VGC-RA810G service manual - Sony VAIO VGC-RA810G PC Desktop

Had the same problem. Now I just leave it on 24/7 and reboot every 2 weeks. What do you mean it won't start though? No power at all or it won't boot to Windows? If it won't boot at all, try replacing power cord first, then check your power supply module - you probably need a new one. They are easy to replace and not too costly.

Dear 911,
The problem may due to that.... So Plz check with another SMPS(power supply).
Reply me the status...

cheers

your windows cd is damaged, or your ram controller is faulty. gtet a new windows xp disk, or examine it for scratches, and if you feel froggy, attempt to use some sort of cd cleaner or even wax to buff out the scratches.

Possibly the video card is faulty, if you can hear beeping sounds from the pc itself, there is a probability the RAM sticks, or the memory modules are just loose, reseat them in place also check for the heat sink of the processor, for it could be overheating. lastly as you have said, the video card could be just loose re-seat the card, if that does not do the trick, a simple test using other video card to prove that the card is faulty, that also imply on RAM sticks.
It is your choice if you were to buy from SONY, but there are replacement for a cheaper alternative.
Hope this helps.

sounds a like cpu fan is clogged. Get some air dusters and blow out dust

Btw, I’m available to help over the phone in case u need at https://www.6ya.com/expert/thomas_c50676e836a18949

<a href="http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-home.pl?mdl=VGCRA810G&LOC=3" >Go here </a> and look to left "order parts".

try a different power cord, sound like the power supply on the cord has gone bad.
did you try another battery?

u may need to re install xp or vista as the hard drive may need to be formated as it is new also make sure the hard drive is selected in the boot menu on the bios screen.

Most likely your CPU is overheating. Download speedfan from this link. Speedfan monitors the temperature of your CPU. Note the temperature when the PC shuts off on its own. Let me know if this is helpful.

It appears that your system has one ide controller for the optical drives, and one sata controller for the hard disk(s).

I recommend installing another SATA drive, the controller in your system is SATA150, so don't spend any extra for a SATA II (300) interface, though if you find a good deal on one, there's no harm in using it, they're backwards compatible to SATA I.  I've been seeing 500gig SATA drives on sale for around 100$.