I have to admit that I know very little about computers, so this is a
definate cry for help. My problem is this... When I am using my printer for
an extended period (say 8 minutes straight) or when I use my DVD R/RW to play
a game or DVD, my computer will just shut off the power. This didn't occur
for the first 12 months of owning the computer, but since Christmas I have
had the problem. The only hardware that has changed since that time is I got
a Logitech Wireless Keyboard and Mouse which I use with one of the USB ports.
The System is a Pentium (R) 4 CPU 3.20GHz 3.21GHz, 512 MB of RAM. Any advice
would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Kevin
While the power supply may be faulty or under-rated for the amount of gear
that's attached, random shutdowns can also be due to bad memory. You could
run one of the memory diagnostic tools to check. These are not 100%
reliable but catch enough problems that they are worth a try. If you need a
suggestion for one, Microsoft has one available here:
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp
However... You mention that there seems to be a set "time" involved when
the system is doing extra work (printing, reading CDs and graphic
rendering). Because of this, overheating would be my first guess. Most
systems will automatically shutoff when temperatures reach a level that
could damage the CPU.
Positioning the case where there is good airflow is always important. Those
computer desks with little closed cubbies for the tower are not doing the
PC any favors in this respect. Get the case out to an area with good
airflow.
You can visually check the outside vents for dust and debris. Clean these
off. It may be necessary to open the case and clean out all the gunk that's
accumulated inside. If this is not a laptop and you're confident enough to
work inside the case, it's relatively easy to do.
With PC off, disconnect all peripherals and power supply. May want to label
cords as you're removing them. Could make reconnecting them a *lot* easier.
Open case. If you've never opened your case before, and it's not a standard
"remove back screws, slide off case side" then this could be a project by
itself. Get out your system manual for the step by step directions.
Use an anti-static wrist guard or grab a metal part of the case for a few
seconds to discharge any static electricity from yourself. At this point, I
use a can of compressed air and very soft brush. The soft brush is used
only to flick away dust that may be caught on something.
Do not hold compressed air too close to components or the spray will "get
wet." If you notice moisture when spraying, you're too close. Back off a
bit so no moisture appears and continue. Allow some drying time before
reconnecting the system.
Be very careful not to bump into wires or components. These things are not
super fragile but care must be used when working with them. Handle
everything as gently as possible. When dust is removed, replace case cover.
Reconnect peripherals.
If all of that sounds intimidating (fiddling with PC guts is not everyone's
cup of tea), take the PC in to have it cleaned.
If the same problem occurs after a good cleaning and the power supply has
received a clean bill of health, the next suspect is a faulty motherboard.
It could have a hairline crack that causes no problems when PC is running
at low temps but then expands and causes failure when the system temp rises
after a bit of strenuous work.
