Hi there,
Running Windows XP SP2 on a 1.3 gHz cpu with 512 MB of RAM. Recently, my computer started shutting down randomly. I can be right in the middle of working, and it will just go down. It doesn't go through the shut down process, it just simply turns off, as if someone pulled the plug out of the wall.
I seem to remember some years ago when something similar happened, it would randomly reboot. I finally did a fresh install and it hasen't happened since. In that instance, at least, it wasn't a hardware/electrical problem.
Anecdotally, it seems to only happen when the cpu is really busy, like when playing a game or doing a virus scan.
Any thoughts?
thanks,
Dave
Typical heat related symptoms. You need to make sure your system is clean of heat trapping dust and dirt. While inside the case, make sure all fans spin freely. Then inspect the motherboard for leaky capacitors. Leaky capacitors are a common cause of sudden system lock ups and reboots. Look for white to dark brown, dried foam leaking from the tops or bottoms of the capacitors. The capacitors look like tall soda cans, many of which surround the CPU socket. Bulging capacitors are a sign leakage is about to occur. A motherboard with leaky capacitors can be repaired, but often it is more cost effective to replace the motherboard.
Finally, scan for malware. Here's a link to my canned text on Cleaning Out Malware. Use it if you don't already have a complete security suite and disk cleaning utilities to rid your system of malware and clutter. You can also use it as a guide to build your own security suite, and to help you develop a "Practicing Safe Computing" self-discipline.
Your motherboard utilities disk should have a monitoring program (check for a more recent version on your maker's website). If none, I recommend CoreTemp for newer Intel and AMD64 CPUs. Speedfan is a great and popular alternative, or you can try Motherboard Monitor. Unfortunately, I have found that the latter two programs often have problems properly identifying and labeling the sensor they are reading. So I use Everest to verify the temperatures, then modify Speedfan or Motherboard Monitor to edit the label. In Everest, look under Computer > Sensor, then wait a couple seconds for the readings to appear. Unfortunately, Everest does not minimize to the system tray to show real-time temperatures full time, otherwise, you could use Everest instead of the others.
