my computer is turning off. . . .

16 years ago

by itself for no reason. I have AVG virus protection and firewll. Could someone venture a guess as to what's wrong. It has happened four times in a ten day period. I'm not very computer literate, so any help would be appreciated.

Cam

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

owbist
16 years ago
How old is the computer?
How long since you opened the side and checked for dust?
Does the tower sit on the floor?
What operating sysem?
What anti virus and anti spyware are you running?
At the outset with little information to go on it seems like a heat issue
calory
Original Author
16 years ago
the computer is about seven years old. I opened it last year, and it sits on the desk beside the keyboard. I have XP pro, AVG virus protection
Related Discussions
Can my surge protector still protect my computer? Problem
Q
Comments (6)
First thing I might have done was feel the surge protector to see how warm it might be. Perhaps for some reason it overheated and tripped the internal breaker. My APC protector has 2 banks of plugs with one bank offering better protection than the other. Is yours a surge protector or a power bar with built in protection? Might still be under warranty?
...See More
Dumb question..... modem on or off at night
Q
Comments (9)
Thanks for your responses. I prefer to turn off the cable and computer at night, but DH would rather the modem be left on. In the past I had a problem with "China" and "Russia" attacking/trying to get into my computer on a daily basis as well as some other places. I was able to search the IP addresses and found where they were located. Now that I have Norton and have two IP addresses to get through I do not seem to have a problem. I was afraid if the modem and/or computer was left on that someone could hijack and use my computer. Someone did hijack and use my Yahoo Email address. They sent emails to many people as well as to my husband and my regular email addresses. I do not use my real email address or name when signing up on sites. I never used my husband's or my regular email addresses on the Yahoo Email. Changing the password corrected that. The Yahoo incident made me think someone had invaded my computer rather than just hijacking my Yahoo Email only.
...See More
Who is going to turn your computer off tomorrow????
Q
Comments (27)
I wasn't going to do anything because I'm supposed to get auto updates. Ususally when I get the Updates are ready message, I check and they are already installed. Well, I just checked and I have one update necessary. I'm doing it now, hoping that nothing is wrong. It's working, but boy is it slow. I do have virus protection. More scary though - I got a message the other day that a virus was innoculated. Here's hoping nothing is wrong. I can't stand these bored techno-geeks!! With all that we could use their talents for, they choose to do this. I'm sure they could get satisfaction and more money working their talents honestly.
...See More
Smell of Smoke in the House
Q
Comments (14)
Is your water heater a gas unit? Your furnace? If it is, I might have a solution since my first house had this similar problem. I am also an electrician and I believe your problem is not electrically related. On windy days, I would encounter a downdraft through my chimney and through the hood of my gas water heater. Two problems here - occasional burning smell AND carbon monoxide. Make sure there is a functioning carbon monoxide detector in the areas of the house where you spend most of your time. If you call the fire department and/or the local gas utilities, they can check for elevated CO2 levels. These burning odors I encountered in my first house were in the colder months when I operated my upstairs fireplace and the damper remained open. Please let us know what you find!
...See More
owbist
16 years ago
OK so try removing the left side and leave it off for a few days to see if heat is an issue. Is there a build up up crud under the fan you see mounted on the motherboard? This is the heatsink for the processor and it is designed to shut the computer down if it overheats for protection.

Remove the power cord if you go in there and rest a bare arm or hand on the metal frame to eliminate static electric.

You should seriously consider installing an anti malware program for greater protection. These do not run automatically but you update and run at intervals. Consider MS Essentials, Superantispyware, Malwarebytes or any other program you feel will keep you safe. Those mentioned are all free but pay attention during the install or you'll find yourself installing the 'for a fee' software.
calory
Original Author
16 years ago
There is a vent in the front of the computer kinda underneath, and it was blocked by papers, so I may have discovered the problem. I will install antimalware--of the ones you mention, which do you use? Thanks for helping me
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
16 years ago
number one on the list is malwarebytes free
How to download and install Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware application for Windows computers

I would also install spywareblaster free, no scans just remember to open it weekly hit update then hit enable all protection to turn the shield green.
SpywareBlaster

SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition

Related Stories

LIFE Turn Off the Video Games and Turn On Your Kid's Creativity

By Alison Hodgson

Going nuts planning summer activities? Kids overdosing on screen time? It may be time to foster more self-directed play

Full Story

LIFE Slow Living 101: Tips for Turning Off the Chaos

By Laura Gaskill

It may feel as though you're too busy to slow down and enjoy life. But even little changes can have a big effect

Full Story

160

HOME TECH Turn 'Obsolete' Tech Into Fun Home Help

By Mike Elgan

Here's how to put your old Mac, Atari or Newton to work around the house

Full Story

HOME TECH Coming Soon: Turn Your Kitchen Counter Into a Touch Screen

By Mike Elgan

Discover how touch projection technology might turn your tables and countertops into iPad-like devices — and sooner than you think

Full Story

HOME TECH Turn Your Smart Phone Into a Home Security System

By Mike Elgan

Monitor your home a less expensive way by putting your phone and some new gadgets to work

Full Story

CLOSETS How to Turn Your Closet Into an Office

By Becky Harris

15 tips and lots of inspiration for small (but mighty) home offices

Full Story

STORAGE Storage Surprise: Turn Colorful Tool Cabinets Into Fun Furniture

By Becky Harris

Reimagine your handy chests as nightstands, bar carts and kitchen storage for a bright interior alternative

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES How to Turn Almost Any Space Into a Guest Room

By Laura Gaskill

The Hardworking Home: Murphy beds, bunk compartments and more can provide sleeping quarters for visitors in rooms you use every day

Full Story

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: A Brooklyn Townhouse Takes a Warm, Contemporary Turn

By John Hill

Softening a traditional boxy shape creates better access and a more interesting look for a Brooklyn family home

Full Story

DIY PROJECTS Turn a Beat-Up Bar Cart Into a Thing of Beauty

By Sarah Dorsey

Found a cast-off cart or table? See how to transform it into a stunning accent for your home

Full Story

my computer is turning off. . . .

Comments (5)

owbist

calory
Original Author

Related Discussions

owbist

calory
Original Author

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

my computer is turning off. . . .

Comments (5)

owbist

caloryOriginal Author

Related Discussions

owbist

caloryOriginal Author

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

calory
Original Author

calory
Original Author