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General discussion

Spontaneous Shutdowns!

Nov 26, 2003 11:08PM PST

I need help. Our computer will suddenly shut off with no warning and no message to indicate what the problem is. We've taken it to get looked at and they can't determine what's wrong. I don't have Windows XP, which apparently rules out one of the viruses having that characteristic. The tech repaired the fan, alluding that the computer was shutting down because it was overheating. But, it still shuts down even after he did that. Is this a virus or what? My computer is only four years old. Anyone's advice would be great.

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Re:Spontaneous Shutdowns!
Nov 26, 2003 11:20PM PST

It could be a power supply or bad memory or too much dust or a bad connection (wiring expands as it gets hot).

You need to provide as much info as possible such as how long it runs before shutting off, if it does it only while doing certain functions or using specific programs, etc.

Have you actually done any viral scans with updated virus software? ) try an online one at http://housecall.trendmicro.com )

If a tech charged you for work for a cure but didn't cure the problem have you taken it back and complained that he/she didn't fix anything?

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Re:Re:Spontaneous Shutdowns!
Nov 26, 2003 11:45PM PST

Thanks for your tips. The time varies on how long it runs before shutting down. It's ranged from five minutes to two hours to 24 hours. It doesn't seem to matter what programs are running...sometimes it's been running Word, other times we're on the net, other times it's just on the desktop screen. We've tried hooking it up in different rooms of the house with different power bars but that doesn't seem to make a difference. The tech apparently ran a viral scan and found nothing. Are these generally fool-proof?
We are definitely going to complain....but it's tough because it's quite perplexing. There seems to be no constant factor to verify the problem. But thanks for your help.

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I lamented that an Anti-virus scan is not enough over at...
Nov 27, 2003 12:17AM PST

A post I made titled "Anti-Parasite Suite." I was lucky to corner a Symantec (the people behind Norton AntiVirus) to ask "Why doesn't your software remove other pests?" The answer "It's not a virus." told all.

If you want to identify and expel the rest of the pests, review and run the five scans I noted at http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6132-0.html?forumID=32&threadID=1313&start=0

While I only give this issue a less than 50% chance its caused by a parasite, I've been pleasantly surprised by how much better machines perform without the uninvited guests.

Bob

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Re:Spontaneous Shutdowns!
Nov 26, 2003 11:21PM PST

Try running it with the case cover off. Does it cure the problem or delay it? You must take this action to sniff out where the issue is.

Either that or you just take it back to the tech and tell them it's still broken.

At four years, items do tend to degrade. Power supply and motherboard capacitors bulge and leak. Heatsinks fill with lint and need cleaning.

Again, try it with the cover off.

Bob

Bob