TOPIC: Can't Get it Up (and running)

(from Mark)
Willie,
This is my third time trying to get this email off to you before my computer decides to turn itself off again. What the #$#@ is going on here? Any clues?

Willie Says: (I forwarded this email to the 2nd email addy, as you requested)
Mark, you got a problem buddy. Chances are that you've picked up a viral infection on your machine. I hope you have recently updated your virus checker. Actually, I hope you even HAVE a virus checker on that machine. If not, I'll bet you will real soon, am I right?

Another problem associated with unexpected shutdowns like this is just plain heat. Is your computer getting too hot?

The cooling fans on your processor and power supply may be getting clogged up with crud or getting worn out. In either case, they may not be providing the cooling needed for your computer. And, as a result, the computer gets too hot and can shut down. This is much more than just a major inconvenience. This problem will, sooner or later, cause your computer to fry. Then, you will be looking for a new machine. Willie suggests that you shut down the computer, unplug it from the wall, open the case and look at the fans. Are they covered with crud? If so, try blowing them out with compressed air (not too much as to damage the components in your computer). This may help cool it down and resolve your problem to a degree. I still think you will need to get this machine looked at by a pro. But, this might buy you a little time in the interim.

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(from Roger)
Hey Willie,
My computer won't boot up. It gets about half way through the process and just freezes. Any suggestions?

Willie Says:
There are several causes of this type of problem. Most of them involve improper settings in CMOS or worn out components like the mother board, processor or hard drive. I would suggest you take this computer to a professional for diagnosys. There is little you can do to right some of these problems when you can't even get the machine up and running to do it. A pro might recognize something on the screen when the machine trys to boot up, like a "failure" line for a certain component that the computer is trying to fire up during the boot up process. Without seeing the screen for myself, I can't do much to help on this one.

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Disclaimer:
(lawyers make us do this stuff)
Although we will try to diagnose the problems you may be having with your PC through this column, there is no guarantee that this advice will fix the problems you are experiencing with your machine. Only a true, one-on-one diagnosis is an accurate way to pinpoint the issues a computer may be having. This advice is directed at the most common and easiest "fix" issues that are found in most home or office PC's and can usually be repaired or resolved (with some direction) by the PC user and not a IT professional. 360custom.com, its owners, staff or associates is not responsible for any damage including (but not limited to) loss of data, hardware or software damage) that may result from attemps at following the instructions in this column.