Laptop just switching off - bbc-iplayer?

RumRat

Yep, it might be a step too far to system restore in your case. If it does shut down mid restore it will cause you more problems.
Hardware possibilities, could be a dodgy PSU, It might be your gpu causing it.
That said, a clean boot won't do it any harm.

Dollardog

I did manage one system restore to before I had the problems. Was on tenterhooks though in case it crashed, don't think my nerves could stand another one!! lol

What's my gpu?

RumRat

GPU = your graphics card, if you have one. You may be using integrated graphics from the processor.

fifeken

I've got current overheating problems due to a dodgy fan on my laptop.

I realise you seem to have ruled it out, but what I've been doing to stay up is I have changed the processor cooling option from active (uses fan) to passive (slows down processor).

You may want to try it just to reinforce your thinking it's not temperature related.

Dollardog

I know this is a silly question for those of you who know, but as the concensus of opinion seems to be pointing to the PSU, can you tell me if there is a PSU inside the laptop or is it the box that is on the power cable? If its just that box on the power cable, that would be easy to get a new one.
If it makes any difference, to the diagnosis, or solution, I don't run the laptop on the battery - lost it, only run it off the mains.

RumRat

It's the box on the power cable for a laptop, it's not like a desktop that has one built into it. There are other components in there to sort out the power distribution.
You could, perhaps, borrow one to test the theory. Once that's eliminated it could be a motherboard fault.
I would check the fan and clean it anyway, A shutdown due to overheating could happen in an instant and not actually make the casing hot. It's how hot the processor gets.
These problems are usually just elimination processes.
Have you looked at the Event logs?

Dollardog

I don't know anyone with the same laptop to borrow a cable.
Don't know where the event logs are to look at them, so the answer to that is no.

debitcardmayhem

Dollardog wrote: »

I don't know anyone with the same laptop to borrow a cable.
Don't know where the event logs are to look at them, so the answer to that is no.

look in control panel....administrative tools...event viewer...windows logs....system

Dollardog

Well I looked, but don't know what I am supposed to be looking for. Nothing seemed to look unusual or marked as errors.

Dollardog

Just thought I would update as it might help someone else with the same problem.
I bought a battery for the laptop, but there was not enough power going through the PSU to run it and charge the battery, it kept telling me it needed to be plugged in, even when it was.
A new PSU has therefore solved the problem.
Thank you for all your help.