Computer Problem: Irrational machine is powering off at will.

[Cathleen]

That's the kicker, right there. It's definitely a cooling problem. Get yourself a can of compressed air from a local hardware store, and blow it into the cooling fan intake on the bottom, if you've got one, which it sounds like you do. Point in the direction of the exhaust, and a lot of crap will blow out.
If you don't have the intake on the bottom, you should be able to take the keyboard off the top (usually held on by a few screws, either top or bottom, depending on the laptop) and the fan will be visible then. You might have to take off a couple of bits of plastic trim, if the keyboard is held on from the top. Usually they like to cover up screwheads, so it doesn't look too industrial.

I had a few cans of compressed air and keep forgetting to get more. It's amazing (and icky) what gets into keyboards! I will get more and clean things out as you've instructed.

Just by moving the computer there isn't warm air coming out right now! Thank you very much, Christine. Your post about service places is great. I wish JW hadn't had such bad luck. But learning from others is very helpful.

 

[SweetErika]

Cate, Hubby's asking if you're positive you're virus-free, as there are quite a few that do what you're describing. Have you run several different virus scans lately?

Vacuuming or spraying it out with compressed air is a good, cheap thing to try, and you should get in the habit of doing so on a regular basis.

Make sure you turn it off and use the cleaning utilities frequently too.

We agree with EJ about not using the system restore just yet, though you certainly should back up all of your data now. There's a new study out that says a disproportionate number of tech support seekers receive advice to use the system restore/wipe the hard drive when it's not actually necessary, making people both waste several hours and lose all their data for no good reason. It's certainly the right way to go sometimes, but is a bit like amputating an arm: sure there are times when it's necessary, but for a broken wrist or sprained elbow, it's overkill and will likely do more harm than good.

Good luck, Friend!

 

[jacintexas]

I knew I was right twenty-five+ years ago when I said ''I'll never use a computer'' but I often do wrong things. So the problem - this dang machine powers off at will.

I have a HP Laptop, it's been a great little thing for about three or four years. In the last few months it will just shut off for no apparent reason (hence why I call it irrational, 'cuz I know I'm never irrational ).

It is beginning to drive me crazier then hot flashes and mood swings and I know none of you want me to get even nuttier. Any suggestions - of the rational kind? (Bear in mind I'm menopausal so don't make me mess with you!)

Please help!

I see one glich here - what if I can't get it to stay on to read your helpful posts? BG, you are on call duty ok?

Random shut downs usually means teh processor (CPU) is geting to hot. You probably have a cooling fan that's quit working properly and the processor shuts the computer down to save itself. It'll only get worse until you eventually fry the CPU.

 

[Cathleen]

Cate, Hubby's asking if you're positive you're virus-free, as there are quite a few that do what you're describing. Have you run several different virus scans lately?

Vacuuming or spraying it out with compressed air is a good, cheap thing to try, and you should get in the habit of doing so on a regular basis.

Make sure you turn it off and use the cleaning utilities frequently too.

We agree with EJ about not using the system restore just yet, though you certainly should back up all of your data now. There's a new study out that says a disproportionate number of tech support seekers receive advice to use the system restore/wipe the hard drive when it's not actually necessary, making people both waste several hours and lose all their data for no good reason. It's certainly the right way to go sometimes, but is a bit like amputating an arm: sure there are times when it's necessary, but for a broken wrist or sprained elbow, it's overkill and will likely do more harm than good.

Good luck, Friend!

Thanks Erika, and hubby. Let him know I have up to date definitions and virus tools. I have had a bengine virus for almost 3 years and it's never popped out of quarentine or interferred with anything! I have to run a few cleaning things now since it seems I have had a good run of up time here.

Thank you Erika and say hello to hubby for me too...

 

[Cathleen]

Random shut downs usually means teh processor (CPU) is geting to hot. You probably have a cooling fan that's quit working properly and the processor shuts the computer down to save itself. It'll only get worse until you eventually fry the CPU.

I am now sufficiently scared of losing this thing so I'm on my way to get the air and work on cleaning this out. I hope to save the cooling system.

Thanks again - to you all, what great help you've all been.

 

[FirstKnight41]

If you are using windows xp and have alot of graphic files showing as thumb nails it can overwhelm your graphics driver. Your computer is alittle old now so you may need more ram also

 

[jacintexas]

I am now sufficiently scared of losing this thing so I'm on my way to get the air and work on cleaning this out. I hope to save the cooling system.

Thanks again - to you all, what great help you've all been.

You might have to take it to a shop and let them open it and check teh fan and replace it if needed.. and give it a good cleaning also

 

[Cathleen]

If you are using windows xp and have alot of graphic files showing as thumb nails it can overwhelm your graphics driver. Your computer is alittle old now so you may need more ram also

I use very little graphics, almost all text.

You might have to take it to a shop and let them open it and check teh fan and replace it if needed.. and give it a good cleaning also

I think I will be doing that come Monday no matter what. I will also have them look at more RAM as FirstKnight mentioned.

I have been very fortunate with this and it meets my needs so well so I want to keep it working well.

Off to buy air in a can!

 

[juicywet21]

My apologies for passing on wrong information. Hopefully now we all know not to stick with the big companies.... Thanks again for the people who posted and corrected the things I was told. Again, sorry.
j.w.

 

[Bert Notorius]

I think it's a great place to look for help. All kinds of people, all kinds of help.

I guess that came out wrong now that I read it.

 

[Cathleen]

My apologies for passing on wrong information. Hopefully now we all know not to stick with the big companies.... Thanks again for the people who posted and corrected the things I was told. Again, sorry.
j.w.

Nothing to be sorry about JW, I'm sorry you had troubles and it sounds like the help wasn't helpful. You actually did help by sharing your experience, if you hadn't the CD1 wouldn't have given his information. Neat how it all works - we can all help each other.

I appreciate you sharing very much.

 

[Cathleen]

I guess that came out wrong now that I read it.

I got it. There are people that think we're nuts to come to a 'porn' board for help. Let them think that, we all know better.

Now I am off for canned air. Thanks all.

 

[Mary Hall]

The infamous blue screen of death usually causes the comp to restart on it`s own.

 

[Dazz Hetfield]

I had that last year then the blue screen, many virus checks and even professionals running checks and tests found no virus at all and after switching broadband companies it hasn't done it since but I'd take on any advice here and if all else fails take it to a store and have someone look at it for you.

 

[Quoll]

I'll jump on the overheating bandwagon too as a first guess.
Cate I do house calls and I accept barter, two massages and hay for the cows in the last few weeks although I'm guessing a plane ticket would not exactly be a fair trade.

I agree with CD1 about the lost info, any tech that says you will lose all your info, needs to be treated with a certain amount of scepticism, I fixed one last week where they were told just that, I replaced one file and all was fine, it's a cheap easy out for some techs I guess.

Hope you get it sorted out.

 

[jacintexas]

I'll jump on the overheating bandwagon too as a first guess.
Cate I do house calls and I accept barter, two massages and hay for the cows in the last few weeks although I'm guessing a plane ticket would not exactly be a fair trade.

I agree with CD1 about the lost info, any tech that says you will lose all your info, needs to be treated with a certain amount of scepticism, I fixed one last week where they were told just that, I replaced one file and all was fine, it's a cheap easy out for some techs I guess.

Hope you get it sorted out.

the SOP for tech is if I can't figure it out reformat and reinstall windows.. that's rarely required unless the system is totally screwed up. and with Xp you can do a repair install like you could with 98 and all your data and programs remain in place. a google search for repair install of XP will give you plenty of info how to do it. It's not hard.

 

[Cathleen]

I'll jump on the overheating bandwagon too as a first guess.
Cate I do house calls and I accept barter, two massages and hay for the cows in the last few weeks although I'm guessing a plane ticket would not exactly be a fair trade.

I agree with CD1 about the lost info, any tech that says you will lose all your info, needs to be treated with a certain amount of scepticism, I fixed one last week where they were told just that, I replaced one file and all was fine, it's a cheap easy out for some techs I guess.

Hope you get it sorted out.

OK Quoll, I can do the massages but the cows are on their own, well unless they can give me chocolate milk.

The overheating seems to have been the key. I moved it so that the vent was free and I haven't had a problem since. In fact it's moving faster it seems. I did get the air and did a little cleaning. I'll look at it more tomorrow.

I do think it's time for a gazillion post tune up though.

 

[Cathleen]

the SOP for tech is if I can't figure it out reformat and reinstall windows.. that's rarely required unless the system is totally screwed up. and with Xp you can do a repair install like you could with 98 and all your data and programs remain in place. a google search for repair install of XP will give you plenty of info how to do it. It's not hard.

Thanks for that info too Jac. You've added a lot of info to my brain, thanks.

I'm so glad I decided to ask about this, all this help and information is great. This place is just amazing.

 

[jacintexas]

Thanks for that info too Jac. You've added a lot of info to my brain, thanks.

I'm so glad I decided to ask about this, all this help and information is great. This place is just amazing.

You are very welcome.. any questions just ask..

 

[Quoll]

OK Quoll, I can do the massages but the cows are on their own, well unless they can give me chocolate milk.

The overheating seems to have been the key. I moved it so that the vent was free and I haven't had a problem since. In fact it's moving faster it seems. I did get the air and did a little cleaning. I'll look at it more tomorrow.

I do think it's time for a gazillion post tune up though.

I could start feeding them cocoa beans I suppose.
Glad it seems to be working ok, I did find this thread relating to HP laptops, it's a long arse thread spread over a few years and covering different models but they all seem to have one thing in common, seemingly random power offs. It makes for some intersting if not slightly scary reading.
HP thread

 

[Cathleen]

I could start feeding them cocoa beans I suppose.
Glad it seems to be working ok, I did find this thread relating to HP laptops, it's a long arse thread spread over a few years and covering different models but they all seem to have one thing in common, seemingly random power offs. It makes for some intersting if not slightly scary reading.
HP thread

Thank you Q, that is so nice of you to do. I will look and read.

 

[Cathleen]

You are very welcome.. any questions just ask..

Believe me Jac, I've got questions. I just have to ration them or some friends here would vote me off our Lit. Island.

 

[jacintexas]

Believe me Jac, I've got questions. I just have to ration them or some friends here would vote me off our Lit. Island.

feel free to PM me anytime.. but I leave for a week long conference tomorow and I don;t know if I'll have Internet access so I'll answer as soon as I can.

 

[Cathleen]

feel free to PM me anytime.. but I leave for a week long conference tomorow and I don;t know if I'll have Internet access so I'll answer as soon as I can.

Opps, I meant more like questions on life, the meaning of it all, different philosophies... I'm a chronic ponderer. I'm basically harmless unless you have ears.

Good luck with the conference and safe travels to you.

 

[BlueATHeart]

No actually - when it's working it's great (use DSL) with no slowdowns. I keep wondering about the battery. I rarely (very rarely) use it on battery, it's on AC 99.9% of the time but I still wonder if the battery is used up (since I can't unattach it).

Thanks and welcome to Lit. juicywet.

You mentioned above that you leave the laptop (and thus the battery) plugged in almost all the time.

Most likely the battery has been destroyed by now. The fact is that batteries(sp?) don't like heat, they're destroyed by it. When you plug in your Laptop you charge the internal battery, ONCE the battery is charged however the current that charges your battery has nowhere to go and creates heat, which...destroys your battery (well not physically destroys it, but makes it such that it won't hold a charge).

Well making the assumption that the issue is NOT heat related the other thing that could cause an intermitent shut down problem would be a dead battery in conjunction with an ac adapter that has a fault. So heres what I would try (I'm not saying that this IS the problem, I'd have to look at your computer, but it is another possibility to investigate):

With your laptop on, slowly and GENTLY bend and move the join points on your ac adapter as indicated by the arrows in the picture. If nothing happens after about a minute of this, that's not the problem. If your computer shuts down however then reboot and repeat, if you can shut down your computer twice in a row by playing with the adapter cord then you need to purchase a new adapter and it should solve your problem.

hope that helps!
-Blue

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/9405/acadapter18om.jpg
(Image shamelessy nabbed from google images and edited for demonstration purposes only)