Thanks again. Even though I've admitted I'm no expert, I DO know about shutting off the power and grounding yourself. (know you're being helpful).

One, hopefully, last question: I was thinking I would purchase the power supply (as recommended), and then, if I don't feel comfortable, take it in to the computer place, along, naturally, with the computer.

Thoughts? Thanks.

P.S. Jenny100: Thank you so much for the YouTube suggestion. Didn't seem all that bad until it got to "disconnect all connections..." I guess I need more self confidence, but looks sort of "oops" to me.

I'll wait for an answer regarding purchasing the power supply first.

Sorry! We are never sure of the expertise of the individuals asking for help! I see no problem with your plan as long as your computer place is OK with it.

Thanks again; all of your input is greatly appreciated.

Drac. After reading this I realize that we changed the power supply on my HP PC, bought a 500 watt P/S from Newegg. Laurette it can't be too difficult, I say this, it was my husband and myself that changed it out, but I don't recall any problems.
Also, Drac. there is something that I had downloaded from Bleeping Computer that reads the temperature of the hardware on the pc. Is that of any use in this situation? I'd love to tell you what it was called but currently my desktop is naked but I do remember it starts with a S.

It might have been Speccy from the people who make CCleaner. No, I don't think that's your problem. Do the dusting and see if that helps. Check the connections to your hard drive while you're in there.

Yeap, that's it! Who do I d/load CCleaner from? I don't have it on my pc now and I do miss it.

Piriform - I'll email you the links.

Laurette you said in your first post on page three that you've installed modems, more memory, and video cards. You can install the power supply.

Clean out the case, and note where the existing connections are attached, write it down or take a picture. Make sure the plate where the current power supply is mounted will accept the new power supply; mounting holes, etc. Measure the new power supply to make sure it will fit the case, won't crunch anything or block anything. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS which come with the new power supply, to make sure you have all the necessary wire assemblies before taking anything out; it might be necessary to purchase additional wiring assemblies, though they may come with the new unit. Like the video card, if you note where things are connected before removal, you shouldn't have a problem reconnecting them after installation.

There are some great videos out there on replacing the power supply. Watch a few of those to see if you think you can handle it - I think you can!

Sometimes people take pictures of how the power supply in their computer is connected before replacing it. That way they have a reference to refer to when trying to connect the new one.

Laurette. Please let me know what you find out about the problem. My pc shuts it self off all the time, it's a HP, purchased in 2009. It has a problem booting up and makes a weird noise but it now also shuts itself down. So I would be interested in what you learn!
Terri

Well, I did say I would get back with what happened/or didn't. I'm saying this with crossed fingers, but now for approx. 5 days, my computer has not had any problems. Have no idea what caused this.

I'm sure it won't continue, and will post of anything else.

Thanks again all for the excellent suggestions and your time.

I was wondering what was up!