Unpredictable "cut-out" problem

[jamesbrown]

Hi There,

 

My friend is currently using a Dell studio 540. 4GB RAM, Windows vista home premium, Intel Quad cord 2.4 Ghz, NVIDIA 9800GT with 1GB onboard memory.

 

Today it started doing this thing where the machine remains running with all fans running, making normal sounds, and the screen goes into power saving mode. Before you ask all the cables conecting the monitor to the pc are perfectly in tact!

 

It just goes black, like a loss of signal..... but i am convinsed this problem is software related. The way to fix the issue is to hold down the power button until the machine stops, and starting it up again and everything works fine for about 10 mins and then it dies.

 

I booted the machine in safemode and everything was absolutly fine. This suggests that it could be a driver problem or virus?

 

Please let me know your thoughts on this.

[Plastic Nev]

Hi James, there could be many reasons for this but the first and most likely is overheating.

 

Turn it off completely at the wall socket, but leave the plug in, that will minimise the risk of static.

Remove the cover and check the cooling fans and fins for dust and fluff build up, if there is any, carefully remove it. Best to use a soft brush, then blow it out.

 

Please don't use a vacuum cleaner, they can cause static, not to mention suck out components with the more powerful cleaners.

Check that all fans are free to revolve.

 

Providing you touch nothing, you can then turn it on to check the fans do run while the cover is off but once checked, turn off again and replace the cover.

Let us know how you get on and if that helps before we try anything else.

Nev.