Computer mysteriously power off by itself

[Guest]

Hi,

In the past 24 hours, my computer has 'shut down' all by itself. No one was
using it at the time, the screen saver was off (monitor shut down in power
saving mode), and then I just heard the little musical jingle when windows
shuts down, and the computer turned off.

I restarted (no problems); and left it on overnight. This morning it was
turned off again.

I've checked my power options in the control panel, and they're set for Home
Office/Desk.

Any ideas? I've scanned for viruses and come up clean. Otherwise,
everything seems to be working normally.

 

[Guest]

Could possibly be a windows or other program that is set to automatically
update, that requires a restart after update is installed.
Has happened to me also.

 

[Peter Foldes]

Could be a multiple of reasons. The most logical one being is if this did not occur beforehand then the power outlet where your computer is plugged in had a hiccup from either the electrical system or was cased by a very quick and short power glitch that came from your electrical service. A minuscule glitch can cause a shutdown of the system. Is your shutdown set for shutdown or restart. Set it to restart and see if this will happen again. If set to restart then your computer will not shut down and close but reboot by itself and will stay open.

If it still does shut down with this setting then we can start to look at other options

 

[Guest]

I can tell you that, if you (like I):

(1) have had the PC a good length of time (3+ years), and;
(2) have a forced hot-air heating system, and;
(3) have never cleaned the system unit, and;
(4) have a long-haired cat...

then the problem is most likely caused by the fins on the heat-sink on the
CPU being clogged with dust and cat hair, thereby causing the system to
"over-heat" and shutdown. For what it's worth, in my case, I cleaned the
inside of my system unit by first blowing about 10 to 20 lbs of compressed
air in and around all components, then took a SMALL shopvac and sucked up all
of the debris -- the KEY with either activity is to do it in a manner so as
-- NOT -- to dislodge any components -- motherboard jumpers are especially
vulnerable.

Harry