Why does my computer turn itself off?

[edbermac]

I got a cheapo Emachine about 4 years ago. Recently, if I leave it on for a while it just turns itself off. I can't even push the green ON button to restart it, I actually have to turn off the surge protector first for a few seconds, then hit the green ON button. Also noticed when I take CD's out of the D drive they are practically red-hot.

Anyone run into this problem?

:argh:

:cry:

[qanda]

1. Is your fan running okay?

I'm not a computer expert, but I would guess that is the first place to look.

[madinmaryland]

2. yep

Mine has been doing that, though the cd is not hot. it's really irritating.

i think it might be time to buy a new one.

[lpbk2713]

3. If it's four years old you probably have a buildup of dust

on the mother board and the CPU. The dust acts like insulation and retains the heat. Take it outside and gently dust off the mother board and other internal components with a soft, dry, and clean 1" paint brush.

[salvorhardin]

5. ^^^ What he said

Also, the dust is probably caked into the fan blades so that even if they are moving they're worthless. The machine is probably doing a thermal shutdown to prevent frying itself. Do what lpbk2713 said. I also recommend canned compressed air -- and wearing a mask so you don't suck all that dust into your lungs.

[JohnnyRingo]

4. Look for a nice dust bunny collection around your processor fan

When you work your comp hard with graphics or resource heavy programs the processor gets hot.

Dust builds up around the processor fan on the Motherboard. Open the side and take a look

[LearnedHand]

6. If you have Windows 9x...

...that was a common problem. Go to Microsoft's KnowledgeBase (their in-depth, online support files) and search. I don't remember the fix, but it worked. Fixing it involves changing the registry, IIRC.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

7. Do you have cats, perchance?

Mine kept doing that too - turns out there was a poopload of cat hair in there! Had to have the cooling unit cleaned out and lubricated.

[SoDesuKa]

8. Take It Outside and Hose It Down

Sounds like it needs a bath. Some computer "owner" you are! Betcha you never even thought about that. Here it is, the dog days of August, and your computer craps out in the heat. Well, you'd do the same thing.

You can make your computer brighter and happier if you gave it a bath at least once a year. This is an excellent time to do it. Remove the cover, set it on the lawn, and set the garden hose to a fine mist. Fun for you, and fun for the computer.

Don't use soap, it's unnecessary.

[IronLionZion]

9. Don't do what he said

dust that puppy off. use a cloth or brush or something. or one of those air cans to clean the dust off.

I would think water and computer don't mix

[SoDesuKa]

13. I Said Soap Is Optional

I really think soap is unnecessary, unless the hard-working computer is starting to smell like a hard-working computer. Don't forget that some people like the smell.

Gritty soap is overkill. Gentle, pleasant-smelling dishwashing liquid should do the job.

[Cleita]

10. When that happened to me it was the Sasser virus.

eom.

[Hand]

11. Insh'Allah... nt

[BigMcLargehuge]

12. sounds like it's overheating