Hi, I have a problem with my computer.

The problem is that it will not start properly. When I attempt to start it, it will occationally start then start normally and then suddenly, in the middle of starting, it will shut down. Occationally it will not start at all for a while after taking out the plug or shutting the power off. It MAY get as far as loading windows, but normally it will chrash before getting that far.

The cause of the problem is my sisters iPod. She was using the computer when she wanted to transfer some songs over to the iPod and plugged it into the computer. The computer shut down at once after this.

This has happned once before, but then it somehow mysteriously fixed itself. Can you think of any way to fix the problem?

Edit: I just tried to turn on the power on the computer, all I got was a high pitched tone. I thus have a sneaking suspicion that it is a problem with the power supply.

Try resetting the CMOS first. If it still won't work then get a new power supply

Try resetting the CMOS first. If it still won't work then get a new power supply

How do I do that? I am afraid I don't know too much about hardware.

Edit: also note that the computer will fail at diffrent times.

Again Edit: I tried googling my motherboard name (A7v333-X), but it didn't turn up anythin useful. It seems that the motherboard is quite old (2002) and Asus has taken down the support page for it.

Sounds like it's a PSU problem, but it could also be a dried capacitor on the motherboard.

To reset CMOS you have to open the case. Look for two pins or a jumper near the CMOS battery. On most motherboards it says "CMOS" next to the pins and there might be a jumper hanging on one of the pins. IIRC you have to close the circuit with the jumper to clear CMOS. The motherboard manual would be helpful here.

Edit:

This is from the manual of A7V266-MX which should be quite close to your motherboard age-wise.
http://koti.mbnet.fi/jatt/cmos.png

The pins might be vertically on your board, but you get the idea.

<Snip>

Thank you, found it and resett it. Unfortunatly, the computer still won't work. Any advice on disconnecting and buying a power supply?

I have my old computer collecting dust in the corner. I can make a step by step guide for you tomorrow with pictures if you wish so.

I have my old computer collecting dust in the corner. I can make a step by step guide for you tomorrow with pictures if you wish so.

That would be great!

http://koti.mbnet.fi/jatt/1_caseopen.JPG
We'll start by opening the case. At this point it would be wise to ground yourself to remove any static electricity charges.

http://koti.mbnet.fi/jatt/2_driveconnect.JPG
Disconnect the drives, Hard drive, floppy, CD/DVD. Also remember to disconnect the power connector from your graphics card if there is one! The connectors may need some nudging to come off.

If your computer has Serial ATA drives, their connectors are a bit different (smaller). The SATA power connectors are fragile so don't nudge them!

http://koti.mbnet.fi/jatt/3_atxpower.JPG
Disconnect the ATX power connector from the motheboard. You need to press the clip on the side of the connector for it to come off. Most likely this connector needs some nudging too. If your computer is newer than this one there may be a separate 4 pin connector too so remember to disconnect it also.

http://koti.mbnet.fi/jatt/4_cables.JPG
Check that you have disconnected all the cables coming from the power supply.

http://koti.mbnet.fi/jatt/5_unscrewpsu.JPG
The power supply is mounted with four screws. Unscrew them.

http://koti.mbnet.fi/jatt/6_dismountpsu.JPG
After that you can dismount the PSU. In most cases it comes off from the top. Some cases have a rack in the back of the case you have to remove WITH the PSU.

To install the new PSU, repeat these steps in reverse order.

http://koti.mbnet.fi/jatt/7_unusedcables.JPG
After installing the new PSU you might want to tie any unused cables so they do not hinder the airflow.

Thank you, managed to get them all off except for the one on the motherboard.

Anyway, you did a great job explaining this to me, and that you should have a great thanks for. I really appreciate it.