[R0ckyR4c00n]

I have a 2 year old Dell desktop running Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit. Recently it started randomly shutting down and restarting to a blue screen. Sometimes it only boots to safe-mode, sometimes it will boot normally. Every time it turns back on however, it tries several times before completely getting started. I hear the fans and see lights on the case for about 2 seconds before it shuts off and then tries to start again, it will do this several times. I completely reinstalled windows hoping to correct the problem but it seems to have done nothing. Any suggestions?

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I have a 2 year old Dell desktop

When did you last open the case and clean out the dust.
As you have reinstalled Windows, on the evidence available it is either a hardware issue, possibly due to accumulated dust or software that you are running that you have reinstalled.
Since reinstalling have you updated Windows.

Re the cleaning
Shut down
Disconnect power and all other connections.
Open the case BUT do not work on the carpet.
Place the computer on a hard surface - with protection if necessary for the surface - but not nylon etc. a cotton folded sheet is ideal.
As you probably do not have a wrist grounding strap - touch firmly - hold the case with both hands, this will ground any static in your body.

Look now at the various fan blades and all vents in the case, including the vent to the Power supply and the fan , if it is there behind that vent.

If they are dusty a soft paintbrush is ideal, to dislodge the dust.
DO NOT use a vacuum cleaner inside the case anywhere near any of the components.

Also pay particular attention to the CPU, this is the central processing unit , annd will be found on the motherboard, that is the large circuit board to which everything is attached. Clean that fan carefully.
Looking underneath the fan blades - ie inside them, you will probably see the fins of the cooling for the CPU very likely aluminium - CAREFULLY and being aware of the internal wiring to the fan blades, dislodge with the appropriate size brush any dust.

If there is a considerable amount you will need to purchase an air duster spray. DO NOT USE an air compressor if you have one, as that will have moisture contant.

Be careful NOT to spray the air duster directly on to the fan in such a manner as it spins the fan as this can cause it to spin so fast it will destroy the bush bearing for the fan.

Generally now examine all the case and carefully dislodge any more dust.

Post back with how the case seemed and we will go from there.

Edited by Macboatmaster, 27 March 2011 - 05:47 PM.

[Macboatmaster]

I have a 2 year old Dell desktop

When did you last open the case and clean out the dust.
As you have reinstalled Windows, on the evidence available it is either a hardware issue, possibly due to accumulated dust or software that you are running that you have reinstalled.
Since reinstalling have you updated Windows.

Re the cleaning
Shut down
Disconnect power and all other connections.
Open the case BUT do not work on the carpet.
Place the computer on a hard surface - with protection if necessary for the surface - but not nylon etc. a cotton folded sheet is ideal.
As you probably do not have a wrist grounding strap - touch firmly - hold the case with both hands, this will ground any static in your body.

Look now at the various fan blades and all vents in the case, including the vent to the Power supply and the fan , if it is there behind that vent.

If they are dusty a soft paintbrush is ideal, to dislodge the dust.
DO NOT use a vacuum cleaner inside the case anywhere near any of the components.

Also pay particular attention to the CPU, this is the central processing unit , annd will be found on the motherboard, that is the large circuit board to which everything is attached. Clean that fan carefully.
Looking underneath the fan blades - ie inside them, you will probably see the fins of the cooling for the CPU very likely aluminium - CAREFULLY and being aware of the internal wiring to the fan blades, dislodge with the appropriate size brush any dust.

If there is a considerable amount you will need to purchase an air duster spray. DO NOT USE an air compressor if you have one, as that will have moisture contant.

Be careful NOT to spray the air duster directly on to the fan in such a manner as it spins the fan as this can cause it to spin so fast it will destroy the bush bearing for the fan.

Generally now examine all the case and carefully dislodge any more dust.

Post back with how the case seemed and we will go from there.

Edited by Macboatmaster, 27 March 2011 - 05:47 PM.