subtlesandy

Hi guys,

I would really appreciate it if someone can diagnose the following problem (or at least point me in the right direction to finding a solution ).

The problem: my laptop is cutting out - by this I mean when I am working on it it will simply cut out.

More on the problem: - it happens when two things occur:

1) I open one or two programs (these are not ram-busters either, MS Word or Fireworks/Dreamweaver).

2) And the fan (I think it's the fan!) really kicks in and you can hear it accellerate until it just cuts out and the whole thing switches off.

I am aware that this can be a symptom of overheating after hours of endless tasks and running programs however this is happening only a few minutes after switching it on!

It's not new, about three years old, but sees very little usage as the problem prohibits this!

Right, thanks very much guys - please help me!

Thanks!

Alex

Nitrus

Sounds like you need a new fan.

Lets just do some diagnostics first, can you do the following:

# Ctrl-Alt-Del and bring up the Task Manager.
# Click the "Performance" tab.
# Take note of the (roughly) amount of Physical Memory available
# Open MS Word, write down the new amount of Physical Memory available
# Open Dreamweaver as well, write down the new amount of Physical Memory available.

Few questions I would like to ask:

1. How much RAM do you have?
2. Processor spec?
3. Cooling components (fans, heatsinks etc)?
4. Any error message or visual thing before it shuts off?

Report back, thanks.

TriggerFinger

just to add to what Nitrus has advised...

clean your vents and heatsink. get a can of compressed air and shoot some thru the vents. make sure you get most of the dust out. also keep the vents/heatsink clear from any obstruction (especially when in use).