Computer Keeps Shutting Down
Why does my computer keep shutting down all by itself?
Q I have a Packard Bell PC that is at least four years old. It is running on Windows XP and, until recently, I have not experienced any major issues with the computer.
Recently though, the PC has begun powering down of its own accord. Even once it has shut down, a cooling fan on the motherboard continues to spin.
I took the side panel off the PC to see if the problem had an obvious answer, but everything seems to look all right (for a complete novice, that is). Can you help at all? Tony Crowe
A This sounds like a classic case of overheating. If components inside the computer get too hot, they can become unreliable or even be permanently damaged.
Because of this, the insides of modern PCs are littered with temperature sensors, which constantly monitor heat, both of specific components and the overall warmth inside the case.
If a particular component – typically the processor – reaches a critical temperature, then the PC’s Bios may be configured to automatically shut down the computer to prevent damage.
At the same time, the computer’s circuitry may be rigged in such a way that one or more fans will continue spinning for a short time after the computer itself is switched off, to reduce the heat.
The symptoms you describe clearly point to overheating as the reason for the automatic shutdowns – though obviously this is distinct from the root cause of the problem.
To diagnose what is behind this, begin by accessing the computer’s Bios: this is usually achieved by tapping the F2 or Delete (Del) keys on the keyboard shortly after the computer is switched on.
When the Bios page appears, navigate through its menus and tabs using the arrow (cursor) keys and Enter. Look for a Hardware Monitor section, which might be under the Power tab. From here, you should be able to see the heat readings from all the temperature sensors inside the PC.
Alternatively, by installing a free utility such as Speedfan, you will be able to read the computer’s thermometers from within Windows.
Download Speedfan from Almico's website and see Computeractive's workshop explaining how to use Speedfan for help.
Either way, you should now be able to keep an eye on the temperature of at least the processor (or CPU, as it may be labelled in the Bios). We don’t know what processor is inside your PC but the maximum safe operating temperature for modern chips varies greatly – some can safely tick over at 90˚C while others are at risk of conking out at much lower temperatures.
Computer Keeps Shutting Down - News
As your fan keeps going when your computer shuts down it may be overheating. A diagnostic check using Speedfan should throw some light on the problem Q I have a Packard Bell PC that is at least four years old. It is running on Windows XP and,
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PC Keeps Shutting Down - Tech Support Forum
HI Everyone. I built my PC a long time ago and just finaly started using it. It keeps on shuting down specially if I open multiple task or watching youtube video. I already upgraded the BIOS and replaced all the Memory and tried it with only one but still same problem. ON idle when I just first power uip temperature is around 40. It goes all the way up to 85+ Thanks for the quick reply. I will buy some thermal paste today and give it a try. When I was using it about 2 years ago it never gave me any problem until i moved t my new place. I stopped using for about a year. I thought the power supply didn't have enough juice since it was only 380watts. I saw a sale at microcenter and just transferred it to the new case but still sam problem.
MEHHH my computer keeps shutting down :-| someone buy me a new one okai? :-}
the fucking link keeps shutting down my computer, damn BET can't keep virus away!
I give up! Computer keeps shutting down for no reason! Thank god for my iPod!
Computer Keeps Shutting Down Randomly--Registry Repair Will Fix It 
Stupid computer keeps shutting down on me and I need to get this done before tomorrow I have so much stuff to do (cont) Computer Keeps Shutting Down - Bookshelf
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