Semi-Old PC, Is having problems. Options

[RionZT]

So, yesterday, my friend whose currently in-training for National Guard attempted to have a Voice Chat with me. My microphone that I have currently (my good one died on me)is an XBOX 360 Headset, which is partially broken due to my younger siblings. I have to connect it with a wired XBOX 360 controller, as I normally do.

However, my routine that particular evening was thrown for a loop when I plugged the USB into one of the USB ports and my computer spontaneously shut off instantly. Then, it decided it didn't want to turn back on for five minutes. It then proceeded to do the same thing three seperate times a few hours later after I tried plugging the controller in again.

I'm not sure if it's the controller or the computer, as I haven't tried anything else with a USB cable except for my keyboard and mouse which work fine, since I haven't unplugged/replugged them. The computer is semi-old, as the topic says, it's an HP Pavilion from like 2006. It hasn't been upgraded with any new parts at all. Of course, the USB Port Shutdown issue isn't the only problem, for some time now my PC has been completely unable to read discs. Though I figure the disc reader thing is dirty/dusty or broken/damaged somehow.

My computer is becoming more of a hassle each day, not sure what to do with it at this point.

[X-M-O]

Usually if the computer can't handle a device or driver, it could easily crash or shut down (especially older computers). Newer computers don't have as much of an issue with those types of things.
I'd say it is your controller, but not because there is anything wrong with your controller in particular, rather your computer needs a driver to properly use the controller. Try finding a driver that is meant for the controller and seeing if you can install it for that computer (be sure you have the right driver, because incorrect drivers can do far more damage to a computer than the controller ever could).

The problem with the CD reader is most likely due to the device being old or simply dirty (I imagine there are cleaning kits for that sort of thing, but if not I'd recommend either doing without or replacing that part - which might be cheaper than a cleaning kit based on the age of that PC).

[RionZT]

Oh, this is the first time it's done it...Like ever. I've used the headset/controller plenty of times, even using it to play games on my PC as a gamepad. It's only started crashing recently. It shuts off without warning no matter which USB port I plug it in to. It's weird.

Also yeah I figured it was dirty or something, I think it reads some discs, but not all. There are also times where it'll read a disc one time but then not read it another. My PC is really, really weird sometimes.

[X-M-O]

Hmm...
Then have you made any Windows Updates recently that might have affected it?


That does seem strange. It's difficult to isolate the issue without being able to run some tests, but if it really becomes a concern, I'd recommend taking the PC down to a local computer repair shop and seeing if they can have a look at it and give you an analysis. =]

[Sparrowsmith]

I'm tempted to say it's a power issue, seeing as it's just turning off without displaying an error screen.

What power does the controller take (charged, batteries, standard) and has there been any change in the state you plug it in with?
If nothing has changed, then look into what XMO said, or other possible ways you might be draining too much power from your PC.

[RionZT]

@X-M-O
Not RECENTLY, I got Windows XP SP3 a while ago, long before this started happening. It was like 2 days ago, the first time it did it I turned it on and got the controller to work. To turn it back on this time around I had to unplug the power cable from the computer itself and plug it back in.

@Sparrowsmith
Since it's wired, it doesn't run on batteries. It turns on whenever it's plugged into something electrical, so I suppose that could be the case, but the main issue with it is that my computer borked it. Accidentally, of course. Somehow my computer managed to fall off my desk (not the monitor though), which actually bent the USB part so I have to constantly bend the cord at weird angles to get it to turn on, in this case, the computer dies the instant I even plug it in.

[X-M-O]

Oh, well if you dropped the computer, it is possible that a connection became lose on the inside and that could cause all sorts of problems.

[RionZT]

Well technically I didn't drop it, it just fell right off the edge of my desk. Which is why I now keep it away from the edge so it doesn't randomly tip over out of nowhere again. But I'm sure it's responsible for some issue or another.

[Sparrowsmith]

I maintain my previous theory, that it's a hardware issue (probably related to power). It's possible that easing the load would help, or cleaning out the computer, but with hardware (especially possibly damaged hardware) unless you can diagnose it, there is no real solution.

If you know precisely which part is damaged, it's a simple problem to fix (I've fixed broken charger ports on my laptop twice) but if you don't, then it's a great deal trickier, and it requires a keen eye to diagnose.
This is the sad truth of computers. They are both delicate and robust. When the solution is doable, it is a simple task, but when not, it is all but impossible for the ordinary person.
If you can successfully diagnose the precise problem (be it hardware or software) then there is most likely a solution for you.
Failing that, you'll need professional help, and even then risk needing an upgrade.

[RionZT]

Probably...But it's still weird, as it just spontaneously happened. I'd never had an issue like that before. Unfortunately, I'm no tech wizard, so in taking apart the computer, likely I'd mess it up. So professional help would probably be required.

[Licentia Per Ori...]

Hmmm this could be any number of problems.

You're computer is old, So even with anti-virus running you have probably picked up a good deal of crap over the years.
Have a look at your task manager.
Shut down all programs,
Check your system tray and shut down anything that is running in the background too.

Now when you press ctrl-alt-del, to bring up your task manager, have a look at how much RAM and CPU usage your PC is ussing while "idle"
If it seems like a high number then chances are you have some not so nice programs running on your PC.

Hardware wise, one of 3 things may have happened and are worth checking / fixing.
1st - your BIOS is probably very out of date.
Find out which MOBO you have - and get the latest BIOS update.
You may find this fixes problems such as the intermitent DVD drive.
(If you are not confident updating your bios - look on the internet how to do it, it's fairly simple, As you don't have a Gigabyte MOBO there is a small chance you can brick you're board, but only if something goes horribly wrong, so don't do it in a lightning storm )

When a computer suddenly shuts down out of the blue, one of the causes can be that it is overheating, And the fact that it did not turn on for 5 minutes suggests this may be the case.
I think perhaps when you dropped your CPU the HeatSink may have moved a bit, causing a gap between the heatsink and chip.

To test this switch on your PC and boot into the BIOS (hold del or some shit as it boots)
In the BIOS navigate to the bit where you can see the temps.
running in BIOS your CPU temp should be little above room temperature.

Though even if you had no heatsink at all the chip does not really generate that much heat when in BIOS (as it's doing naff all)
on the same page (probably) you will find a setting that enables you to set a buzzer alarm for temperature.
Set this, and set it at about 70C

Your chip can happily run at this temp but it shouldn't be doing so unless you are really pushing it.
Boot into windows, and wait.
Does the alarm go off?
now start doing a few things,
Does the alarm go off?

What speed is the fan spinning at?
Is it going mental right from the off?

This would indicate that your heatsink is not doing it's job properly.

Finally it could be a loose connection, (though i doubt it) - is everything plugged in tight, check

I would recoomend you take the follwing action on your PC.

1. get acces to an external HDD - back everything you want to keep onto this HDD -
2. Download all the latest drivers and BIOS drivers etc. and put them on a USB stick.
UPDATE YOUR BIOS NOW
3. Go to a computer shop and buy some thermal paste (while you are there spend a few quid on RAM, it's dirt cheap, and you can never have enough)
4. Remove your heatsink, scrape off the old paste (you can use a few drops of nail polish remover and cotton buds to get the final bits)
don't worry too much about residue, the main thing is that both surfaces are flat.
Apply the new thermal paste and re-attach your Heatsink
5. Instal you're new RAM :-)
6. Insert Windows disk - Restart computer - Re-instal Windows.
(make sure you FORMAT all HDD's to wipe them completely, make it a clean instal)
7. when windows boots, do a full windows update.
8. Install the new drivers
9 PAY MONEY FOR A GOOD ANTI-VIRUS LIKE KASPERSKY (or at least get a trial - on no account touch Norton)
10. Deep scan your external HDD - if it comes back clean, move files to your HDD

FINISHED!

If you do this you're computer will be running better than it did when you got it new.

[RionZT]

My computer is pretty much a hand-me-down, kind of. My mom gave it to me when she got her new touchscreen desktop. Forgive me if I sound like a noob for saying this but what is a MOBO exactly?
I have no idea how to assemble or disassemble computers, so I'd have to find someone who actually knows how..
Oh, yeah. My computer came with Norton when I wiped it completely the first time. It was beyond obnoxious.

[kaz]

My computer is pretty much a hand-me-down, kind of. My mom gave it to me when she got her new touchscreen desktop. Forgive me if I sound like a noob for saying this but what is a MOBO exactly?
I have no idea how to assemble or disassemble computers, so I'd have to find someone who actually knows how..
Oh, yeah. My computer came with Norton when I wiped it completely the first time. It was beyond obnoxious.

MOBO = Motherboard

[Licentia Per Ori...]

Don't worry too much about being a computer "N00b"

One of the great things about computers is that it is pretty much impossible to plug something in the wrong socket or the wrong way round.

A clean instal and updated drivers you can do without opening the case.

However It would be worth opening the case.

And giving the old girl a good clean. 6 years worth of dust and grime on a heat sink is as good as not having one at all.

unplug the old girl, and really get stuck in.
use cotton buds or something else to really clean the heatsink.

[Sparrowsmith]

I've found that using a can of compressed air on laptops or computers REALLY can get rid of some of that dust.
When my sister's laptop fan stopped working, we took it apart and I used some air on it. Hiding inside the fan was a dustbunny the size of your thumb!
Needless to say, her fan actually runs now, and most of her problems were fixed just from that.

Compressed air is brilliant, and only costs about £5 ($8?) from a computer shop (or maybe other shops) and you'll get multiple uses out of it.
Just make sure to use it correctly (don't tip it too much or chemicals sputter).

Licentia is right about the drivers too. It can be tedious, but finding the right drivers, or just doing a clean install, can fix some major issues.

Taking apart a desktop computer is remarkably easy. Even taking apart a laptop is simple enough (I've done it about four times now with zero experience prior). Desktop computers is really a simple thing though. as long as you don't take a hammer to the insides then it'll all work afterwards. Generally speaking, the older something is, the less delicate it is.

My old desktop PC had a transparent side that lit up. Basically meant I could look inside for dust every now and then, and taking off the side was just a matter of taking off a few screws. You'd be surprised just how user friendly it's all designed to be.
Still, if your computer is that old, it might be time to get a new one (depending on your funds.)

[RionZT]

@Kaz
Oh, thanks. Wow I feel dumb for not knowing that now.

@Licentia
Well, acorrding to a few programs on my computer, my drivers are up-to-date, not so sure about this heatsink thing though. My mom probably knows more than me so I'll get her to help so I don't do something stupid.

@Sparrowsmith
As appealing as a new computer sounds, the likelihood of me getting a new one is pretty slim for now. However when I graduate high school my step-dad's parents go crazy with the graduation party stuff. The last two people who graduated in their family got like 2,000 USD each. (This was last year, so I was there at the party. It was really long and it was extremely hot outside.)