I've done some searching on the internet for my issue, but have been unable to come up with a more precise problem similar to mine.

I'm having a static electricity problem with my computer. All the searches I've done talked about grounding yourself while switching out hardware. I'm not opening up my case.

At work I sit at a cubicle shaped sort of like this: |`````| and my computer sits on a filing cabinet to the right of my cubicle. Nearly every time I get out of my chair and touch the divider on the right side (the one closest to the computer) I get a static shock and my computer shuts down. This happens a few times a day and I am afraid that at one of these points, the computer will not turn back on at all.

The computer I have now is a spare one as the motherboard unexpectedly fried on my normal one. That one had nothing to do with static electricty...or if it did, I damaged it unknowingly as I did not touch the panel or anything on my desk or computer at the time.

I do not want to damage the spare computer either. I thought at first that the headphones that i drape over the divider was the problem. That was proven false. Then I thought it might be the new keyboard I received. The cable for the keyboard is draped over the divider as it is not long enough to run through to the computer any other way. Nex i though the power cable was not plugged into my surge protector. It was plugged into the back wall of my cubicle. I plugged it into the surge protector, which is plugged into my wall divider. That did not work.

Is there any way at all I can prevent these static discharges from interfering with my computer? Or is there any way I can ground my computer to keep this from happening?

put it on a desk away from the divider?? make sure its not touching the metal divider and also stick a book or somthing under the computer to stop any static reaching it through the metal filing cabinet..wear rubber bottom shoes...

well once its put together and operating it shouldent matter.

but if your working try wearing a antistatic bracelet and me sure to touch the case for a few seconds before ouching any internal components

thanks for your help I will try those suggestions

To me it sounds like there is a ground problem with the wiring in the cubicle. But to make sure. Do you have a shocking/grounding problem if you touch the other divider? Have you tried any anti-static spray?

I keep a can of Static-Guard (name brand) by Scotch at my desk at work for just such a situation. Use it according to directions!!

However, I believe the problem is more systemic than just you and your magnetic personality. If it causes a problem with the computer (shutting it down) then there is a wiring problem/grounding problem with the cubicle. I'd probably recommend having an expert check it out.If one of the wires running along the baseboards of the cube is damaged or worn thin, you could have a small enough leak to cause problems. However, if it is properly grounded to the electrical circuits, it should shrug off the shock you build up. I think the key is the fact that the computer is shutting down (or being fried).

to be honest, I don't really touch the other divider because I'm in the corner of a room and I have no reason to go over to the other side.There is another cable running underneath the divider for something that I do not know. I'll try and tke a look at that and see what comes up. What wouldI spray the anti static spray on?

The anti-static spray I keep is for PERSONAL use. So spray it on your clothes (pants, shirt). But I do spray it on my office chair. Try to keep it away from open flames/sparks (aerosol can). it is understandable you may not be touching the other divider. It was a question to see if you had, and had similar experiences.

You can make a solution of the spray (typically a 1:10 fabric softener : water) and use it in a spray bottle. I've read where it can be sprayed on a computer case. Of course a word of caution. Don't spray any liquid on a surface that may cause a shock (as in exposed wires, power outlets, the power supply of a computer...). The same common sense warnings that go along with using a hair dryer in the bath tub in general.

Now, the cable runs "under the divider". Is that in a channel? Or is it going perpendicular to the partition? If it is the latter, be careful not to grab a wire that may be cut / compromised (crushed).

I may seem paranoid about electricity, but my brother was an electrician (before he had a circuit panel blow up in his face and went blind, that is). Electricity is something to respect, so please don't risk shocking yourself. You are always more valuable than a computer.

very true

the cables are perpendicular to the divider. I haven't had a chance to look at it yet though; i've been very busy all day. Busy business I'm in