Why is my Computer Shutting Off Unexpectedly?

Question

It happened to me maybe... two weeks ago, I think for the first time ever, I was really annoyed. Then last night it happened again and so my father cleared away any dust that might be getting at the fan, and tonight, it's just done it again. One minute I was on the computer with no apparent problems, a few minutes later I come back and it's turned off.

Does any know what the problem could be other then over heating? I never turn off my computer, but I'm never had over hearting problems, so I don't think that's the cause...

Answer 1

Maybe Santa Claus is punishing you for leaving your PC unattended...or it could be a spyware or virus is lurking your system...try to check it with your anti-virus/spyware utility..have your system scanned.

Answer 2

Chances are, it's your power supply going bad. As they age, they can't put out as much power. Leaving them running 24 hours a day accelerates the aging process. Do this first, though: right-click on My Computer, and select Properties from the drop-down box.

Then, click on the Advanced tab (at the top), and near the bottom, under Startup and Recovery, click the Settings button. Once it opens, uncheck Automatically restart. If you're having a problem that's related to something else, like a stick of RAM going bad, it will give you a blue screen of death, instead of restarting. If that doesn't happen, you'll know it's the power supply.

Answer 3

It does still sound like it's overheating if it's just/only shutting down. Check to see if there's good air flow through the case and if there are enough *working* fans. Check to see if system resources are getting consumed from a virus or something that's causing your computer to work much harder than before and causing it to overheat. Since it's just shutting down and not restarting, I'm not sure what else it could be. Usually problems that I've run into in the past cause it to restart and not just shut down.

Answer 4

This is one of those issues that could be hard to diognose. First,
I would do a virus scan of the entire harddrive and run some spyware program such as spybot and adaware.

If all tests come back clean, Did you install any new software, drivers, patches recently? If so, then un-install these and see if the issue continues. If not,

I would start checking your hardware connections. IDE cables, memory modules to ensure they are inserted properly, Power supply connector, PCI cards, video card, make sure that all of these are inserted properly. Also check the CPU fan to make sure that it is working properly.

You have already gotten off to a good start by cleaning the fans. Make sure you clean the inside of the case also using compressed air in a well ventilated area such as outdoors. Dust can kill your system if you let it build up enough.

Hope this helps. If not, Post back and we can take other steps.

Answer 5

I can't believe the answers you got. I used to work at a fast food place. Thery NEVER shut off thier computers and rarly had problems. I had software clashes that caused freeze ups even on my newer Gateway desk top with Media Center. Something we load our conputers with too much going on. Instead listening to the goofy (I think!) advice on here, do the simplest tasks to your computer before trying something that might harm your computer. Did you defrag your hard drive, remove temp internet files? Do you have an anti-virus program? I had problems with speed when I saved too many MB or GB's of video or software like games with lots of active x graphics. Stuff like this can clutter a computer's mind and cause clashes, slowdowns, freeze ups, conflicts in software, even causing the computer to shut off. Think, have you installed or saved a lot of videos, games, software, or changed something? Did you remove temporary files? I defrag and remove temp internt files, and do anti-spy, anti-virus, scans daily. And I'm not on here 2 hours a day. You might have to also clear you web browser history. I hope I have helped you. But, a lot of answers are without any background experience. Be careful with whom you get computer advice from.

Answer 6

I think you should turn off your computer when not in use. It will prevent it from overheating. If you never had overheating problem does not mean you do not have overheating problem now.
check the fan behind smps power supply.
Turn off power.open your computer's cover. Turn power on while the computer is opened. See if the fan above the processor is working. If any one of the fans is not working then you should replace it immediately.

Answer 7

It still sounds like a possible overheating prob. I would also suggest you update your antivirus software and run it. Also Adware personal is a free download to rid your puter from spyware which can be using alot of its resources..... you will be amazed of TAC (threat) ratings if ur on the net alot.. any help I hope see ya and GL

Answer 8

Its foolish to keep your computer turned on all the time. It requires some rest, too. By the way, Windows OS needs to rebooted frequently in order to work properly.

Answer 9

Check ur power plugs...
Are u facing any fluxuation problems?
Is ur stablizer (if connected) working properly?

It is also a possiblity that ur moniter might go to sleep...it happens when u leave ur system idle for few minutes...when u move ur mouse,it comes back to its origial state...But im sure u know about it.

Also check ur power supply of ur motherboard.

Answer 10

I've been having a similar problem with a Dell GX280 w/XP that goes into some kind of hibernation on it's own. Power light is ON but 'puter is blank...have to unplug it and plug it back in to restart!!
Now today it's working fine. Dunno, maybe power supply getting bad, or (gulp) motherboard.