Mike Powell wrote:
> I have a relative that has a PC running Windows XP.  Lately, when they try
> to boot the computer up, it gets to the Windows XP blue logon screen.  Any
> attempt to go further (and, in many cases, even before trying anything
> else), the computer will suddenly shut down or reboot.
>  
> It also does this when attempting to boot in "safe mode."
>  
> I have not seen the computer yet, but they said that a couple of times when
> it boots up, instead of getting the blue logon screen, they get one that
> explains that some sort of power "issue" has been detected,
and it will
> give them some options.  All options tend to cause an eventual reboot or
> shut down.
>  
> I am thinking it is a power supply or possible motherboard issue.  Is there
> any way they (fairly novice user) can test this?  They don't currently have
> access to a linux boot CD or I'd have them try it.

I think a power supply or other hardware issue would likely show up more 
randomly and, likely, sooner than the login screen.  I'd suspect 
software first.  If they have an install CD (as opposed to the 
"wipe-it-out-and-start-over recovery disc), have them boot from CD and, 
at the second time a repair is offered, select it and let it reinstall 
the OS.  It will revert to whatever state that CD is, with no service 
packs or maybe an old one, but if it works the updates can be applied to 
bring it up to snuff.  You need to use the second repair offering since 
the first one just dumps you into the Recovery Console, suitable only 
for experienced folks.

I'd also wonder about virii/spyware/etc. - it may be useful to pull the 
drive out and install it as a secondary drive in a working machine and 
scan the bejeesuz out of it.  That may be the whole problem in the first 
place.

Without an exact error message, it's a crap shoot but I think I've seen 
a similar problem once in the past (a few years ago).  I have no idea 
what I did to fix it but a Google search on the error message should 
give lots of clues...

-- 
Jeff Guerdat

If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.
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