Computer is randomly turning off. Why??

teddyr1 · 11-21-2007, 11:26 AM

Hello,
I've got a Compaq Presario 2800, running XP at 1.79 GHz, and recently upped my RAM to 768 MB. My problem is that more recently my computer has turned off completely for what seems to be no reason at all while I have been working. In both case I was using Firefox at the time and didn't loose any of the data I was working on as it was restored when I turned the computer back on, but I'm understandably concerned.
The computer does turn back on - sort of. I've tried to turn it on immediately after it shuts off and it has failed to boot up. However, after a minute or two I have been able to turn it back on.
This has now happened twice. What could be the cause and what could this mean in terms of the long term health of my computer? I do tend to leave my computer on for long bouts but and it is now about 4 yrs old.
Any information or advice would be most appreciated.

**grumpygit** · 11-21-2007, 11:47 AM

Hi and welcome to tsf.

It could be an overheating problem.

Try running Speedfan and check the temps.(link for speedfan below)
http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php

macten · 11-22-2007, 03:47 AM

Give it a good cleaning. Dust, lint etc will plug it up and cause it to overheat:

http://www.informationweek.com/hardw...o=1&queryText=

It also could be a failing power supply....

edit....clear the ad by clicking on the 'X' in that link...

11-21-2007, 11:26 AM	#1 (permalink)
teddyr1 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1 OS: xp	Computer is randomly turning off. Why?? Hello, I've got a Compaq Presario 2800, running XP at 1.79 GHz, and recently upped my RAM to 768 MB. My problem is that more recently my computer has turned off completely for what seems to be no reason at all while I have been working. In both case I was using Firefox at the time and didn't loose any of the data I was working on as it was restored when I turned the computer back on, but I'm understandably concerned. The computer does turn back on - sort of. I've tried to turn it on immediately after it shuts off and it has failed to boot up. However, after a minute or two I have been able to turn it back on. This has now happened twice. What could be the cause and what could this mean in terms of the long term health of my computer? I do tend to leave my computer on for long bouts but and it is now about 4 yrs old. Any information or advice would be most appreciated.

11-21-2007, 11:47 AM	#2 (permalink)
grumpygit T-Shirt Winner Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: hertford, england Posts: 4,746 OS: win xp pro sp3 My System Blog Entries: 2	Re: Computer is randomly turning off. Why?? Hi and welcome to tsf. It could be an overheating problem. Try running Speedfan and check the temps.(link for speedfan below) http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php __________________ Grumpygit

11-22-2007, 03:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
macten Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 239 OS: xp	Re: Computer is randomly turning off. Why?? Give it a good cleaning. Dust, lint etc will plug it up and cause it to overheat: http://www.informationweek.com/hardw...o=1&queryText= It also could be a failing power supply.... edit....clear the ad by clicking on the 'X' in that link... Last edited by macten; 11-22-2007 at 03:48 AM.