My computer turns off randomly

[Bishamon]

So my computer has been turning off randomly. After it turns off i turn it back and something i have to wait a couple of minutes before it turns on with out it turning off. and something i get a message say that i should use system restore (or something like that) to make my computer return to a time when it was still working fine and i do it but two days later it happens again. Oh and this started about a two week ago. If any one has any ideas on how to fix it please tell me.

[Polkadot]

Sounds like 1) heating problem, 2) power supply, or 3) RAM. Since overheating can cause power supply and RAM problems, you should look at that first. Laptop? or Desktop? Laptops usually do not have sufficient space underneath them for the fan to efficiently push the hot air away. Try raising it off of the table/desk and see it that helps (a fat coin under each pad is helpful). You should try a program called SpeedFan. It will provide temperature readings from within your case within about a minute. Try it before, and after raising it off of the desk. (And don't stack notepads, coffee cups, etc near the computer, as they will restrict the airflow.)

EDIT: SpeedFan download: http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php

[Bishamon]

Hey thanks, Polkdot, i think it was a heating problem before i lifted it up it read: Core 0:80C, and after it read: Core 0:73C. Thanks you.

[Luigi]

Have you checked if its not Windows Update causing that? It was happening to me too, I just took it off and it worked.

[Polkadot]

A nice thing about SpeedFan, is that instead of closing the window, just minimize it. It will leave an icon in the right side of your system tray (near the Battery/Volume icons). Periodically hover your mouse over the icon, and it will display your temps. How far did you raise it off of the desk? My general rule is that if you can put your finger under the laptop, you should be OK. 73C is still a bit high...let me guess...AMD?

[Bishamon]

No i have Intel Celeon

[Polkadot]

Yeah. Most lappies run pretty warm! Just keep it elevated, with good air circulation around it and it should be OK. You stated that this prob started a couple weeks ago. When warmer weather hit?

[Kazemagic]

Heres how to solve overheating:
Put 2 stacks of books underneath the laptop leaving the airhole open.So there will be more air
Then put a small fan infront of the airhole so it will blow away the heat as soon as possible.
hope it helped

[Bishamon]

Yea when the hot weather came it started. I did raise my laptop about two and a half inches the temperature now is Core 0:67c and I've gone a full 7 hours without it turning off. Thanks for all the help guys.

[Polkadot]

It's a simple solution. If mine is running hot, I place a quarter, or two under each pad, and it drops 5 degrees within one minute. I used to have a spare toaster oven grate that held it about 1/2 inch off the desk...never a problem.