My Computer Shuts Down Suddenly
by Wolfdave
If you are having problems with your computer shutting down (Crashing) suddenly whilst you are using it, there are several reasons that could cause this. It could be a software problem, your computer may have a virus or you could have a developing hard-ware problem. Perhaps your motherboard or other internal device is failing. Sometimes though, the ‘Fix’ can be something quite simple.
Very recently I had a computer in for repair, the guy said is PC kept crashing suddenly whilst he was using the internet. It would suddenly just shut down spontaneously for no apparent reason. It happened most often when he was on-line, but also occurred when he was off-line.
I have had this problem many times before and usually it is a software problem. A recent program installed or sometimes an up-date to a program already installed. The last time, it turned out to be the latest update to Flash Player which was causing the computer to crash. This was uninstalled and then re-installed afresh, this fixed the problem. Most times it turns out to be software, usually downloaded software. Try to determine when the problem started and use System Restore to turn your computer back in time to a date before the problem started. If that fails, then uninstall any programs or software, including downloads, that you have installed recently.
Having tried all that on this Guys computer however, the problem was still there. So the next step is to check for viruses. I did a Full System Scan with his Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware program and found nothing. I tried again with my own Security Suite run directly from the CD on start up, nothing found again.
So now I’m thinking, this is going to be hardware, and expensive for my customer. The most common hardware cause of sudden shut downs, is memory. This could be the Motherboard or a failing Memory Module. Fortunately, a very useful free tool for testing memory, The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool, is available from Microsoft. This tool tests the RAM on your computer for errors. If you do download this free tool, also download and read the memory Diagnostic Users Guide.
Basically, after downloading the tool, you copy the files onto a CD. You then boot your computer from this CD and the ‘Tool’ will run Windows memory Diagnostics and report any errors. Quick tests can last several minutes or extended tests will need to be left to run overnight. If you are confident and have experience working inside your computer case, and know the risks from static electricity and the like, then the first recommended step is to reseat your memory modules.
Having grounded yourself, flick back the locking levers and remove all of your memory modules. If you have more than one, make sure they go back in the exact same slot they came out of. Once they are out, gently remove any dust from the slots on the Motherboard, a small clean soft paintbrush is ideal for this. Then reseat your memory modules and close the locking levers.
Studies have shown that this fixes the problem in 25% of cases of this type.
And I am pleased to report that this simple and inexpensive procedure did indeed fix this Guys computer. Not only that, but he phoned me to say his computer is now much faster, it starts quicker, programs load better and surfing the web is so much more enjoyable. Hey, no problem.
If you are uncomfortable using system tools, or just need more help, click HERE