03-27-2010, 02:29 PM
Considering you successfully formatted on another computer, we've ruled out the issue being the hard drive itself.
These issues tend to be along the lines of the motherboard, CPU, and/or RAM failing.
One thing to try, to rule out an obviously bad motherboard, is to pop open the case and look at the capacitors. ALL of them on the board, even ones near the processor [in some Dell cases you have to lift up on the plastic covering going from CPU to case fan].
Here is what they should look like:
![[Image: dell-transistor-good.jpg]](http://www.seb.me.uk/static/dell-transistor-good.jpg)
Here is what a BAD capacitor looks like (or worse):
![[Image: dell-transistor-broken.jpg]](http://www.seb.me.uk/static/dell-transistor-broken.jpg)
Notice that even if there is a slight bulge, it's bad. Sometimes all you can see is the separation between the slits on the top, which also indicates a bad "cap."
Report back on results, so we can at least rule one thing out.
***Remember to properly ground yourself!*** ^_^
These issues tend to be along the lines of the motherboard, CPU, and/or RAM failing.
One thing to try, to rule out an obviously bad motherboard, is to pop open the case and look at the capacitors. ALL of them on the board, even ones near the processor [in some Dell cases you have to lift up on the plastic covering going from CPU to case fan].
Here is what they should look like:
Here is what a BAD capacitor looks like (or worse):
Notice that even if there is a slight bulge, it's bad. Sometimes all you can see is the separation between the slits on the top, which also indicates a bad "cap."
Report back on results, so we can at least rule one thing out.
***Remember to properly ground yourself!*** ^_^