My pc keeps shutting down.

BillK

My pc keeps shutting down after approx 12 mins and then restarts. This happens while on the Internet and in other programmes. I'm running XP and have loaded no other programmes (except a Microsoft mouse driver a week prior to this problem).
Please help.

Cheers.

coolagarry

I had a problem with overheating which gave ths same symptoms. Try running it with the side off and see if that makes any difference?

alanrowell

I'd also check for scumware & viruses

Debt_Free_Chick

My pc keeps shutting down after approx 12 mins and then restarts. This happens while on the Internet and in other programmes. I'm running XP and have loaded no other programmes (except a Microsoft mouse driver a week prior to this problem).
Please help.

Cheers.

Could be Blaster worm. Run a virus scan - though if you have up to date anti-virus it should have spotted it.

Just in case, try an online virus scan and then here for removal instructions

http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.blaster.worm.html

alanrowell

Just to add it before you go hunting for scumware & the like, start your PC up in Safe mode and ensure that System Restore is turned off. If you don't you might get rid of the problem only for it to return the next time you reboot.

LincsLad_3

I think you are best to do the scan BEFORE turning off System Restore. Turning it off removes ALL previous restore points, one of which you may want to go back to !!

Check for the Blaster Worm first, THEN delete all your old restore points if you have to, but don't throw 'em away needlessly !

From memory though, Blaster didn't allow the PC to run for as long as 15 minutes, so it may not be as simple as that. :-/

Toxteth_OGrady

Almost invariably the big three

HEAT - POWER - MEMORY

Check your CPU temp reading in the bios and post back, including your system specs). If you don't know what I'm talking about please ask.

Post the +3.3V, +5V and +12V rating of your PSU. You'll have to open the case and it will be printed on the side.

You may have faulty RAM. Download Memtest here. . Extract and run the install batch file to transfer to a formatted floppy. Boot from the floppy to check for errors.

It may not be any of these (but I would be surprised), but at least it will help with the diagnostics if you can post your findings.

8)

TOG

NOWSE

Unfortunately my daughter's laptop does the same thing, but it runs off Windows 98. In addition it is really slow. There's plenty of room on the hard-drive. Does anyone have a fix?

BillK

Tog,
Checked CPU temp and it is 29 degrees Cent. System spec is. 1000mhz, 256 ram, 40gb (are these the specs you mean?). Haven't taken cover off yet to check other bits yet.
Have noticed though, that the pc does not switch off when standig idle or when using Autocad. Also the time before switching off is slightly longer tonight, approx 20 mins. Unfortunately not enough time to run my Norton anti virus. Tried the 'boot' thingy, but proved beyond me.
What next?
Cheers,

Bill. Thanks for all replies so far!!!

Toxteth_OGrady

@BillK,

Temp is Ok.

The fact it runs at idle but not under load is symptomatic of either too weak or failing psu or faulty memory.

Which bit of the Memtest did you get stuck with? It's pretty straightforward. I can talk you through it.

Download it. Unzip it. Put a formatted floppy in. Open install.bat and select a: You now have a Memtest boot diskette. Powe off your PC and restart and select boot from floppy in the boot menu. The test will then run automatically without you doing anything and indicate either PASS or FAIL.

8)

TOG

Toxteth_OGrady

If you're worried it my be a virus you could always try booting from your Norton Emergency diskette (or whatever it's called) and try run NAV in DOS.

8)

TOG