I started my PC with my USB memory stick plugged in. Now the PC tries to boot, and then shuts down.?

Question

The PC was working fine after they replaced the motherboard.
TOday, plugged in the USB memory stick, and then, started the computer. The PC tries to come on, and then, shuts down.
I cannot make to to BIOS. Sometimes, it goes all the way to the desk top, and then, abruptly shuts down. Any thoughts ? thanks for help

let me share a bit more- the problem now happens even when the USB memory stick is not inserted. I removed the RAM memory, and then, put it back, and restarted- and it still seems to do the same thing. I am begining to think that the power supply may be an issue- what do you think ? I cannot even get to bios to direct that it go to the CD rom (WIndows XP sp2 boot CD)- to start from there (vs the hard disk). Sometimes, it seems to go directly to the WIndows before the Bios comes up- why would that be ? thanks

Answer 1

Based on your description, I think you might have have an overheating problem, a problem with the power supply, or a problem with Windows. Putting a USB stick in and booting the PC should not affect it as you describe. I think a logical troubleshooting procedure would serve you well.

NOTE: Unplug your computer before doing any work inside the case. Failure to do so may result in death or equipment damage and the posthumous awarding of the factory smoke releaser badge. Ground yourself to any metal on the case before proceeding with touching of componets.

First, unplug the tower and open the case. Look for any dirt or dust in the processor fan. Make a thorough visual inspection if the inside of the case. Look for loose connectors, loose RAM, loose cards. (if you find anything correct it then try to power it up again)

Next, disconnect all of the external components (printers, usb devices etc.) leave a mouse monitor and keyboard. Power up the computer and check to see if it shuts down.

If you still have a problem, reset the BIOS manually by jumpering the two pins inside the case (check your manual for the exact location but they are usually close to the CMOS battery). This should allow you into BIOS. If the machine does not shut down while in BIOS, I suspect you have a Windows problem.

If it shuts down in BIOS, continue troubleshooting for a hardware problem. If there was an excessive amount of dust in the processor and heatsink, remove the heatsink and check to see that the thermal pad is good. (The thermal pad is the compound placed between the heatsink and the processor that allows for efficient contact between the two devices. Be prepared to replace the compound if you reach this step. Thermal compound can be obtained at any computer store) The thermal compound often melts away if a processor becomes excessively hot because of poor cooling the resulting air gap prevents good contact between the heatsink and the processor and the computer shuts down to prevent processor burnout.

Finally, check the power supply. There are several methods for doing this if you are not electrically inclined please refer this step to someone who is qualified. Google for the pin layout of your power supply and have one jumper and a voltmeter available. Check the voltages and if any are bad replace the power supply.

Answer 2

First don't boot a computer up with a memory device already plugged into it. Depending on the BIOS settings the computer will try and boot from that memory device. If you are happy to alter your BIOS settings, press F8 or whatever F it is for your computer when the computer is starting up and go into the menus and change the boot priority so that the computer will always try and boot from the local hard drive first... which is what nost of us want it to do.

Answer 3

You have to unplug the USB stick and don't plug it back in until after boot.

The BIOS checks floppy, CD and USB before it boots from the hard drive. If there is nothing in the above 3 mentioned... then it cannot try to boot from it.

Answer 4

Never start a machine with a USB stick in. If there is a virus on the card it can try to boot the machine and then corrupt the hard drive, and at this stage the virus protection is not active. This used to be very common with floppy discs also.

Answer 5

Take out the memory card. If that does not help, you need to go into BIOS settings and set the HD as the primary boot device.

Answer 6

take the memory stick out then try again

only plug the memory stick in when the computer is running.. in Windows

Answer 7

To avoid a possible mis-assumption: Does this happen with the memory stick removed?

Answer 8

well i think the problem is that when you stick a drive in before it boots up it thinks that the os is on that drive. ttry waiting until your computer boots then insert your flash drive. if this does not work, consult a professional