Hello, Since purchasing my computer a couple of years ago, I have been afflicted with random 'BSOD' crashes. At the outset, they would occur whenever I ran anything intensive (a three-dimensional game, for example). I was told the problem was likely a lack of/bad RAM, so I purchased more. For a while, all was well, until the crashes began occuring again (a myriad, really: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA, etc.) some months later. Not possessing any vast knowledge of computers, I again purchased new RAM. The problems seemed to subside, though occured still occassionally (no rhyme nor reason). Again time passed, and like clockwork I began to see more and more crashes. I reinstalled XP, tried various driver/software configurations (including 'service packs')...all for naught. It seemed as though the problems were getting worse; occassionally, after a crash, when I would turn my computer on, the fan would begin spinning, and then simply stop. It was as if the power to the tower was being cut off. I eventually shelled out some cash for a new videocard (formerly a GeForce 4 MX 440) and acquired an ATI Radeon 9200. The problems AGAIN subsided, and were few-and-far-between until now. My computer rarely even turns on, now, and when it does, it often hangs while loading XP, or should I reach the users screen, crashes after I enter my password. Occassionally (like now) I am able to access Windows, though a crash often occurs within about ten minutes. Sometimes (this is a new development) it will list 'NFTS' or 'win32k' files as the culprits (but again, this is a new development of a problem that has occured for almost two years now, so that likely ISN'T the root of it). After such a crash, it seems that I can not actually turn ON the computer for about twenty minutes or so. If I attempt to, it will not start up. Power will flow into it, but it will be seemingly cut off, and all will stop. Also, sometimes the computer seems to be attempting to turn itself on, but the fan sounds as though it is spinning far too slowly, and the moniter does not respond. It is important for me to note that I never attempted overclocking or anything that could physically damage the parts. My current set-up (on my third RAM stick and second video card) is as follows: AMD XP 2000 Processor 512 MB DDR(333) RAM 128MB ATI Radeon 9200 300W Power Supply Gigabyte 7-AXP Motherboard That's about it. I have been told that the power supply may be the culprit, but only recently, and as I am now a university student, I have been reluctant to simply purchase a new one without assurance that it is (at least likely) the cause. Others have suggested a heating issue, but I have been told that my computer runs at a fairly standard temperature (various moniters suggest the same). Anyhow, please respond if you are able to help. I have been getting my girlfriend to surf these Tech. Support forums for me for a couple of weeks now, but as she has little computer knowledge, it has been difficult. My friends (also lacking computer knowledge, like me) have been little help. I apologize for any sloppy writing; my computer often doesn't run for this long without shutting off, and I fear it may at any moment. Also, I doubt this has any relation, but when I AM able to turn my computer on, IE often simply closes without warning, at random, while I am checking out webpages. Aid me if you can, Matt

The power supply is headed for the big junk pile in the sky. For all you have you need 400watts at the least.

You think that's it, eh? Does that explain the errors I've received all along?

Agreed, the power supply possibly could have been screwed from the getgo. Bad parts do often find their way into brand new computers for various reasons. I also agree that the supply you have is not enough.

A good, adequate, weel built power supply is essential to system stability.

Wow, that sounds great. Thank you very much for the prompt responses. My only further question is regarding the 'cyclical' nature of the errors. When I acquired the new RAM/Video Card for example, the errors would subside. Does that relate to the power supply in some way?

Bump. It seems too that when my computer DOES finally work for a period of time (beyond five minutes) it works indefinitely until I attempt a shutdown or restart. What could account for this ambiguity? (Also, the question in my above post still stands, regarding the 'cyclical nature' of the errors)