Hardware: Failed fan on Matrox Parhelia causes automatic shutdown

[ATC]

An older Matrox Parhelia graphics adapter developed a fan problem, causing Windows to automatically shut down. The fan was replaced by a third-party fan with better cooling effect but without the RPM feedback lead. This obviously caused an RPM readout of 0, always causing the system to shutdown.

[ATC]

Open the system services dialog like this:

Start | Settings | Control Panel | Administrative tools | Services

Locate the service called "MGAFGEXE" and double-click on it. Set "Startup type" to "disabled", and then manually stop the service.

WARNING: If the replacement fan fails, the card will overheat and possibly take permanent damage. If possible, use an original Matrox fan. We do NOT recommend you try to fix your card yourself unless you know what you're doing and are willing to take the risk!