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Computer shutting off by itself (Dell Dimension E521)
Today our computer shut itself off. It just went black (the screen) and then it appeared to be trying to reboot but it just kept doing this clicking thing. So I got it restarted but then it kept trying to shut off again, but this time by going through the regular shutoff procedure. I opened the case and did a quick vacuuming and it was fine-for a few hours. Then it did it again-shutting down, complete with the "logging off" screen. So I opened it up again and did a more thorough vacuuming and it was fine again but a few hours it did the same thing again and just a few minutes ago, it shut off again-but this time it just shut down, black screen, and acted like it was trying to start up again. It doesn't appear to correspond with any certain website, program or anything like that. I did a full virus scan which found nothing and do a nightly spyware scan (although tonight it shut off during the scan now that I think about it) and have AV and Anti Spyware running full time. I have Windows XP sp3. My computer specs:
Dell Dimension E521 (about 3 yrs old)
AMD Athlon 64 x2 dual core processor 3800+, 2.00 GHZ
3 gb ram
Any ideas? thanks. :)
Gale
shesagordie
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May 14th, 2010 19:00
gale.w
You need to open the case and clean the inside and the heatsink's cooling fins, for cleaning a computer, it's best to use canned compresed air, instead of a vacuum cleaner, this can be purchased from a computer store, or any Walmart. Please read the instructions prior to using.
The Dimension C521 Service Manual is HERE Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> and should help locating the heatsink and cleaning inside the case.
Bev.
shesagordie
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May 14th, 2010 08:00
gale.w
When this happens, is the power button LED, solid green, blinking green, solid amber, blinking amber, or off?
Check the reading of Diagnostic Lights on the front panel.
The e521 Diagnostic Codes and Troubleshooter is HERE. Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>
Also, check the event log/viewer in Administrive Tools.
Did you clean the heatsink's cooling fins and the air intakes in the front panel?
Bev.
gale.w
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May 14th, 2010 18:00
I cleaned the air intakes but I can't get my vacuum all the way in to clean the fins well. But I did run the vacuum right outside where the fins are (the ones that attach to the air intake right?). I'm not sure about the LED-I'll watch and record that when it happens again. There are errors in the event log-lots of different ones. I looked up a couple but didn't really find anything that was related to shutting down. I'll post again when/if it happens again with more info. thanks!
Gale
gale.w
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May 15th, 2010 00:00
Thanks. I did all that and I tried the fixes for the various diagnostic lights but nothing worked. I had several different combos of diagnostics. Also the power light was blinking yellow and green. It's completely messed up now-it just constantly starts up and shuts down over and over. About half the time or more it can't seem to start up so it just keeps trying over and over and once it finally starts, it shuts off. I'm just going to have to take it to a shop. My daughter needs it for her lessons so I need to get it fixed as quickly as possible. I sure hope Carbonite really does work in case the hard drive gets wiped out. I do have a laptop (which is what I'm using now but I hate it) and another desktop but we need all 3 for our schooling. Thanks for trying to help-I think it's way beyond what I can do on my own and I"m not really wanting to buy different parts that may not fix it.
meinpal
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December 6th, 2011 04:00
Hello there, while looking for answers to a very similar senerio, I;ve viablly now landed here. Im actually a MS certified and licensed IT Specialist.
I've gone as far as my knowledge will allow me to so .....anyone w?th any THOUGHTs ???? THIS will NOTE & GREATLY APPRECIATE If solutioncan be acquiored I'll assist anyone with future similar and/or other dilemas.
CONTACT:
<ADMIN NOTE:Email id removed per privacy policy>
timmoeller1952
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December 6th, 2011 12:00
Replace your power supply. Power supply and related hardware for the CPU are a major cause of what "seem" to be software problems. Software issues will normally give you the same result every time. Hardware issues will normally produce different results for the same piece of hardware. If you replace your power supply and it solves your problem. Please return to this site and post a reply for resolution.
JNagarya1
39 Posts
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April 2nd, 2013 05:00
It probably needs new silicon paste on the CPU (under the heatsink). It isn't the power supply.
shesagordie
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April 2nd, 2013 09:00
As this thread is three years old, I am locking it.
Bev.