Computer shuts when Burning in nero

[willhenderson]

whenever i try burning a movie in neros vision xpress halfway down the line it makes my whole pc shut. i guess it causes some error that causes my pc to shut ..... but it always happens, any clue why this would happen? strange cause i could use neros burning rom and it dont happen (this occured with both version 6 and 7)

i want to just burn a couple mpgs and avi what other programs will let me do this, i dont want to do hardly any converting and lose quality because as it it is there already mpg and avi

any ideas..

[redwudz]

Are you actually burning the movie or is Nero re-encoding it first? If it takes more than 15 minutes, it's probably re-encoding. Does it shut off just like you pulled the plug or does it give an error or a blue screen? If it just shuts off, may be an overheating problem with your CPU.

If your video is DVD compliant in the first place, you should just be able to burn it, no re-encoding. If not, I would encode with something other than Nero to produce compliant video. You could try TMPGEnc encoder, or one of the other encoders listed in 'Tools' to the left. <<<<<<<

For the DVD compliant formats, look to the upper left for 'What is' DVD.

You might also try ConvertXToDVD or the freeware version DivxToDVD for simple AVI to DVD conversion instead of Nero Vision Express.

[willhenderson]

im burning it but it shuts down when preparing the files to burn when encoding i think. is that a sign of it overheating? weird thing is it works just fine any other way it never shuts. i was thinking it had to do with the program. it also i noticed occasionaly happens with ashampoo shrink and burn - it happens most always when i am converting video, or encoding it's really weird. i could be doing anything else on other programs or have the machine running and it wont happen.

on burning the few avis would that be my best bet running it through winavi or divxtodvd i thought that would make me lose quality? or does running my avi through nero vision do the same thing with the file.. (same thing for .mpg what is it best to burn with to play in a dvd player, and not lose any quality from the file?)

cheers for the reply; it's very appreciated.

[redwudz]

Burning and encoding are two entirely separate processes. This sounds like an encoding problem with Nero. Give ConvertXToDVD a try. It should give you as good results as Express. Or try a standalone encoder like TMPGEnc.

If you are still having shutdowns, then it may not be the programs. Bad RAM memory might cause this also. Overheating can be checked by taking the side covers off the computer and blowing a desk fan in there, or using a temperature monitoring program like SpeedFan or Motherboard Monitor. Memory problems would likely happen with any CPU/memory intensive program like encoding. You can do a memory check with a program like Memtest86: http://www.memtest86.com/

If you determine it to be a hardware problem and not software, there are other things to check, also.

Last thing to check, which probably should have been the first. You might reinstall Nero. Use NeroClean first to remove all remnants and do a reinstall. Leave out InCD if you don't need it as it can cause problems. Your Nero install could have gotten corrupted. Nero in general is pretty dependable. I only use Nero Burning ROM. The rest of the programs Nero includes I never use as there are much better encoders and authoring programs out there. IMO.

[willhenderson]

geez its happened again and i couldnt get the memtest thing to run, i tried burning to a cd and running but nothing happened; im not sure which package i need and how to run it.

this time it shut using winavi a dandy program my friend let me try out - im going to give ConvertXToDVD a try

i just might have to take off the shell and see whats going on, it only shuts it seems if im running and encoding/recoding program for a long period of time

[redwudz]

it only shuts it seems if im running and encoding/recoding program for a long period of time

Then that seems to point to an overheating problem, most likely the CPU. Pull the covers off and clean out the dust, especially in the CPU cooler, then blow a fan in there while encoding. If that helps, consider upgrading your CPU cooler and installing a front or rear case fan, if it doesn't have them.

[willhenderson]

right, thanks for the tips redwudz. what are some steps to avoiding this problem as far as the machine.....is it from running it long periods of time? shall i maybe give it a rest (if that would even help any)

also if not tooken care of what is the worst that can happen will it crap out my hard drive or any other things? i want to know what to expect as far as that goes

d/l xtodvd see how that program goes - it might be not so resource heavy and work.

[redwudz]

If it is indeed CPU overheating, it could damage your CPU or at least damage the operating system of the computer if it keeps shutting down unexpectedly. If you follow the directions in my last post, that may help you to find out if that is what is causing the problem. Better cooling is not that hard. It may just need the dust blown out or some new thermal compound on the CPU cooler.

Do you know what brand and model of motherboard the computer has or which CPU it has? Some of the Athlons run hot to start with and they will shut down the computer at a little above 60C CPU temperature. And some motherboards have a setting to shut down the computer if a set temperature is exceeded. You could try booting into the BIOS and see if it has a hardware monitor there that lists the CPU/Case temps. You should see what key is needed to get into BIOS when the computer is first turned on, at the bottom of the first screen. Hold down the pause key if you need to slow it down to read.

If it's not CPU overheating, could be a failing power supply, bad RAM memory or a bunch of other causes. But CPU overheat is the most common.

[willhenderson]

wow okay surprisingly after taking the case off blowing dust off, and having a fan on the inside of the machine as it was converting (it went through). ive done it twice where it would usually just shut off.

i was looking around in there i got 2 fans - 1 is in the back towards where the power and everything else plugs in cant really see it unless from the back/outside, and 1 is on the inside on somewhat the top left hand corner that i can see perfect. i was checking it out and this may just be the problem are both fans supposed to be on?? because the one on the inside that i can see isnt even running. i think i recall it running last night but im not sure i'll have to pay better attention to it. i dont know if it's supposed to kick on at a certain task or time.


on the Bios and that other bit of info i havent really looked into it just yet, i need to double check everything im not sure where to look, all i know is its an emachine; but here is a snap shot of a dandy program that lists some information that me be useful, i think it lists my motherboard or bios (maybe the other tabs give some better info)


ill try finding out the make of the motherboard and get back if i do

[jagabo]

1 is on the inside on somewhat the top left hand corner that i can see perfect. i was checking it out and this may just be the problem are both fans supposed to be on?? because the one on the inside that i can see isnt even running. i think i recall it running last night but im not sure i'll have to pay better attention to it. i dont know if it's supposed to kick on at a certain task or time.

Is that fan connected to the motherboard (or to a big heat sink that's connected to the motherboard? Or is it connected to the case and vented to the outside? If the former, it's the CPU fan and you will definitely have problems if it's not spinning. Can you post a picture?

Here's a common case with typical case and CPU fan locations marked:

[willhenderson]

yes its connected to something else it looks like -- that then looks soldered or molded onto the main board, i can see it from the inside. the other fan is the one not visible from the inside and facing out through the back.

i dont have a digital on me and cant get to a pic at the moment but i see a labeling on the fan, it's got 12VCD Ball Bearing TaiSol / Taisol.Com on it.

shall i not even be running my pc - if that is indeed the problem is it something minor i can just change and fix myself? pricey?? would self cooling with a desk fan and what not like explained earlier keep it o.k. and running until i at least get it repaired


Edit: that is it indeed (the CPU Fan)

[redwudz]

If it's the CPU fan as you described, I would get it repaired/replaced a soon as possible. I wouldn't run it at all if the fan is not running. I would replace the whole cooler, not just the fan.

[willhenderson]

would you know around how much that would roughly cost me? (maybe to even take it in if it'd be too much hassle doing myself)

i found this guide, i would change the computer fan this way right -- and what else the cooler is that another component?

cheers for all the help guys i really appreciate it

[jagabo]

A new fan is under $10. It's easy to change yourself. There are usually screws in the corners. Or sometimes a spring clip. You can just take the fan off and find a similar one to replace it.

You should get one with about the same power rating. They're all 12V but you should see a amp or watt rating on the label. If you go lower it won't cool enough, if you go higher it will get noisy.

There are a few different types of power connectors. Just make sure you can plug the new fan into either the motherboard or one of the molex connectors from the power supply.

[redwudz]

What jagabo said. Most coolers come with a good set of directions, so that makes it easier. Check how the old one comes off and which direction it mounts so you can put the new one in with the same orientation. Double check this before placing it over the CPU. The old heatsink may be somewhat 'glued' to the CPU. Be gentle when removing it. If the material on the CPU is hardened, scrape the majority of it off with a fingernail or a credit card edge, being careful not to scratch the CPU surface. I use Qtips and isopropyl alcohol to remove the last of the old thermal compound.

Then plug in the fan, power up and make sure it's running before putting the side cover back on.

It's not that big of a project, just take your time.

BTW, your link to the emachine site is broken, but I managed to see the PDF. Check your URL text.

[willhenderson]

cheers guys - sounds real good/easy

so just last thing, im going to be calling comp usa and a couple other places see where its best to purchase.....im going to ask for just the CPU Fan? OR CPU Fan & Cooler?!

i shouldnt be running my machine lol, ill check in sometime though, and after let you guys know how it goes.....if someone could get back! thanks again

[jagabo]

CompUSA should have both fans and full cooler (fan + heat sink) kits. Fans run $5 to $10. Full cooler anywhere from $10 to $50.

See how easy it is to get the fan off the heat sink. If it comes off easily I'd just replace the fan. Sometimes the fan is too tightly integrated with the heat sink so it's hard to replace. Then it might be easier to replace the whole cooler. Be sure to get one that will fit your processor, won't bump into the capacitors around the CPU, and will fit in the case. The oversized coolers are nice (they run cool with slow a quiet fan) but some won't fit in many cases. Some even require you remove the motherboard from the case so you can screw a bracket into the back of the motherboard.

[willhenderson]

right i need to get the correct one, how would i know which to get to fit my processor? i notice on the fan its got about four screws going all around showing where i can get to them and a simple plug in wire. so i could probably try replacing the fan first if its easy. that is if its not mounted or tight on the heat sink like you say.

could i try unscrewing the fan AND just pulling the plug out and take off as is -- if it does come off with ease? will that cause any problems as far as the pc booting up or anything...give me a blue black screen at boot up,....i dont want something like that to crash my system : )

also just noticed the heat sink what the fan is lying on it gets real warm, i just shut my pc down for a bit as i noticed it was getting hot.

....................

i tried messing around with it like ive seen in guides where the unit just somehow pops off - but it dont seem like its going anywhere. i'm going to get a hold of a digital and snap a shot to get on here.......maybe itd be noticeable to where to start and take it off from. weather the heat sink or fan i'm going to have to get one of these things off before i install/put in anything

[budz]

I'd suggest your replace your heatsink and fan. As redwuz pointed out remove your heatsink from the cpu and clean off the old thermal paste with isopropyl alcohol. Then slap new thermal paste on to your cleaned cpu then put on your new heatsink and fan. What Athlon cpu do you have? Is it a socket 462?

[TooLFooL]

STOP RUNNING YOUR COMPUTER! without proper cooling, your CPU can destroy itself within seconds!...

[redwudz]

budz, According to his screenshot, he has a Pentium 4, 2.8Ghz Northwood in a 478 socket. At least it's not a Prescott. I agree about replacing the whole cooler, though. The thermal compound is probably shot if it's been overheated that often. At least refresh the thermal compound if you just replace the fan. I would also quit running the machine. The risk of damaging or destroying the CPU is too high.

[willhenderson]

im going to take a pic, i am barely running it for not long periods of time and ive got a desk fan blowing in it so it dont heat up -- would that be ok for at least short periods of time? or is there other things it does beside just cool things down??

thing is i dont know what to take off first , the fan right; unscrew it and pull the plug out, that wouldnt cause any problems would it... (as far as booting up)

[jagabo]

thing is i dont know what to take off first , the fan right; unscrew it and pull the plug out, that wouldnt cause any problems would it... (as far as booting up) :?:

Since the fan is already dead, you won't be any worse off removing it.

[budz]

budz, According to his screenshot, he has a Pentium 4, 2.8Ghz Northwood in a 478 socket. At least it's not a Prescott. I agree about replacing the whole cooler, though. The thermal compound is probably shot if it's been overheated that often. At least refresh the thermal compound if you just replace the fan. I would also quit running the machine. The risk of damaging or destroying the CPU is too high.

redwudz I looked at his computer specs and not at the screenshot that's why I asked about the AMD cpu.

[redwudz]

We all miss a few, budz. I don't know if I really agree with jagabo about running it without a CPU fan not making it any worse, though. My worry is that the fan may be running sometimes, instead of not at all, if it's thermally controlled and the controller is out of whack. Removing a 'running sometimes' working fan to go to no fan is a lot of added stress on the CPU if he continues to run the PC. Either way, not something you want to let continue.

But either way, willhenderson, get it fixed, ASAP.

[jagabo]

I don't know if I really agree with jagabo about running it without a CPU fan not making it any worse, though. My worry is that the fan may be running sometimes, instead of not at all, if it's thermally controlled and the controller is out of whack.

OK, I should have said "If your fan is indeed dead, you won't be any worse off removing it."

One thing is for sure: do not turn on the power with the heat sink removed. The processor will literally explode. And it will likely blow a hole through the motherboard too!

[redwudz]

I stuck a CPU cooler on a Athlon CPU while it was in the case a couple of years ago and didn't notice that the cooler was setting on the ledge of the CPU holder and only just on the edge of the CPU. The computer kept shutting off after about 10 seconds. I finally got a flashlight in there and saw what I had done.

Luckily the CPU and motherboard was smarter than me and shut down the computer before anything fried, but I was lucky.

I've seen that video of a CPU without a cooler blowing a hole through a MB, impressive.

[willhenderson]

im working on the 'picture' but first step would be removing the fan and pulling the plug right?? (if im going to repair it)

like i said this isnt going to cause any boot up problems now will it?

[jagabo]

If your fan is completely dead removing it will not make any difference. But some computers have speed controls for the CPU fan -- they spin faster when needed. If your fan is partially working, if it does come on after the CPU heats up, then running without it will be risky.

[rkr1958]

A word of caution about pulling your dead fan / heatsink combo. On my system (which I built), I've changed out the heatsink / fan two times. The reason was I wanted a quiter fan, which I eventually got (a Zalman variable speed fan/heatsink).

Now the word of caution, both time when I pulled the fan / heatsink out my CPU was stuck to the bottom of my heatsink due to the thermal paste. The first time freak me out, See https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?p=1260818#1260818 However, it turned out to be no big deal. The second time I pulled my fan / heatsink I expected this.

Anyway, be sure to check the bottom of your heatsink to see if your CPU comes out with it. If this happens, don't panic. Remove the CPU form the bottom of the heatsink and be careful not to touch or bend any of the pins. Clean the CPU which rubbing alcohol, open the latch to the CPU socket, reinsert the CPU in the socket(the CPU will drop in if oriented correctly in the socket ... no force necessary ... that's why they're called Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) CPUs, close the latch.

If the CPU stays in the socket (which is what you're hoping for), make sure you clean it with rubbing alcohol, removing any residual thermal compound.

Now in either case, apply thermal compound (not too much though, a thin layer covering the top of the CPU), install the new heatsink / fan and plug it in to your motherboard.