My computer will just shut down while I'm working on it. When it shuts down, I have to hold my power button for like 30 seconds to get it to come back on. And it does it constantly.
2007-10-30 04:30:28 · 6 answers · asked by kacey_murray 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
The computer completely shuts down. I have to hold the power button for like 30 seconds to get it to come back on. I don't understand the speed fan. Also, I do not know how to replace anything on this thing. I'm just smart at all of the things when the computer is up and running. I have no warranty left on the computer and can't afford to take it to Best Buy to have it fixed. Any other suggestions on how I can figure out which one of your answers is correct?
2007-10-30 13:16:35 · update #1
Its either the green bug or the red bug!
2007-10-30 04:47:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
This sounds a lot like an over heating problem. The 30 seconds is just coincidence, in that the CPU will cool off enough in that time to restart.
Open the side of the computer case, with the power off.
See if the case is full of dust and lint. This can reduce air flow and cause over heating. Look particularly at the power supply vents, and the fins on the CPU which will be the unit with the fan on top mounted on the main board.
If it is full of dust, then you will need three things: a brush with long SOFT bristles, a vacuum with a hose attachment, and a can of dusting air (from a local electronics store) . With the power off and the cord unplugged, gently dust the components with the brush, do not use any force, you are just knocking the dust loose. Then use the vacuum to such up the dust and lint. Be sure you do not touch any of the parts with the hose it it is metal. Then finish the job with the dusting air. Be aware that the duster can will blow a lot of dust back up at you, and concentrate on getting all the dust out of the fins on the CPU heat sink and the power supply. Also clean the fins on the video card heat sink, and/or fan if you have these is your machine.
Now plug the computer back in and start up. Make sure the fans on both the power supply and the CPU are turning. IF there is a fan on the video card, make sure it is spinning as well. If any of these are not turning when the machine is on, that is bad, and you will need to buy a replacement. (Make sure the power cable to them is not just loose first.)
The fan on the CPU is rather cheap to buy. Just make sure you get one that is rated for your processor chip.
The fan in the power supply can not be changed without a lot of knowledge of wiring. You will have to change out the entire power supply. This will run $25 to $100 dollars, depending on the type and size you have in your computer. Make sure the new one is as large (electrically) as the original or better. You can put in a 450W supply for a 300W, but not the other way around.
IF the fan on the video card is not turning, you may be able to find a replacement, but not likely. You will usually have to replace the card and fan as a unit.
good luck.
2007-11-03 02:12:02 · answer #2 · answered by Mcgoo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shut down as in completely power down (all fans stop) or screen goes blank? Reason I ask is that you mention you hold the power button for 30 seconds.
Usually that is done to turn off a PC that has stop responding completely. Holding down the power button will cut off the power after awhile.
Anyway, if screen goes blank, it's your display problem. Could be driver (software problem) or hardware, your video card is failing. Software problem is possible if you installed a new driver, or DirectX version. Else, its most probably your hardware, graphic card failing.
If it completely shuts down, power supply is the most likely cause. Obviously, when a power supply fails to function, it cannot supply power to your PC and it shut itself down.
CPU overheating may also be a problem, as most CPU now automatically shut itself down if it overheats beyond a limit. Many software out there such as SpeedFan can monitor your CPU temperature.
2007-10-30 05:57:13 · answer #3 · answered by Hornet One 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Open your PC case and turn it on...watch the fan on the middle (cpu fan) if it stops then you need to replace it (its cheap)
otherwise its a software problem
becareful runnig the pc without a fan could damage the cpu
2007-10-30 04:33:38 · answer #4 · answered by Hanna 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to replace the power supply.
2007-10-30 04:33:56 · answer #5 · answered by huckleberryjoe 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you may have a virus or a spyware on your pc, download a good software as spyware doctor and for the viruses kasper antivirus, and will fix the poblem inshallah
2007-10-30 04:36:32 · answer #6 · answered by Leen 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋