Intermittent automatic shutdown problem

[Paul]

I have a Dell Smart PC 250N lap top. Since the weekend it
has started to shutdown automatically at completely
random times. Any ideas as to what the problem/ solution
might be ?

 

[Tom Swift]

Virus?

Tom Swift

 

[greyhelps]

Sometimes overheating processor causes this when fan is
failing. Also, weak power supply might cause this.

 

[Chuck]

I have a Dell Smart PC 250N lap top. Since the weekend it
has started to shutdown automatically at completely
random times. Any ideas as to what the problem/ solution
might be ?

Paul,

A few details here would be good. Shutdown completely, as in power
off? Then I'd suspect a cooling problem - the fan is bad, or airflow
is restricted (clogged air filter hopefully).

If it's a programmed shutdown, as in "... shutdown initiated by NT
AUTHORITY\SYSTEM", I'd bet Blaster or other infection.
http://www.microsoft.com/security/incident/blast.asp
http://www.sophos.com/support/disinfection/blastera.html

Have you made any changes recently? Loaded new software? System
updates?

Cheers,

Chuck
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