Help! Compaq notebook always shutdown itself. I cannot even reinstall System Recovery CDs

[CJ]

I have a Compaq Presario 2140A laptop. I am using the System Recovery
CD to reinstall completely, but it shutted down by itself after 5-10
minutes.

Prior to this, it will pop up a runtime error message something like
this: "Runtime Error... shutdown in 60 seconds...", I installed Mcafee
and other antivirus software but could not fix the problem (these
software do pick up many virus and fixed thousands of registry
problems) even after scanning in safe mode the entire system. This
message always pops up if the computer runs in normal mode for 15-30
mintues.

My computer also had problem: even when it is running in safe mode, it
will become very slow after 15-30 minutes and then shutdown by itself,
and if I looked at CPU, it usually shows CPU 100%, CPU commited 100 MB.
(I have 512 MB RAM)

Is this a hardware problem? Shall I open the notebook myself? I saw the
fan was running although it seems dusty viewing from the back. I do
feel it was a bit hot in the back, but shutdown by itself when I try to
completely reinstall using System Recovery CD and the back was not that
hot.

Please help! I have spent days trying to fix the problems.

 

[Kevin]

I have a Compaq Presario 2140A laptop. I am using the System Recovery
CD to reinstall completely, but it shutted down by itself after 5-10
minutes.

Prior to this, it will pop up a runtime error message something like
this: "Runtime Error... shutdown in 60 seconds...", I installed Mcafee
and other antivirus software but could not fix the problem (these
software do pick up many virus and fixed thousands of registry
problems) even after scanning in safe mode the entire system. This
message always pops up if the computer runs in normal mode for 15-30
mintues.

My computer also had problem: even when it is running in safe mode, it
will become very slow after 15-30 minutes and then shutdown by itself,
and if I looked at CPU, it usually shows CPU 100%, CPU commited 100 MB.
(I have 512 MB RAM)

Is this a hardware problem? Shall I open the notebook myself? I saw the
fan was running although it seems dusty viewing from the back. I do
feel it was a bit hot in the back, but shutdown by itself when I try to
completely reinstall using System Recovery CD and the back was not that
hot.

Please help! I have spent days trying to fix the problems.

Sounds like a heat issue. Clean out the vents by using a vacuum cleaner.
Just put the nozzle right on the vent and suck the dust bunnies out. There
may already have been serious damage caused by overheating. Good luck!

 

[mike]

try putting your notebook on a hard, not fuzzy surface:
not carpet
not pillow
not 'lap'

looks like a heat issue (your notebook probably sucks in air on the bottom).

Mike