Paul Johnson [pauljohn32@xxxxxxxxx] wrote: > On a Dell Optiplex 270 running FC5, a very strange thing has started > to happen. The machine runs fine and allows ssh logins and I've > worked on it for hours remotely. It can remotely display jpeg files, > do anything I ask. > > However, about once per day, the system crashes when people sit in > front of it and use the mouse & keyboard. I've only seen the crash > with my own eyes once, but my wife & kids have described it many > times. The monitor simply loses the signal from the computer, and the > computer stops responding to all outside contact. I can't ssh into it > anymore. It is a little confusing because the computer still appears > to be powered up--the lighted power button on the front is still on. > In order to get it to restart, it is necessary to push the button for > a long time as the computer powers down. After the restart, there's > no trace of trouble. Nothing in /var/log/messages. > > What do you think is wrong? How to find out? > > You might suspect bad RAM if the only symptom were the crash. However, > the system stays running forever if you use it via ssh. > There should be a set of four diagnostic lights on the back of that machine: what are the colors of those lights when the system hangs? Also, have you checked all connections including the power cord? Do the users power-on something else in the room when they use the machine (perhaps causing a power surge)? Alternately, do you have any diagnostic disks for that model from DELL? T.
