happened step by step full detail:

 

COMOS battery was not working on my PC so I got another COMOS battery from Windows 98 and I opened my current Windows XP Desktop PC and installed it but after that when I plugged everything correctly and turned on beeped ones and it only went to login screen and then from there it shut of automatically/completely. I then opened the PC again because I thought maybe the COMOS battery was not inserted properly but then again taking out the battery and putting it back in did not help I also put back the originaly COMOS battery to check if it works but for some reason it shuts down even thought I have put back the originaly battery. (It was fully working before I changed the COMOS battery )

 

I then told my brother about this but he also tried taking out the battery and putting it back but this did not help at all, he then took out the fan and cleaned it (it was quite dirty) and also he cleaned the processor chip gently with the tissue paper however when we turned again it was the same problem he then took out the processor chip and turned it on but this time it stayed on but nothing was showing on screen and when he put the processor back in and then turn it on then the problem still becomes the same which is turns off withen 3 seconds and it does not even beep once.

 

He then couldnt think of anything else because he think its maybe the processor chip that is faulty.

 

 

 

Is there anything else you people think I can try to solve this issue or do I have to buy a new processor chip for the PC?

 

 

Thanks in advance

[BreatGritain]

Hi,

 

When you removed the battery, there is a good chance this will have cleared the BIOS settings.

 

See if you can enter the BIOS before the pc shuts down (tap F2 or F10, sometimes even the delete key when the machine is booting up).

 

If you can get into the BIOS, have a look for a shortcut key for "load defaults" or something similar, press it, and exit bios ensuring that you save the changes made.

 

If this doesn't solve it, try go back into the BIOS. Take a look around and look for a temperature cut-off (might be worded a bit differently) if there is a temperature cut-off option, let us know what the value is currently set at.

 

Be careful you don't change any of the options in the BIOS if you don't know what it's for!

[usmanozzy786]

For some reason now the PC shuts down within 2 seconds and nothing shows up on screen however I took out the processor out and turned PC on without putting it back and this time the PC stays on and does not turn off automatically I then put the processor back in its place and turned on the PC and it then shut off within 2 seconds.

 

What can I do next?

[KenB]

Hi

 

do I have to buy a new processor chip

These ICs do not die very often - it is unlikely that it will need replacing

 

he then took out the fan

I am assuming that this is the CPU cooling fan ?

 

he then took out the processor chip and turned it on but this time it stayed on but nothing was showing on screen

 

If you have taken the heatsink and fan off the CPU it is not a simple case of putting it back.

There is thermal paste between the heatsink and the surface of the Processor.

This is there to ensure that the contact between the two surfaces is good enough to dissipate the heat generated.

If it isn't it will overheat very quickly and shut down.

 

I suggest that you take the heatsink off again and clean both surfaces with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) from a pharmacy.

 

Then get some thermal paste ( Arctic Silver or similar ) and you need a very thin layer spread evenly over one surface.

 

Replace the heatsink and fan.

[usmanozzy786]

Replace the heatsink and fan.

 

 

By Replace do you mean get a brand new fan and heatsink and install that or just put back the old fan and heatsink?

[Helcaraxe]

Hi. That would be to re install the heatsink and fan after re applying the thermal paste.

[usmanozzy786]

Now that I have applied thermal compound it starts up now but for some reason nothing is displaying on screen it says "no signal" I have tried the following but it still same issue:

 

- I have removed the RAM and inserted them but still same thing

- I have took out the video card and put back in but still same thing

- I have removed the CMOS battery and put back but still same no signal

- I have tried the same screen on different pc/laptop and it works fine

 

 

Anything else you can suggest me?

[KenB]

Obviously your monitor is OK.

 

Take the Video Card out and clean the contacts thoroughly with a pencil eraser.

Replace the card and try again.

 

Do you have an on-board video option ?

(another connection on the back of the machine that the monitor can connect to )

[usmanozzy786]

I also forgot to say that there are no beeps at all

[KenB]

That was my next question :)

 

Did you used to get one beep before ?

 

Have you tried the suggestions post #8

[usmanozzy786]

Yes I have tried that and yes I used to get beep before

[KenB]

Hi

 

Take a look here:

click here

 

No POST beep is not encouraging.

If - when you have stripped the motherboard down to basics - we get a series of POST beeps this will be good news :)

 

If no beeps at this stage - you are looking at a Power Supply or Motherboard problem. :(

[usmanozzy786]

I think its the motherboard that has gone :(

 

Do you know any site where I can get some cheap from?

 

Also do I have to buy same motherboard or can I buy totally different like i5 processor motherboard?

[KenB]

I think its the motherboard that has gone

What makes you think this ?

It could be the PSU.

 

If the PSU has died it is far cheaper and an easier fix.

 

You could test this yourself with a voltmeter or take it to a small pc repair shop.

Alternatively swap it for a known good one.

 

If you have to swap the motherboard you would be best advised to get one exactly the same.

Your hard drive and operating system will then be sure to boot up.