Ok, so what we have here is an Emachines model w2646. A friend gave it to me because it would not boot saying it had a corrupt system file. I got it and sure enough that is what it said. Here is a list of what i have done

1. tried to boot into safe mode.
2. tried to boot with last config that worked
3. tried to boot from CD and repair install
4. tried to wipe and do clean install
5. removed all devices except cdrom
6. low level format on the hard drive
7. tested power supply and all connections
8. reseated all power connections

What i get is a computer that starts the windows install and then suddenly turns off. I'm thinking cooling problem. All fans are working and heatsinks do not feel warm at all. CPU fan is clear of dust, although i did clear a bit off. Also, after the computer shuts down, i have to physically remove the power plug and plug it back in before i can boot up again. When i ran the low level format on the hard drive the computer ran all night without turning off. Lemme know what yuou think?

Reseat the RAM sticks.If you have more than one RAM stick,remove one at a time and restart setup program.If it fails again,test the RAM for errors with a program like memtest32.You need a minimum of 128 MB RAM to setup Windows XP.Good luck.

How did you test the PSU?

Can you see the CPU temp in BIOS?

I tested the PSU with a PSU tester. It showed that all voltages were correct and that the PSU was putting out the right voltage.

As for the memory. I could not get memtest32 to run. I couldn't get any memory test i downloaded to run. I have tried 3 different bootable iso programs for memory testing. Anybody know a way around that? It just gives me a drdos prompt and awaits a command. i can't seem to run the tests.

Do you have a floppy drive? When you download the .exe file from memtest86, save it to your desktop. put a blank formatted floppy disk in your drive. run the .exe
It will create a bootable floppy disk that contains the testing program.
Make sure floppy drive is selected as first boot device in bios. boot up using the memtest floppy and the test begins automatically.

I used to have a signature but it disappeared and I just couldn't be bothered writing another so please feel free to ingore this.

Actuallty this model was shipped without a floppy drive. So my only option was to use the bootable ISO images.

Hi wheelspinner99.
If you are still having problems with the computer shutting down,I can suggest unplugging the power button from the M/B and shorting the terminals with a small screwdriver and see if that stops it.I have the same model sitting beside me that did the same thing,it progressed to a point it would "startup" by itself.Sometimes it would just shutdown and sometimes it would suddenly say"windows is shutting down"and shut down.I tried everything and then tried the switch.I replaced it and all is good.By the way this 0ne came with a Floppy drive.
Just a sugestion''''Lencojo

Hey, i will be working on it tonight, so i will let you know how it goes...

Lencojo,

I did as you instructed and it did the same thing. I have replaced the RAM, and removed all cards, etc. Not sure what else to do from here. .....