• Hi there and welcome to PC Help Forum (PCHF), a more effective way to get the Tech Support you need!
    We have Experts in all areas of Tech, including Malware Removal, Crash Fixing and BSOD's , Microsoft Windows, Computer DIY and PC Hardware, Networking, Gaming, Tablets and iPads, General and Specific Software Support and so much more.

    Why not Click Here To Sign Up and start enjoying great FREE Tech Support.

    This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Solved Unable to properly restart

Status
Not open for further replies.
I tried my hand at building my own computer, so, for starters, here is a list of the parts I used: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/7Jv7bX

Now, the complete problem I'm having is that I get BSOD over and over and over again after installing windows. I've tried installing it on the SSD, and on a portable HDD. It will run fine initially, but upon the first restart, typically after needing to update, it will start running into BSOD after BSOD, stopping at a different point with a different error after every time. I BELIEVE (but do not know for certain) that the computer's inability to restart properly is repeatedly corrupting windows (as every error seems to revolve around that).

When I say it can't restart properly, I mean it can't self(/soft?) restart itself. If it tries, it BSOD's, and even if it doesn't, it'll do something akin to just turning off. The monitor stops receiving anything, nothing interacts anymore, but the computer is still "on." Hard restarting (I believe that's pushing the button) works fine as far as getting it to restart fully, but typically the damage is already done.

This sounds wholly like a software problem, probably, but I believe the software problems stem from hardware problems (I'm mostly a novice with computers so I wouldn't doubt being wrong in that regard), as my assembly of the computer was, admittedly, rather dubious. Screwing and unscrewing the motherboard, far too much time and effort on just trying to mount the CPU cooler, using a screwdriver that may have been magnetic. I wouldn't be surprised if some part of it was scratched, cracked, or magnetized and ruined.

That's my situation, and I really have no idea where to even begin fixing this, but, in summary, here are my questions:

0. If there is one, singular problem, what is it?
1. What parts, if damaged, are most likely to cause these problems? (including software)
2. Does the motherboard NEED to be on standoff screws? Part of my screwing and unscrewing it was due to finding that with all standoff screws, it couldn't align the ports out the back, but no standoff screws had a similar misalignment. IIRC it's using standoff screws on the far side and some in the middle while the side closest to the back ports has no standoff screws.
3. Would a technician be able to identify the problem and fix it? Or would they come to the same conclusion as me, that some part(s) need to be replaced?

Right now I'm contemplating replacing the motherboard, cpu, and case, but if I can narrow it down to replacing one, that would be much better. Of course, I would try to be much more careful with assembly this time around. Any help, including simple speculation, would be appreciated.
 
yes, all stand-off are needed.
either the brass rises or the elevate tin steps built into the case chassis.
otherwise the solder on the motherboard shorts as it touches the tin of the case.

cardboarding is a great starting point. or simply just assembling it all outside the case, on a desk or similar.
if it's your first build (and we have all been there) it's probably a PICNIC problem (Problem In Chair Not In Computer) so re-assembling outside the Pc and reinstalling Windows is a good troubleshooting point to start from.
 
  • Like
Reactions: veeg
Hi CJM2121, Welcome to PCHF! :)

I have a feeling you don't have the motherboard aligned correctly in the case and the motherboard is shorting out causing a BSOD. So yes you need to all the standoffs and you need to make sure everything is aligned properly in the computer case.

Have you also checked your system temperatures in the BIOS to ensure no component is overheating? Is the RAM in the correct slots on the motherboard? Consult your motherboard's manual as there is a lot of useful information about installation and troubleshooting items relating to your motherboard.
 
Yes! I finally got an opportunity to dissect it and pull it out, and it was, indeed, the standoff screws problem! While cardboarded, it was able to restart properly, and when put back in with all standoff screws, it was able to restart properly. Thank you, everyone, for the help, you all were spot on!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.