Computer shuts down

tammy66

I am running windows 7 with internet explorer 10 with all current updates
My problem is that my computer occasionally shuts down of its own accord its as though I have switched off the power there is no pattern to this and can happen any time from near start up to after a few hours ,I have checked all the connections and they are all secure ,anyone any ideas
thanks

bluesnake

often 2 causes are (1) screen saver, power saving and computer not being in use so goes into power saving mode or, (2) nvidia graphics chip overheating.

Not an Acer is it?

tammy66

In often shuts down when I am using it
it is not an acer
how do I know if its overheating?
Thanks

bluesnake

Normally overheating issues happen around after the sameish lapse of minutes.

here is the temp measurement software just sit back and check it every so often http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html

You should find the PC get warm, and fans spin extra hard and the air vent should be blowing warm air. if there is no air, the vent could be blocked, fans duff. It could be a separate issue entirely.

Also looking in event viewer could be helpful, and so could booting off a linux cd and seeing if it still happens, but linux may operate the hardware a bit different, so is far from a perfect test

google the make and mode and that may say that it is a common issue.

PudseyDB

I've got a toshiba with the same problem - seems to be when it gets too hot. Using the laptop while charging seems to set it off.

bluesnake

PudseyDB, you have checked the air outlet? Is it an NVIDIA one? - just nosey

johnmc

Tammy66;
With the machine off, open the case and clear any dust in there. Pay particular attention to cooling fins.

A bamboo skewer and a small soft paint brush are usefull.

With the case open try running it. Does it still crash?

Any sounds (whistles ?) or "hot" smells?

I have had a PC that did this with a faulty power supply.

PudseyDB ---- best to raise a seperate thread.

JohnPeri

Are there any windows messages displayed before it happens?
If yes then probably drivers conflict. (It happens when faulty drivers updates are downloaded)
If no then more info is also required. If it happens instantly it might be something related to power. Also overheating of some components as mentioned above might be the cause, sometimes just a little dusting inside helps.

Billie-jo

This is happening to mine at the moment but mine is the battery. Just before it happens is flashes up 'consider replacing your battery' could yours be same problem?