computer shuts down

[will]

my friend is having a problem with his computer
unexpectantly shutting down while trying to run just about
any program he executes.he is trying to reformat but it's
also shutting down while in the middle of reformatting. he
has windows xp on a compaq 5410us can anyone help us

 

[Malke]

my friend is having a problem with his computer
unexpectantly shutting down while trying to run just about
any program he executes.he is trying to reformat but it's
also shutting down while in the middle of reformatting. he
has windows xp on a compaq 5410us can anyone help us

If it is shutting down in the middle of reformatting - in other words,
when he is not even in the Windows XP operating system - he probably
has a severe hardware problem. My guess would be that the processor fan
is not working and/or some other extreme overheating is taking place.
If you or he are comfortable opening the machine, then do so and
observe what happens when you turn it on. Otherwise, it's time to take
the box to a good local computer repair shop (not a Best Buy or CompUSA
type of store) and have them fix it. Please do repost if you need more
help, including information about your friend's system and what you've
already done to troubleshoot.

Cheers,

Malke