Cleaned out dust now it won't completely boot up

**scottyEMT** · November 6th, 2008, 01:08 PM

I have a HP Media Center PC m1070n desktop. I took both panels off, loosened the heatsink screws (4), removed the heatsink fan screws (4), moved the fan to clean off the sink. Then used a microcompressor with no more than 25psi and a new paintbrush to gently clean out the dustbunnies. Now it powers up, the heatsink fan goes into overdrive (thats when I know its working hard type sound) then the PC shuts off after 5-10 seconds (gets through a couple startup screens but not to the Windows logo, running XP btw). I rechecked all the plugs I could see but maybe there is one unplugged that is supposed to be plugged-in and I just don't realize it. Could someone offer advice? I've tried the boot 5 times and am about ready to take it to a store for a diagnostic. Thank you very much!

**SoloCamo** · November 6th, 2008, 01:41 PM

Welcome to TechIMO!

Since you a cleaned the heatsink/fan I would make sure the heatsink is seated properly. It may even be in your best interest to reseat it to make sure. Especially since the fan is running full-speed I'm thinking it's not making proper contact, heating up way too fast and shutting down as a pre-cautionary.

The usuals as well, re-do your wiring making sure everything is making proper contact, reseat pci-cards, graphics card, etc.

**scottyEMT** · November 6th, 2008, 01:53 PM

TY, glad to have found my way here to TechIMO.

I see four largish screws with what appear to be springs around them just within accessible reach at the bottom of the sink. They are really hard to work! I'm going to try taking them completely out and see if the sink then comes away. Otherwise I won't know what constitutes good contact. I'll post my results shortly. arf!

**railfrog** · November 6th, 2008, 02:00 PM

I would agree with SoloCamo and say its the Heatsink not seated properly.
Remove completely, clean any old thermal paste on the h/s then apply some new paste and re-attach to CPU.

**scottyEMT** · November 6th, 2008, 02:27 PM

Fixed, thanks to SC and rail. I saw the paste and didn't know what it was for so now I will obtain some new. Can PC run in the meantime?

**SoloCamo** · November 6th, 2008, 02:42 PM

Without thermal paste?

**scottyEMT** · November 6th, 2008, 03:00 PM

Yes with just the old paste, is that a grave mistake?

**SoloCamo** · November 6th, 2008, 03:01 PM

No, but not recommended. It will be fine, but will run hotter than it could be running. You'll be fine for your standard web browsing, etc. but I wouldn't push the cpu with any gaming, etc. I'd also pick up new thermal paste as soon as you can as it's only a few bucks and well worth it.