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What exactly to you mean when you say "shutting down"? Is Windows actually shutting down? Is the system freezing up? Does it appear to lose all power and go dark? An overheating CPU can definitely cause the computer to turn off. You might want to open the case and blow the dust off the CPU heatsink. Try getting into the BIOS and looking for a hardware monitor section. If the CPU temperature is approaching 70 degrees C, that's bad. If cleaning the heatsink doesn't work, its possible the heatsink isn't clamped down properly and can't cool the CPU. Another possibility is a failing power supply.
Literally going dark and all lights go off, computer turns off.
Power source is fine, AC adaptor plugged in and battery is charged as well.
It's a laptop, so where should I clean and how?
Dell tech support had me eliminate some problems. Next issue we may try is to reinstall Windows. Don't know if it could be this or not. After that, it that doesn't work,they are going to send me a new harddrive.
But I am still worried it is a virus. Does it sound like that?
Does not sound like a virus. I have never heard of a virus that shuts down the computer. Viruses want to reproduce more then anything so they don't want your computer off. lol
Sounds like heat. Maybe a bad USB port? Check all your ports, do they look perfect? I've seen several bad USB ports cause shutdowns. Usually when inserting a device though. Bad ram is also a common cause of shutdowns. Or older programs. Have you installed any software recently?
A windows reinstall would be a good next step if it isn't to much of a pain for you.
Literally going dark and all lights go off, computer turns off.
Power source is fine, AC adaptor plugged in and battery is charged as well.
It's a laptop, so where should I clean and how?
Dell tech support had me eliminate some problems. Next issue we may try is to reinstall Windows. Don't know if it could be this or not. After that, it that doesn't work,they are going to send me a new harddrive.
But I am still worried it is a virus. Does it sound like that?
Doesn't sound like a virus. Reinstalling Windows will not help if it's just completely turning off without a bluescreen error or anything. Windows crashes leave behind some signs that that is the cause. Ask your friends if anyone has the same model laptop, and borrow their power cord. Remove the battery, and run off of their power cord. If it still shuts off completely, then it's most likely hardware fault on the motherboard. Do some searching on Google for your model and see if anyone else is having the same problem. If it's a manufacturing issue, a batch will usually be affected at the same time.
..... A windows reinstall would be a good next step if it isn't to much of a pain for you.
Sounds like a lot of pain and no gain since the computer shuts down and leaves no indicator lights on at all. My guess is the hardware needs to be fixed before considering a Windows reinstall.
I think reinstalling Windows, though, absolutely eliminates any software causing it. Yes, it should blue screen. But this is one way to isolate the issue to hardware.
Again only if it isn't hard for you to do. I have a USB drive hooked up to my pc that replicates my important stuff so wiping my desktop pc is never a big deal.
Does not sound like a virus. I have never heard of a virus that shuts down the computer. Viruses want to reproduce more then anything so they don't want your computer off. lol
Sounds like heat. Maybe a bad USB port? Check all your ports, do they look perfect? I've seen several bad USB ports cause shutdowns. Usually when inserting a device though. Bad ram is also a common cause of shutdowns. Or older programs. Have you installed any software recently?
A windows reinstall would be a good next step if it isn't to much of a pain for you.
I do have a bad USB port. I dropped my laptop sideways with a wireless mouse plugged in. But that was many many months ago, and I have never had a problem. I don't use that port that's all.
I have plenty of RAM and it's only a year and a half old, Dell Inspiron 1525.
I think reinstalling Windows, though, absolutely eliminates any software causing it. Yes, it should blue screen. But this is one way to isolate the issue to hardware.
Again only if it isn't hard for you to do. I have a USB drive hooked up to my pc that replicates my important stuff so wiping my desktop pc is never a big deal.
If you are skilled with Windows, then yes - a re-install is fine...because you usually have several backups of all of your data as well as every bit of software listed out that you need to reinstall. But for the average person - this is a daunting task where they will most likely lose some important files, or not have a CD they need to reinstall something...
I think reinstalling Windows, though, absolutely eliminates any software causing it. Yes, it should blue screen. But this is one way to isolate the issue to hardware.
Again only if it isn't hard for you to do. I have a USB drive hooked up to my pc that replicates my important stuff so wiping my desktop pc is never a big deal.
I am going to back everything up (mostly pictures and videos) on a flash stick then do the uninstall/reinstall.
So you all don't think it sounds like a virus? That's good to know. I am trying to think if I installed anything recently.
I did install a new adobe flash player recently. And something else...I forget. But if it's one of those things, how can I figure it out?
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