Windows automatically shuts down on its own

[Guest]

I have a very random problem, random in that I can't say exactly what is
causing it or when it happens. I can go days without no problem at all.
Then, I've suddenly got it happening five to ten times in a row.

While I'm using my computer, Windows randomly shuts down on its own. The
shut down screen pops up and even if I press cancel, I can't stop it. The
entire system just shuts down. I'm running an eMachines with Windows XP Home
Edition.

So far, I've tried running spyware sweeps and virus scans. A few spyware
programs are found, but never any viruses. Also, I've tried running the disk
defragmenter. That worked for a while yesterday, then last night, it just
started up again. Anyone know what I can do to solve this problem short of
paying the Geek Squad ridiculous amounts of money?

Thanks.

 

[Guest]

After posting this, I managed to find a few other people with my same
problem. It looks like it needs cleaning from what I've read, even though
I've only had the computer about 3 months. If anyone has any other ideas,
though, feel free to let me know.

 

[Anna]

After posting this, I managed to find a few other people with my same
problem. It looks like it needs cleaning from what I've read, even though
I've only had the computer about 3 months. If anyone has any other ideas,
though, feel free to let me know.

C. Audrey:
Well, unless you're in an unusual dust-laden environment, I would hardly
think your problem arose because of the accumulation of dust inside your
computer case over a period of three months.

Assuming your system is malware free, as it appears to be based on the
results of your spyware/anti-virus programs, it sounds like a hardware
problem, no? The problem in diagnosing it from this distance is that it
could have arisen from a variety of defective/malfunctioning components,
e.g., your power supply, internal fans, overheated processor, video card,
etc. - virtually one or another of every major component in the computer
could be the culprit, again assuming this is a hardware-related problem.

You say you've only had the computer three months. Isn't it still under
warranty? Since it's an eMachines I assume you've purchased the PC locally.
Any
chance of returning it to the dealer for warranty service?
Anna

 

[Guest]

I purchased it at Best Buy, and they told me that they think it's a software
problem, not hardware. If it's hardware, it's covered under my warranty. If
it's software, they're gonna have me paying out the nose to get it solved. I
thought at first that it was just dirty because most others who had this
problem seemed to find that to be their resolution. I took it in, and they
said that it's not dirty. So now I'm back to square one. I was trying to
talk to someone at emachines, but they were having some kind of tech issues
and we got disconnected halfway through the chat.

 

[Guest]

sounds like it is powering down automatically. go to power options in
control panel and ensure that your power schemes for minutes, hours are
selected to none. then check to ensure you are not set up for battery backup
instead of a/c pwer. then go to display and ensure your screensaver option
is turned off. once you get more famaliar with your new pc, you can initiate
screensavers with more savvy. Next, power down your pc. Press and hold
down the "del" key and push your power button on. You should be taken to the
cmos screen and then let go of the key. Look for options of power management
and ensure they are not set to shut down your pc. Look into your manuals
regarding the cmos settings. there may be some additinal information on
print and before you attempt to change the settings.....

 

[Guest]

Thank you very much. I've done the first part already. My system was set to
do a lot of stuff after 15 minutes, so I switched that all to never. There
was no battery back up set. And I turned off my screensaver.

 

[Guest]

I tried all of that and it's still doing it. I went into the CMOS, though,
and had no idea what any of that meant, so I left it alone. I don't know
where my manual is, and I didn't wnat to completely screw up the system. But
the power schemes are all set and it's still powering down.

 

[Guest]

Do you get the same results in safe mode? Because safe mode doesn't load
drivers, seeing if you can stay "on" while in safe mode would provide a clue.
To go into safe mode be sure to press the f8 key at the boot menu and select
safe mode with cmd prompt. Play around with the program files for a while
that will allow you to determine if you have the same problem in this mode or
not. Again check out all the tabs in powersettings to ensure they are all
off.

If you don't have the problem while in safe mode, then it is likely a driver
or device that is being loaded in normal mode windows.

If you still have the problem, then it could be the cmos settings/options
for APM/APCI, which will also display minutes. This cmos option for APM
shoudl be none or off.

If there are no unusual cmos settings for apm, then it could be that your
cpu is overheating and is set to shut down once it reaches a certain temp in
order to protect itself from damage. I don't know what cpu you have, but it
may have fan controls too, that may be set to off or something in the cmos.

Here is a link to the chat window for eMachines. If you can get to the net
either with the problematic eMachine or another, you will have the
opportunity to chat online with a rep. Ideally, it would be best to use
another pc and have the eMachine next to it that way you can follow the
instructions and provide feedback in real time. If you cannot connect to the
chat online then........take it back, receipt in hand and the law on your
side.

It is my opinion that the machine could be considered defective and the
store should get it operational or exchange it, irregardless if they think or
say it is software. You have the law on your side. Sorry I couldn't
provide more help, but it is hard to figure out what the exact problem is
from here.........



http://www.emachines.com/support/options.html