Why does my laptop shut down randomly?

Question

I have a 2005 Gateway laptop that keeps shutting down whenever it feels like it. It had other problems (not pertaining to this), so I took it into Best Buy to get fixed. They started my computer from complete scratch when I got it back, so I don't get why it's doing this. Anyone can help?

I'm not the greatest with computers so if you have an idea, please be specific. Appreciate it.

Answer 1

...And make sure the fan inside works. if you have pets, there's a possibility that hair and dust can build up inside, which I would have a professional clean out if you don't know much about computers.

Answer 2

Computer shuts down – reboots at random – won’t start for several minutes …Computer Running Hot – check Fans

Does your computer repeatedly reboot at random, or randomly shut down and won't start again for several minutes? There might be several reasons why this occurs, but overheating should be your prime suspect.

If you suspect your computer is overheating, the first components to check are the fans. While nearly all systems have a fan on the power supply, many modern systems have a fan on the front of the case to push addition cooling air over the CPU, a fan on the back to push hot air out of the system, and side or top fans to move additional air in and out of the chassis. In addition, many systems have a fan mounted directly on the CPU and either directly on the high-end video card or on the side of the case over the AGP slot where the graphics card is located.

Whether your system has one fan, two or more, check and make sure they are all running. If a fan is turning slowly or not at all, you might be able to salvage it by carefully cleaning the hub or bearings. However the best plan is to replace the fan as soon as possible. If it is the fan on the CPU, turn off your system immediately and replace this fan or bring your system in to an authorized repair depot to replace the fan. (Caution: replacing a fan on a CPU can be tricky. You don't want to damage your processor. If you have any concerns, make sure to have a professional replace of this fan.)

More info at link.

Answer 3

Research on HEAT SINK and have it cleaned out on your laptop, most likely your heat sink has a quarter inch thick of dust on it, it stops air from flowing through. This layer of dust results in your laptop processors working overtime, killing off excess battery life. Just have it cleaned, and then you'll see the difference.

Your laptop turns off due to the heat, the laptop must protect itself from buring, so it just switches off, much like when there is lack of oxygen in our brains, we switch off (faint). Some tips, keep your laptop on flat surfaces, if you must, have the laptop put on a corner, so as the fan is NOT being covered by anything, the laptop is supported, but the fan is exposed to maximum air flow.

I had the same problem, I cleaned out my laptop's heat sink, then placed it on a table with the fan was exposed, it NEVER shut down on me EVER again.

Answer 4

Hm. My computer does that too! Mine's approximately 3 years previous, i think of. i assume that's via fact my laptop's low on memory. have you ever put in various new courses/added music + photographs via fact that Christmas? that must be the issue. you need to purchase extra memory to your laptop if that's the issue. yet once you bought your computer new, you need to in all likelihood have some form of guarantee from Gateway.. So actually call them and tell all of them of this. stable success.

Answer 5

Perhaps you need to edit your power saving settings. It may be shutting down the computer after 20 mins of idle time.

Answer 6

The most common reason is overheating. Make sure its on a flat surface with no obstructions around.

Answer 7

sometimes its cuz it over heats, or freezes up and needs a fresh start