Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Resolved Question

How do I correct a laptop that keeps shutting off?

Sep 3, 2012 11:18AM PDT

My Gateway Laptop keeps shutting off on me. It happens when I am on the internet and activly using the computer. Based on what I have been reading it has to do with the computer getting too hot. If this is the case how do I address this issue?

Are there other issues that could be creating the problem of the computer shutting off?

Discussion is locked

88Frontrow has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

- Collapse -
Cleaning and fan pad
Sep 4, 2012 4:45AM PDT

Often enough a good cleaning is all that's needed, but understand besides dust bunnies, there is really impacted dirt on innards. This in turn doesn't usually go away and only a direct cleaning will do and you have to see it and "brush or wipe it off". A basic canned air treatment will do fine for most. I further suggest that you think of using a laptop fan pad to better provide cooling. Some laptops are more prone to heat stress and/or have already succumbed to heat damage, so if this all reoccurs soon, think along those lines.

tada -----Willy Happy

- Collapse -
Thanks!
Sep 4, 2012 7:47AM PDT

I have used the canned air and if that does not work I will try to clean it or take it somewhere for a professional cleaning.

- Collapse -
Gotta love computers
Sep 7, 2012 8:01PM PDT

I agree, sounds like overheating.
Does the bottom of the laptop have any vents? If not then a fan pad may not do anything for you.
If you are going to get it proffesionaly cleaned, shop around. Find out what they're policy is for repairing and ask questions. Larger companies would most likely have better certified technicians.
Hope this helps

- Collapse -
Issue resolved
Sep 7, 2012 11:11PM PDT

I used the canned air and blew it in all of the vent openings. This solved the problem and the computer has not shut off since. Thank you for your advice!

- Collapse -
Answer
(NT) Did you try the usual CANNED AIR on the vents?
Sep 3, 2012 12:22PM PDT