Wasn't sure where to ask for this...

My computer seems to switch off regularly without warning, and I'm wondering whether this is a virus or whether I have a problem with my power source...

If it is a virus, any ideas on how to detect it and get rid of it?

Thanks

Does it switch off completely, or restart itself?

Yeah, it actually switches off completely... You have to wait a little while before you're able to turn it on again.

I'm thinking now it could be to do with the computer overheating?

Mine used to do that too, I figured it was overheating.
Get Speedfan and see how hot your comp runs to be sure completely.

It could be over heating. Are you playing games or anything like that, or are you just surfing the internet/chatting?

Try cleaning out the dust in the computer. Turn it off and unplug it from power, and vacuum it out, or if you have an air compressor blow it out.

My guess would be on overheating, seeing as it's the summer and all.

Actually Winter here

Thanks for the advice, I'll get Speedfan and see how thats going, then I'll give it a clean and we'll go from there...

Edit - I just tried to find and download SpeedFan, but it doesn't seem to be working. Could someone please get me a link to the download? Thanks

This message was edited by 9_Martins_9 on Jul 06 2008.

could it be a power drain? im currently rebuilding some faulty computers, and a lot of them refuse to stay on for more than a few seconds with other electronics connected to the same circuit

quote 9_Martins_9

Actually Winter here

Thanks for the advice, I'll get Speedfan and see how thats going, then I'll give it a clean and we'll go from there...

Edit - I just tried to find and download SpeedFan, but it doesn't seem to be working. Could someone please get me a link to the download? Thanks

This message was edited by 9_Martins_9 on Jul 06 2008.

quote hiigaran

could it be a power drain? im currently rebuilding some faulty computers, and a lot of them refuse to stay on for more than a few seconds with other electronics connected to the same circuit

cpu temperatures. make sure it isnt over 60 decrees C. although they are known to take up to 90 C, it severely shortens their lifespan. remember, the colder the temperature, the longer it will last. now, have you opened up your computer yet? if not, do so. inspect for dust, as it is an insulator, trapping heat in it. check your fans, especially your cpu fan (the one that is stuck on a large metal heatsink). my favorite method of cleaning the worst parts of dust on fans is to get a vacuum cleaner and watch it come off as the fan spins. you can use a vacuum cleaner for most areas with dust on a computer, but you have to be very careful with it. if you cant use a vacuum cleaner, use compressed air. one thing though, never use a cloth with any amount of water in it on your computer. you can use it on certain areas, like the case and mounting rack for the hard drive, but thats pretty much it.

Yeah the first Temperature seems to be 75C atm. Problem...

I haven't opened my computer, I'll do that in a sec and check for dust etc...

Thanks for all the help I'll post later with my results

EDIT: As expected, the computer was full of dust. A thorough cleaning + reboot, and the Temperature has gone down to around 45C

Thanks again guys, all fixed

This message was edited by 9_Martins_9 on Jul 08 2008.

wow, i never expected you to have that much dust. also, did you clean the power supply unit fan (the fan near the power cable)?

Yeah, I suppose It hadn't been cleaned in awhile...

I did clean the power supply fan yes

if you are concerned about this happening again, or just want some extra cooling, get yourself one of those cheap ball bearing fans for $5. there should be an exhaust area under the psu. this is generally situated near the cpu, so as the cpu fan cools the cpu, your exhaust fan can remove the hot air