When switching on my PC, it starts up, the screen flashes and then it goes off again. I tried starting in safe mode, same thing happens, it just starts up and then goes off and there is nothing, completely dead
I am using Windows XP
I have tried taking all the plugs out and putting back in - still nothing
Any suggestions please
Thanks

Can you check whether your CPU fan is functioning and properly placed securely on the CPU. It can be that the fan is not well connected to the CPU and the processor is heating thus causing the PC to shutdown inadvertently!

The fan is working properly. Sometimes a message comes up on the screen before it closes down same something like " Stop:C0000135 (unable to locate component) This application has failed to start because USP10.dll was found. Re-installing the application may fix this"
I can't reinstall anything because I can't get the PC to start.
Thanks

Can you boot from CD and try to repair your OS?

Do you mean put in my windows xp cd and try to start from there? Sorry am not to clever with pcs. (In fact I am enquirying for a friend)

Thanks

Yes, But you should repair and not install or overwrite the current operating system.

If the fan isn't installed properly, there also may be dust, how old is this computer?

Try cleaning the fan before any of that, if fan cleaning doesn't work, then yes, you may want to repair it with the cd...

I vote for a repair. Insert the XP CD and power up, make sure you boot from the CD, then run the Repair option.

Ok have contacted my friend who has lost her CD - could she use mine? And if so, do we just put it in the cd drive, switch on and then if it starts do "repair"
Sorry for being stupid
Thanks

Your CD MIGHT work or it might not since its not the same license. Assuming the PC is set to boot from the CD drive, then just inserting, powering on and following the prompts to the Repair option should do it.

If she has a internet connection, then no it won't work..

They all have serial numbers...

Ok, so what else can she do - seems when she moved house she lost her cd.
Thanks for all the advice up to now

She needs to go to the nearest computer store and get a win. Xp disk.. I couldn't tell you how much they are now, but she could get one of her own, they should be cheap since vista is out now, sorry it took so long...

Thanks so much for all your help - my CD worked and now her PC is up and running again
THIS SITE IS THE BEST!!