Sandra said:
My computer has been shutting itself off after loading
Windows, just when you try to click on any program. Now
it won't even finish loading Windows, won't allow F8 for
safe mode, just shuts itself off. What could be causing
this problem? Thanks for any help.
Hi, Sandra. Unfortunately, this isn't enough information for you to get
a good answer. Your post is the equivalent of saying, "it's broken".
Your problems could be caused by either software or hardware. Here are
generic troubleshooting steps for you to take:
A. For software issues - 1) scan with current antivirus ("current" means
a version not earlier than 2002 but using updated virus definitions);
2) remove spyware with Spybot Search & Destroy (
www.security.kolla.de)
and Ad-aware (
www.lavasoftusa.com). Be sure to update these programs
before running, and it is a good idea to do virus/spyware scans in Safe
Mode; 3) delete temporary and Temporary Internet Files; 4) stop
unnecessary services/programs from starting with Windows - see
www.blackviper.com for services info and
www.pacs-portal.co.uk
startup_index.htm for programs info - 5) look in Event Viewer for
clues.
B. For hardware issues - 1) open the computer and run it open, cleaning
out all dust bunnies and observing all fans (overheating will cause
system freezing); 2) test the RAM - I like Memtest86 from
www.memtest86.com - let the test run for an extended (like overnight)
period of time - unless errors are seen immediately; 3) test the hard
drive with a diagnostic utility from the mftr.; 4) the power supply may
be going bad or be inadequate for the devices you have in the system;
5) test the motherboard with something like TuffTest from
www.tufftest.com. Testing hardware failures often involves swapping out
suspected parts with known-good parts. If you can't do the testing
yourself and/or are uncomfortable opening your computer, take the
machine to a good local computer repair shop (not a CompUSA or Best Buy
type of store).
Malke
