Computer keeps turning off

My friends compaq computer with windows 98 boots up until
the normal desktop with icons appears. Before the bootup
is completely done, the computer shuts itself off and
reboots. I have run the factory restore cd from compaq
but the problem still persists.

Your bottom line decision is to only listen to those who
first recommend collecting facts long before trying to fix
anything. For example, one post (should) recommend that you
press the Fx key (is it F8?) so that you see, step by step,
what does and does not load properly during startup. Only
with that information do you then start asking why that
procedure failed there. Still you don't try to fix it until
you understand first why and if that last step (or the next
one to be executed) is the reason for reboot.

The, of course, is the wild card. All types of strange
problems can be created as load changes on a slowly failing
power supply. Another 1 minute procedure is often performed
first to verify power supply and motherboard controller are
not creating the problem:
"Computer doesnt start at all" in alt.comp.hardware on 10
Jan 2004 at
http://tinyurl.com/2t69q or
"I think my power supply is dead" in alt.comp.hardware on 5
Feb 2004 at
http://www.tinyurl.com/2musa

Stop trying to fix things with the Restore CD. It may have
even complicated the problem. First get the important facts.
If you don't know what those important numbers mean, then post
them so that others can tell you.

wrote:
My friends compaq computer with windows 98 boots up until
the normal desktop with icons appears. Before the bootup
is completely done, the computer shuts itself off and
reboots. I have run the factory restore cd from compaq
but the problem still persists.