HP Pavilion keeps shutting off

[bettyboop911]

Hp Pavilion running XP Pro keeps shutting off after running a short while. Thought it might be a virus so began to do a clean install of XP Pro. It shut off shortly into this process. Any ideas?

 

[fastco]

Do you get a "Blue Screen" before it shuts down? How old is the computer?

 

[Tmagic650]

Another power supply would be the first thing I would imagine

 

[bettyboop911]

The computer is about 4 years old. What do you mean power supply? Needs new one???
No blue screen, just shuts off, black screen.

 

[raybay]

Did you add SP3... that is causing problems with some HP machines.

 

[raybay]

Try cleaning out the case with canned air such as Dust Off. Do NOT use a vacuum cleaner or air compressor, as they cause static electricity.
Many of the HP's get jammed up with dust and hair, causing heat because of poor cooling. HP's shut down when they get hot.
You also may not have enough memory for todays uses and Microsoft updates.
But TMagic650 is correct... best fix, regardless of whether that is the cause, is a stronger power supply. Antec and Sparkle make great ones that are special sizes for some of the odd ball HP computer sizes.

 

[Tmagic650]

The computer is about 4 years old. What do you mean power supply? Needs new one???
No blue screen, just shuts off, black screen.

Yes power supply. it is the thing that the power cord from the wall plugs into

 

[raybay]

Yes. It takes four screws and unplugging a lot of cables to remove.
It may not be the cause, but it is a good thing to replace... do not replace with a no-name brand. Do not use powerMax, Bestec, or CoolerMaster. Antec, Sparkle, and FSP Group work fine and last a long time.