Sometimes, my computer shuts down on its own, while I am on line...why?

Question

While I am working on line, sometimes my computer would suddenly shut down on its own. If this happens, I would have to restart it & redo things over again (what I was working on...writing e-mails, etc).

Why is my computer doing it?

I didn't have this until about 3- 5 months ago.

Answer 1

There could be many reasons why your computer is shutting down by itself.

It could be one or more of the following reasons...

1.Over heating
2.Wrong or Corrupted Driver
3.Spyware, Malware, Trojans, Virus

If you get any error before it shuts down, please post a new question with the error.

Answer 2

When or have you ever cleaned your box. If you don't give it a cleaning at least once or twice a month, your system will start a collection of dust and lint on all the components, that will start you on your way for over heating conditions. Buy a can of pressurized air. Turn off your computer and disconnect the AC power cord, other cords that are connected as well. Remove the cover and start cleaning it, around the fins to the processor and fan,plus cards installed on the motherboard, blow out the power supply. Try to do it out doors, cause you not gonna believe how much stuff will be coming out. Use the can in an upright position, to avoid liquid from coming out of the can. Then reinstall the coverand cords and power it back up.

Answer 3

I would check your CPU, and ambient case temperatures. There are many free software options you can install to display your motherboards temp sensor information.

The second most likely problem is your power supply. If you bought a prefab computer from any discount type manufacturers, then added any power consuming devices (Hdd, DVD ROM, USB powered devices, Video Card Etc) you have probably reached the capacity of your power supply. This can cause random shutdowns, when say two hdd's start spinning up at the same time as your dvd or case fans etc, as many alternate these processes at boot.

Check your temp, Check your power supply rating, then check your software.

Spyware, viruses etc, could be the problem but its totally against the point of writing a virus, if it is going to be so easily identifiable and detected by such a symptom. What is more likely is that you may have an over abundance of spyware etc, or viruses that are simply using so many processes if causes one of the hardware issues above.

Answer 4

Sounds like you have a virus. Get an update virus scan like symantec or norton antivirus and updated.. and scan it..
You might have to scan this in a safe mode because this kind of virus disable the antivirus software.

There is an online antivirus program (goto google and search for it) that automatically detects it for you.

Answer 5

Hi. Usually this is a sign of overheating. Have you opened up the box and checked for dust/dirt in the computer? Easy to do. look also for failed fans.