Computer randomly shuts down

[kmb91396]

Hey guys, new here. I am going through the same problem right now. I figure it would be smart to take your advice and look at some temp readings. Any one have a user friendly, easy to read for noobies program they would recommend for this?

 

[Reg clarke]

First of all, thanks to all those who offered help. I'm pretty sure I have solved my problem. Frustrated because the computer wouldn't run long enough for test programs to finish & suspecting a hardware problem, I finally resorted to disconnecting & uninstalling all peripherals one by one. When I got to the DVD drives, the computer stopped shutting down. Apparently, the EIDE cable connecting them was loose. When I hooked them back up, making sure the connection was tight, my troubles seemed to end. I'm still a bit tentative about this solution since I only arrived at it last night. But so far, it seems OK. To mychem: Have you checked that all your fans are running at proper speeds? Also, is your CPU & its heat sink dirty? I solved a previous over heating problem by disassembling the heat sink from the CPU & cleaning them both with a toothbrush & a tiny bottle brush dampened with alcohol. To kmb91396 & others still struggling; Don't assume anything is OK without testing it & write down everything you do or test & what the result was. Even if it doesn't help with the current problem, it may with the next one. Good luck!

 

[kimsland]

Posted reply 1 week ago:

Since you have reinstalled the o/s, it is unlikely to be a virus problem.

The problem can be with one or more of the following
...
5. ... or defective cables

Try these

...
5. Change the cables (they are inexpensive)

Looks like ravisunny2 got it in 1 :grinthumb

 

[ravisunny2]

Actually, it was kimsland who got it first!

1. It's not Windows or any settings
2. It's not the graphics card (or Monitor!)
3. It is (or seems to most likely be) a hardware fault
4. Start by testing Ram; Cooling; Hard Drive; Cabling; Power Supply; Re-seating CPU; Benchtesting and so forth...

The cabling it was, as suggested by kimsland.