Computer keeps Restarting

Justinu1989

The PSU is a PC internal Power Supply Unit

If you don’t have DIM E510 User Manual then click here for section relating to Removing and Installing Parts

Justinu1989

Now suggest you work offline until the PC problem is resolved.

Before reading the following just one last software check

Make sure you only have ONE AV application installed &/or active (i.e. enabled), having more than one causes major problems.

If you have already done that, then read on?

Next, carefully double check ALL internal cables are securely connected, includes reseating memory sticks then power-up, switch on PC & try it again.

Not sure what you mean by “never got any useful… it never found anything”

One way or another, if Chkdsk successfully runs it provides a report (not the exact wording but)

(A) C drive is not dirty – if there are no bad sectors

(B) Error found in the following sectors etc.. – only if HDD has damaged sectors

Pull PC power cable plug out at mains wall socket, leaving PC powered off for at least one day cool off period

When switching on I’d first try to run Chkdsk – that is only if the PC doesn’t start usual auto restart cycle

Try this method:

1.  Insert your WXP CD then reboot (if prompted select boot from CD or DVD drive)

2.  If an Administer password prompt appears, leave it as a blank entry

3.  At first screen, press R to select use Recovery Console

4.  At the C: prompt, type in the term chkdsk c: /r (note the blank space between c: & /r) then press Enter key

5.  Chkdsk runs through a number of phases & it’s very likely that you have HDD or bad sector corrupt files  therefore will probably take a long time to run (hours rather than minutes).

6.  When the process completes, type fixboot & press Enter key to repair (if any) damaged/corrupt boot files.

7.  Answer Yes when prompted.

8.  To exit the Recovery Console and restart the computer, type exit.

At best, it may successfully run & report:

No bad sectors, or

Fixed corrupt system files on bad sectors (if it does, PSU may then handle normal start/stop loads)

At worst, if the auto restart cycle kicks-in & interrupts the Chkdsk process it may screw-up your system files, but you can always use DSR again to recover your system.

You then need to consider replacing PSU as first step, then use DSR & then run Chkdsk a.s.a.p.

If the Chkdsk process then runs & reports damaged HDD sectors, then suggest replace HDDs.

Keep PC power switched off, until HDDs are replaced

Otherwise replaced PSU may not handle (for another extended period) constant restarts – caused by damaged HDD sector file system.

You will NOT have the DSR utility after replacing HDDs, you will need to format HDDs & reinstall WXP.

If problem returns then it’s time to consider if it’s worth or even possible to replace the mobo

Three options:

Option 1 – DIY knowing Dell refurbished part(s) cost & risks

Reading some of the similar problem link posts, some decided to call it a day

Note Dell replacements tend to be refurbished parts with very limited warranty

Depends on your DIM E510 PC build spec: PSU is $54, HDDs from $71 to $109, click here

Not sure if Dell supply replacement mobo (unless under warranty), probably cost prohibitive, you would need to enquire?

Option 2 – Challenge Dell warranty

With nothing to lose, you may as well contact Dell & politely try to convince them that the problem started before warranty ended but you thought it was software related & unfortunately have spent too much time trying to fix it.

Option 3 – Take PC to reputable local repair shop:

They may provide a free or low quote cost for testing PC components (PSU, HDDs, mobo etc) then you request a confirmed repair cost & if any warranty for repair work done.

Option selected is then down to total repair cost versus purchase cost for new or refurbished PC