I have an HP desktop computer with Windows XP and it seems to be shutting down randomly without any indication nor warning. It has a 2.5 Ghz processor and 512 MB RAM memory. Could this be due to an accumulation of dust within the case or what could be some problems? I dont download much of anything so I doubt its a virus or trojan.
Thanks!
2007-09-02 19:29:21 · 11 answers · asked by cali boy 78 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
generally heat is a good culprit to start with...is your system in a closed area, like a cubby in a desk? if so, try taking it out and exposing more of the case to open air to allow more effective heat dissipation and see if that changes anything...
if the system is not on a back-up power supply, you might consider that if the power at your residence is in the least unstable...because power loss is a high-risk for killing the power supply or damaging other key system components...
if you've added anything to the system since you got it, it could be a hardware conflict...but that's rather unlikely...
might also be dust in the case, which if it builds up around the ports, it can actually cause these random shutdowns...check to see if the memory is properly seated, and make sure you take a can of compressed air (make sure it is safe for electronic components) and dust the inside of the case and clear the dust out of the fans...
2007-09-02 19:42:39 · answer #1 · answered by Nick S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you read this news article?
=======================
Worm strikes down Windows 2000 systems
Microsoft in 'emergency response' as worm reported on three continents
Wednesday, August 17, 2005; Posted: 11:02 a.m. EDT (15:02 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A fast-moving computer worm Tuesday attacked computer systems using Microsoft operating systems, shutting down computers in the United States, Germany and Asia.
Among those hit were offices on Capitol Hill, which is in the midst of August recess, and media organizations, including CNN, ABC and The New York Times. Caterpillar Inc., in Peoria, Illinois, reportedly also had problems.
A small number of computers in an administrative office at San Francisco International Airport also crashed, but they were not essential to the airport's operation, spokesman Mike McCarron said.
The FBI said the computer problems did not appear to be part of any widespread attack.
While the worm affects primarily Windows 2000, it also can affect some early versions of Microsoft XP, said Johannes Ullrich, chief technology officer of the Sans Institute, a network security firm based in Jacksonville, Florida.
Symptoms include the repeated shutdown and rebooting of a computer.
Microsoft has a downloadable patch on its security homepage, Microsoft.com/security.
=====================
Get a techie friend to help you trouble shoot and fix the problem
2007-09-02 19:44:53 · answer #2 · answered by QuiteNewHere 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be due to an accumulation of dust within the case. Shut down your computer, plug out the supply cable, open the case, clean the dust with a dry tissue, you may keep the case opened.
It could be due to warming up (the HDD for example) - it is shutting down to prevent data loss. Solution for this is to keep the case open and/or put an additional fan in the case.
2007-09-02 19:40:29 · answer #3 · answered by izvanz3mno7o 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If it shuts down without any blue screen or other message, I would assume some sort of heat-related issue.
If you have a new motherboard with temperature monitors you can get to those from the BIOS or with programs you can run once you've booted Windows up. Run those to see if things are getting hot. If so, first vacuum out the case. If you're in a dirty environment with dust and dog hair, that can clog vents.
If that's not the case, then check things like the power supply. It could be old and shorting out.
2007-09-02 19:35:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
If you had this computer for a long time and never cleaned it, it may be the dust.
Try opening it and dusting it off.
The other scenario might be that your computers Power Supply isnt working like it used to be. Wich would cause less power to be supplyed to your pc and making it it turn off.
The solution to this would be to buy a new Power Supply.
New ones arent that expensive. And you dont need an expensive one for your pc.
:D
2007-09-02 19:43:14 · answer #5 · answered by Lobatoo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
two reasons - Hardware or Software
Hardware -
1- Processor overheating, check the fans , due to dust it might not be working.
2- Conflict in configration of hardwares. or hardware damaged
Software.
1- Windows is corrupt reinstall it.
2- divice driver is corrupt , reinstall all of them
if u r not full positive about the virus my advice is to u an uptodate antivirus, making sure that it is not due to virus.
2007-09-02 19:48:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
check your computer fan- most likely your computer is getting over heated.
the way to check it is to turn on the computer and see if the fan is working.
if it is working- make sure that there is enough room between the computer and the wall, and that there is no dust that will block the flow of air.
fan usually don't last more then 2 years...
a new fan cost about 10$
2007-09-02 19:40:04 · answer #7 · answered by Q'Aminator 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the main problem is dust and over-heating, but there is another posibility of motherboard malfunction. I also face the same problem.
First clean the motherboard, fans and processor head. If the problem still exist get your motherboard to a technician. Mainly a capacitor get burst because of electricity fluctuation or over-heating.
2007-09-02 20:46:23 · answer #8 · answered by Amit V 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ok here the problems Check if your system have any fans if there only 1 fan on your motherboard. you must need a another one and make sure clean your pc every onces a week. do a microsoft online safety scan it the best way to use it :) take care
2007-09-02 19:48:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey.. the same goes for my friend. I duno what it may be.. but it can be some sort of a virus.. so what I think you should do, is to download a program called "SOF" and you should use it 24/7 so then later.. you won't have the need to check your computer when it does shut down.
2007-09-02 19:35:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋