Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: roccenstein on March 10, 2010, 07:47:31 PM

Title: What are some reasons a computer would shut off by itself?
Post by: roccenstein on March 10, 2010, 07:47:31 PM
I was online a few minutes ago and my PC (specs to the left under my user ID) just shut off.  I waited a bit and turned it back on, only for it to shut off again at the Windows screen.  I waited again and restarted and for the moment it appears to be stable.  I'm hoping it's something simple like the PS needing to be replaced, but are there other things I could check, test, etc, that may have caused it?  Is there any way to check to confirm the PS is bad (or going bad)?  Also, no viruses to my knowledge.  I run AVG Free 9.0 and do periodic scans with Spybot and Malwarebytes.
Title: Re: What are some reasons a computer would shut off by itself?
Post by: Geek-9pm on March 10, 2010, 08:12:05 PM
Some common reasons.


Instant power failure is when the line voltage drops suddenly and comes back instantly. In daylight you don't notice it.

Recursive process is a program that anticlimactically
keeps starting...
        keeps starting...
                  keeps starting...         
                                keeps starting...
                                         keeps starting...
                                                  keeps starting...
Link the movie 2012 Super Nova
You keep wondering if it would ever end.
Title: Re: What are some reasons a computer would shut off by itself?
Post by: JJ 3000 on March 10, 2010, 08:34:25 PM
Quote
What are some reasons a computer would shut off by itself?

Heat. That's usually the culprit.
When was the last time you cleaned the dust out of your computer?

Download Speedfan and post back with your temps.
Title: Re: What are some reasons a computer would shut off by itself?
Post by: roccenstein on March 10, 2010, 09:34:29 PM
Yeah, it is pretty dusty...

My temps with Speedfan are as follows:

Temp 1:  77F (25C)
Temp 2:  23F (-6C)
Temp 3:  118F (48C)
HD0:  97F (36C)
Core:  127F (54C)
Core:  151F (66C)
Ambient:  32F (0C)

Looks like I need to break out the vacuum, lol... ;D
Title: Re: What are some reasons a computer would shut off by itself?
Post by: patio on March 11, 2010, 03:37:07 PM
Do NOT use a vacuum ! !
Title: Re: What are some reasons a computer would shut off by itself?
Post by: Geek-9pm on March 11, 2010, 06:10:19 PM
Quote from: patio on March 11, 2010, 03:37:07 PM
Do NOT use a vacuum ! !
Why? What happens?
Title: Re: What are some reasons a computer would shut off by itself?
Post by: t_blake07 on March 11, 2010, 06:34:20 PM
Quote from: Geek-9pm on March 11, 2010, 06:10:19 PM
Why? What happens?

"Users can use a vacuum to suck up dirt, dust, or hair around their computer on the outside case and on their keyboards. However, do not use a vacuum for the inside of your computer as it generates a lot of static electricity that can damage the internal components of your computer. If you need to use a vacuum to clean the inside of your computer, use a portable battery powered vacuum designed to do this job."

Compressed air is much safer and usually better at knocking all the dust loose out of the small areas a vacuum can't reach. Just watch your eyes so dust doesn't get to them.