computer problems

[Tshifhiwa]

When my pc loads its file after stating it will turn off and do it again but i dont have a chance to set or change anything it just turns off in 30 sec plese help i dont want fomat my hard drive.

[Hope]

That actually sounds like it may be a RAM, CPU or PowerSupply issue.

[CoastPC]

As it boots up, press the F8 key ( try pressing it a few times as is booting)  a screen will come up with options for 'safe mode'.  If you machine shuts down while in safe mode it is probably a hardware issue as posted above.
  Viruses can also cause symptoms like this too.

Chris

[carpmad]

if its a problem with your operating system you could also download a live disk so your able to back everything up if it comes to it
both the following links are linux o/s they will boot off the cd without instaling anything or changing your files or settings so then its just a matter of burning your data to cd or dvd
both are free and can also be instaled if you decide to change operating systems but they are large .iso files so may take some time to download if you have a slow connection
ubuntu is supposed to be the easiest
http://www.ubuntu.com/download/  just under 700 mb

http://www.knoppix.org/  i think this ones a little bit smaller but not certain?
just burn either to cd it should just be a matter of double clicking them and your burner will open up and burn them as the correct format
hope you get it sorted