New PC Problem

[BigAlReturns]

I just bought a new PC, and am having some problems with it. Hopefully it's something simple as I don't want to return something I got a good deal on!
The basic spec is P4 3.0ghz, 1gb ram, 128mb nvidia graphics card

The problem I have is that it powers itself off frequently! This happens at various points, including during initial start up. The only time I can get it to repeat the action at the same time is when trying to install Ubuntu, it will always do it at the "Configuring Hardware..." stage.

My thoughts are that its probably a hardware problem, one piece malfunctioning and tripping a switch. I've tried different RAM, DVD drives and hard drives to see if any of those are the cause, but no success.

So I need your thoughts and ideas on causes and solutions here! Thanks!

[ryanhellyer]

I'd be handing it back to the place you bought it from and ask them to fix it. If you can return it that is.

[BigAlReturns]

It may have to come to that I'm afraid - I'd rather get it fixed myself though as it was an internet purchase and postage made up a fair proportion of the cost! It was guaranteed working so I shouldn't have to stand the costs, but it would probably mean battling to get return postage repaid to me, so if there's a simple fix then that would be best.
I'm going to have another play tonight, unplug and replug everything and make sure all connections are clean. The seller is in contact with me as well with some ideas so I'll try those as well.

[BigAlReturns]

Well I've narrowed down the problem anyway - checked the BIOS about 5 minutes after a turning off incident and the CPU temperature was 86C - the normal I found for a P4 was <78C, and this was after 5 minutes of being off! Fortunately the P4 apparently won't fry itself too easily, and I haven't seen any signs of damage.
Been in contact with the seller and hopefully I'll have a new fan being sent my way soon!