Switching off prob...?

Question

Hi all ...
I'm having Toshiba P3 1 ghz 256mb ram laptop. While browsing internet suddenly the laptop switches off automatically...

I thought of formatting it & installing xp pro freshly. But in the stage of Partioning the drive, the sys switches off automatically.. & i have to once again follow all the procedures for installing OS....& the same prob once again occurs......
So i'm not able to instal a fresh OS..

But i'm able to format & instal using the recovery CD they gave.. There is no prob with that.....

So my sys switches off only during internet & installing other OS..

Someone told me that the RAM is spoiled & i have to replace the RAM...Is that true??? I think if the RAM is damaged the sys wont boot..(correct me if i' m wrong)...

Do i have to replace the RAM?

What could be the probable reason for this prob?

Expecting your clear answers.....

Answer 1

Your laptop is probably overheating. They are difficult to clean the dust out, you may need to take it to a repair shop.

It will help if you run the laptop on a table, as opposed to your lap, or worse yet, on a fluffy rug or on a bed. There are also cooling pads you can buy to put them on, but you are probably best off getting it looked at.

Answer 2

Check your power connection too. Turn it on and then wiggle the power cord and see if that causes it to turn off.

I agree that a heat problem could cause it too. Try buying a can of DustOff or other compressed air and blowing it into the fan area and into other places that have vents. It's much better to do this after you have removed the case, but sometimes just blowing it in the fan or vent can be enough to help, or at least tell you if that is the problem.

I wouldn't think it's the RAM, because, like you said, that would probably keep the computer from starting.

If it also happens when you are playing a game (that doesn't use the internet) or watching a movie or anything else that runs your computer hard, then it's probably a heat problem.

Also, check your hard disk for problems. do a thorough scan to see if there are areas of the disk that are causing a shutdown, though I think this is unlikely.