I have a ECS k7s5a m/b with xp 1700 processor + 256mb ddr memory.when i power up pc goes through post ok then crashes.when i press reset button everything loads ok.if i knock pc of then power up after 3 hours same problem again,if i power up pc within 3 hours pc boots up ok.tested memory + ok:

Ok, a couple questions....

What other devices, drives etc are attached?

What size power supply?

One thing I have seen is sometimes the HD is not upto speed by the time POST finishes, so it crahses while trying to load Windows. You can try going into BIOS and making sure that QuickPOST (or whatever the faster, single run through then RAM test is called) is off. That forces a longer delay while checking the RAM and may give the drive a longer time to catch up.

thanks mjc,your explanation sounds reasonable,will look at,i have 1 40gb hdd,1 dvd,1cdrw,350 power supply

I am volunteering at my mother's work, and work in the computer lab. All of the computers work, except for one, which I believe the motherboard is causing it to not power up. I took all of the connections to the power supply out from the drives, the ribbon cables, and it still did not work so if anyone knows for sure that this is the motherboard, please tell me. thanks!

Hello Forest_nymph,

I've seen this happen on other forums and occasionally here on the PC GUIDE where someone new "piggybacks" their problem onto that of another.

I would suggest that to provide the attention to your question that you deserve, that you begin your own post in the appropriate forum. ;)

You should be fine with a 350w Power supply.