Computer Randomly turns off

[-0blivion-]

I have a bit of a problem - my computer is going through a phase of randomly turning off. Sometimes once a day, sometimes a dozen times a day. Sometimes in a game, sometimes when turning on, sometimes when on the web - completely random

I have recently had my hard drive replaced (due to a failure) and reinstalled windows and all that. I have also recently had to replace my power supply.

I have run a virus scan just in case.

Have any of you experienced such a problem and do you have any suggestions?

 

[Silverflame]

Does the computer fan become really loud every once in a while? If so, it's definitely an overheating problem. I know this because my sister is having that exact problem on her computer right now. The only way to temporarily fix is it is when you know the CPU usage is high (like virus scans, or games) you can put ice packs on the computer where it's the hottest to cool it down a bit, that will prevent the computer from shutting down. However, the ice packs will melt in about half an hour.

Your best bet is to take it to a repair center, as no matter what the problem is, the repair people could probably figure it out for you. Only problem is it's expensive, but there's no real other way around that.

 

[stormbind]

It you mean it's restarting, it could be overheating, or something may be causing a CPU fault. That can be caused by noise.

There may also be a failing (faulty) capacitor on the motherboard. This is relatively common, but it takes time to manifest itself so not something you would expect in new computers... it's also not expected in old computers because by then the parts are clearly not faulty.

#1 Rule out overheating by cleaning dust out of the heatsink & off the fan blades. Bare in mind that if you remove the cooler, you may also need to replace the heat transfer compound between CPU and cooler because getting air bubbles in it that thin layer of goo is counter-productive. (Check that opening the case doesn't invalidate the guarantee). Also check the vents on the PSU.

#2 Boot into safe mode and leave it running something while you sleep (making sure it won't suspend/hibernate). This is to rule out software drivers, which can cause the same problem you describe.

#3 On that note. Update the graphics card driver as this is the most common software that can cause an unexpected restart.

Personally, I think it's going to be software or overheating. But if those ideas don't bear fruit then...

#4 Take the RAM to a second hand computer store/repair centre for testing. Be careful not to touch any contacts (including hardwired chip-contacts).

 

[homeyg]

I've had the same problem with a 6 month old computer (no history of hard drive reformatting or anything like that). Something I would do kept triggering it to shut off; I would try to watch a video of a flight on FS 2004 then it would shut off, every time. I first suspected it to be a virus but Norton didn't detect anything. Haven't had the problem for awhile, though. Didn't know what caused it either.

 

[samildanach]

The new power supply might be too low for the stuff you've got in your box. Or check that the connections from your power supply to your hardware aren't loose.

 

[Comraddict]

what kind of power supply you have now? brand name means more than its ratting.

 

[stormbind]

I've had the same problem with a 6 month old computer (no history of hard drive reformatting or anything like that). Something I would do kept triggering it to shut off; I would try to watch a video of a flight on FS 2004 then it would shut off, every time. I first suspected it to be a virus but Norton didn't detect anything. Haven't had the problem for awhile, though. Didn't know what caused it either.

Sounds more like a dodgy driver (sound or video).

 

[-0blivion-]

Thanks for the advice all.
I ran it in Safe mode overnight like you said Stormbind, and there were no problems.

I have concluded it is probably overheating - i am noticing a higher fan noise just before it turns off.

 

[bobgote]

Sounds more like a dodgy driver (sound or video).

could still be overheating though. if the video requires lots of processing for example.

 

[Zeekater]

I had this too, and the problem was fixed when I opened the box, and kept it open.
That's not a real good solution though, does anybody have a better idea to avoid overheating?

 

[bobgote]

if it's CPU overheating (you'd probably hear the fan about to take off), it's because the fan is not attached properly. if you don't know how it's done, you might want to get someone who knows what they're doing to take care of it for you.

if it's motherboard overheating, you'll probably just need a bigger case fan