fixed

Been working on a crashing problem. Downloaded windows on three different hard drives making sure it was okay. Changed graphics cards twice. Took everything out of my computer twice put it back one at a time. Thinking I had it solved then crashed again. I was putting a pci-e card in while the computer was running and brushed the power cord for the graphics card computer crashed. Wiggled the power cord it would start and stop. So I spent all this time because of a bad power cable. My computer case has been apart for months trying to figure it out. Talking about frustrating. Moral to the story is check your cables before you begin searching for a another problem.

CountMike said:

Happened to me with a monitor, only it was an old CRT 27", weighed a ton, twice had to go to basement and carry it in a wheel barrow to change with another same one, it turned out that power cable went bad.
Just another point, NEVER unplug or plug in PCI/PCIe, memory, battery or any other internal device unless power is turned right off either by switch on PSU or by unplugging power cable. It's also a good idea to depress start button for few seconds after power is cut off as capacitors in PSU and MB can hold charge for quite a while.

Hi there

Best to totally unplug the system from Mains -- sometimes Case can be "charged" when PSU is on - especially if the electrical system isn't decently earthed or wired "Wrong way around" -- usually though that's only possible in USA with that silly 2 pin system they have. Decent PSU's should have an "isolating transformer" in any case to stop that - but who knows these days with "el-cheapo" components" coming from goodness knows where.

Remember the old ditty :

"If Sudden Death is Your Ambition --- Become an Amateur Electrician" !!.

In Europe the 2 pin system usually has a bad of metal around the plug (the Earth strip) so it will only insert one way, in UK and ROI (Eire) the 3 plug system also only goes in "one way".

Also before touching things like memory sticks - touch a piece of metal first - as in dry conditions the Human Body can pick up quite a load of Static Electricity - discharge of that can damage delicate electronics.

Cheers
jimbo

I always turnoff my computer and the main switch of the power supply before starting working inside. I guess the frustration got the better of me. That's one of the reasons it took so long to find the problem. I was to the point of spending 1500.00 to 2000.00 dollars on a new system. Sure is nice not worrying about computer crashing in the middle of a project.

Thanks for the advice.