I have an HP 6540c with 98se. All of the sudden it just shuts down by it's self, and when there is any type of CD in the drive it sounds like it is going to take off. I backed up everything and reformatted the drive and reinstalled everything but to no avail. Everything seems to work right, as far as programs etc. It might run fine for 1 or 2 days and then shut off. I have also noticed that the sleep light seems to stay on at the tower sometimes and not others. I have checked all of the settings for stand by and they are fine. Any ideas or help will be appreciated.

cobra8ball

Depending on how old this system is.
Have you checked for Dust Build up on the CPU and Case fan?
Are the air holes Plugged with Dust Bunnies ?

Check and clean out all air ducts and fans
Especially the CPU Heat sink and fan

A typical HP has a fairly cheap PSU, slightly smaller* than is really needed, especially if you start adding anything to it. That would be one place to start checking, another is the CD drive...

Has it recently started making the noise you describe? louder over time?

*(120 watt power supply (Ewok, Micro ATX) - 100-127VAC and 200-240VAC input (switch selectable), 50/60Hz - Total of 8 output connectors....that is your PSU, a little on the wimpy side.... http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif )

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

Rick & MJC

I really dont believe that the CD_Rom has gotten any louder over time. The computer just seems to make a somewhat grinding noise. I called a couple of stores in my area and one seems to think that I have to order from HP, another thinks that they have one. I will take a look at the one and see if the mounting holes are the same. If you have any other ideas or comments just let me know.

Thanx for the help.........

Cobra8ball http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

Ok...some HP cases will have room for a normal ATX power supply, most however require the microATX...and you can do much better for a 200W unit than the $65 that HP wants for the 120W...the mounting holes should be ok...

SPI FSP180-50SPV 180W Micro ATX with I/O switch power supply,(this is a Sparkle)
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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.


[This message has been edited by mjc (edited 03-25-2002).]

Hey MJC,

I found a power supply it is a Morex Model # MXM-145TF1. This is the same size as a micro ATX and it is what the guy at the store said he replaces in HP Pavilions. The DC Output is 145W. I bought it this afternoon on the way home, about $57.00 but when I went to start replacing I noticed the old one has 2 connections to the motherboard, the long white one and then there is another that they call the fan cable (it is very small similar to the one that goes on to the floppy) but even smaller......I am assuming that the fan is powered from the M-Board or something?? The new one does not have this connector. So now I am stuck!!! I dont want to put the new one in if I am going to goof something up. Do you know what this little connection is for? I will look forward to your feedback.

Thanx

Cobra8ball

Right......most motherboards have a header for the fan.....but a direct connection to the psu is usually better (less strain on the motherboard that way), look around for the header...you may be able to find an adapter to convert the fan connector to on that will fit on one of the HD connectors (the fan uses 12V)

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.