My computer randomly powers off while using it. It will not even warn me or pwer down, the machine will just turn off. It does not do this while I am running a certain program either. Please help! Why does this happen, and how can I fix it?
This question was answered on October 23, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.
Try updating your system
To update your system files using Windows Update
In Windows XP Home Edition, you must be logged on as a computer administrator to install components or modify Automatic Updates settings In Windows XP Professional, you must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure.
Windows Update is a catalog of items such as drivers, security fixes, critical updates, the latest Help files, and Internet products that you can download to keep your computer up-to-date.
Open Windows Update in Help and Support Center
On the Windows Update home page, click Scan for updates
Click Yes when prompted to install any required software or device drivers
Note
Windows Update scans your computer for outdated system files and lets you replace them with the most recent versions
If this does not work Reinstall yours Operating System.
Place the Windows XP CD in the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
If the Windows CD displays the What would you like to do? menu, click Exit
Turn off your computer, wait ten seconds, and then turn your computer back on
If you are prompted to start your computer from the CD, do so
After Windows XP Setup starts, press ENTER to continue the setup process
Press ENTER to choose the option To set up Windows XP now, press ENTER Do not choose the Recovery Console option
Press F8 to accept the licensing agreement
At this point, the Setup program will search for previous installations of Windows XP If Setup does not find a previous installation of Windows XP, then you might have a hardware failure Click No, I still have a problem when I try to start Windows below, and then click Next to continue troubleshooting
If Setup does find a previous installation of Windows XP, then the following message will appear:
" If one of the following Windows XP installations is damaged, setup can try to repair it.
Use the up and down arrows to select an installation.
To repair the selected installation Press R.
To continue without repairing, Press Esc."
Choose the appropriate installation of Windows XP, and then press R to attempt to repair it
Follow the remaining directions on your screen
Notes
You might need to change the boot drive sequence in your BIOS settings in order to successfully start your computer from the Windows CD Contact the manufacturer of your computer, or see your manufacturer's documentation, for more information
If you are unable to start your computer from the Windows XP CD, then you might have a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive failure or other hardware failure
About the author
Posted by gilbert of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on October 23, 2004
Need Help with this Issue?
We help people with technology! It's what we do.
Contact or Schedule an Appointment with a location for help!