power saving mode

WaxiesDargle

Hi

my computer turns itself off after only about an hour and a notice comes up saying 'analogue power saving mode'

I have gone into 'power options' and its showing power schemes - always on... and turn off monitor - never

can anyone help?

Thanks

fwor

WaxiesDargle wrote: »

my computer turns itself off after only about an hour

I must admit I mis-read this last time you posed this question last month. I hadn't noticed that the computer itself shuts down - I assumed you just meant that the monitor turned off and the PC kept running.

If System Standby is set to "never" in the power options and the PC turns off with no warning, then it's possible that the CPU is overheating. Have you opened it up to see if the heatsink/fan assembly is clogged with dust? You can also often tell what the CPU temperature is from within the BIOS setup utility, as many have a "PC Health" page which shows that.

CHR15

What version of Windows are you running?

for Win7.... (there are similar options in various guises for different versions of windows.)

WaxiesDargle

Hi fwor

thanks again...its got worse now...before it was just when I played videos like i player...it does it now at anytime...and yes the computer itself shuts down.

I bought an airspray and cleaned it out last month

CHR15

Ahhh, I see. I didn't realise it did it whilst you were using it.. (ignore my screenshot above)

I agree with fwor, sounds like it is overheating.

Take the side off and check all the fans are running, 2 minute job.

littlepanther

I agree on the overheating. If it is the dust you can get little vacuum cleaners from Maplin to suck the dust out. Be careful when doing it. If you are unsure get an expert.

Ironically it is people who seem to keep their places clean that have the most dust in their computers. The cleaning disturbs the dust that gets sucked in. I've seen some filthy offices and not much dust in them.

WaxiesDargle

Thanks all

I used an airblower thingy from PC world last time...I'll try that again

fwor

Before you do that, it would be worth checking to see what temperature the CPU is actually running at. There are numerous utilities that you can download for this, but one of the best IMO is CPUID's PC Wizard.

It will show you the temperature of the CPU (often shown as "Thermal zone") and will also display the temperatures recorded by any other on-board sensors (e.g. my laptop shows hard disk temp as well).

If the CPU is running at less than 50 degrees while playing a video then the problem may be elsewhere (overheating graphics device, perhaps?).

WaxiesDargle

fwor

I downloaded PC Wizard and there was only one choice and that was 'save' so I did that...but don't know where it is!...

however something very strange happened...my computer has not shut down since!!...

thanks fwor! :T