Random Shutdown/ Cannot reload WinXP?SOS...

[HAVOC]

I've got a old Dell Inspiron 3200 and had these same exact issues.

In the beginning I found that the batteries wouldn't recharge. So I used the adapter and PSU all the time, with the dead battery still inside. Eventually, these same issues started happening. I called Dell and their "TECH-SUPPORT" told me it was a PSU issue. I sent it to them and they installed a new PSU. Sent it back to me and it worked like a charm.

Could be the PSU, then again it could be the RAM.

Good luck!

 

[NappyChan]

Dell has tech support? You're most likely right with the RAM, I doubt it's the HD or faulty OS installation because it was being a pain before your reinstalled, and now it won't let you? If it's shutting down at the exact same time, won't let you reinstall windows, and won't reformat, theres a very slim chance you have a damaged boot disk, corrupt windows installation and a stubborn notebook together, but again, very slim. Oh and are you sure you're not sitting on the A/C adapter? I had that problem...