UNEXPECTED SHUT DOWN - XP Pro

  • Thread starter Thread starter rich
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R

rich

Help ! Anybody know why my system will unexpectedly just
shut down? No apparent reason. Could this be the blaster
worm? I've downloaded the patch from Microsoft, but to no
avail. It still happens!
(e-mail address removed)
 
First, if you suspect a virus, regardless of the fix you've downloaded the
only sure way to determine if you have that virus or any virus is to make
sure your antivirus software is up to date and run a scan on your system.

Second, if you are clear of viruses, usually a system shutdown as opposed to
it automatically rebooting is due to some hardware problem, often heat or
the internal power supply may be going bad. If you are clear of viruses,
then you should have your system checked out be a shop, especially with
regard to the two issues I've mentioned.
 
I have a HP Pavilion running XPhome that started doing the same thing. I had
changed to a new graphics card because of ghost images. When the problem
started, I switched back to the original graphics card and drivers. The
problem is still there.

I am thinking the problem could be motherboard or power supply. Is it
possible for a sudden shutdown problem to be caused by a bad motherboard? I
am not against changing out components myself, if I know which one is bad.
HP wants $300+ for a new motherboard and $80+ for a power supply. If the
sudden shutdown problem could be one or the other (or both) then taking it
to a shop would be easier. If there is no way it could be the motherboard,
then I might risk the expense and buy and install a new power supply.
 
Yes, it could be a motherboard problem.

That said, changing the motherboard, even if it comes from HP could cause
you other issues if you happen to have an OEM or recover CD from HP.
Usually, these are tied to the original hardware and may not recognize the
setup with a new motherboard, preventing reinstall or recovery in the future
so you might want to discuss it with HP if your copy of XP falls into that
category.
 
It could be a lot of things - either in the hardware or the software area.
Have you added or changed any hardware or software lately? Your problem can
best be resolved by the process of elimination.

Some possibilities include a failing power supply, a defective memory chip,
flaky CPU, overheating, etc..
 
Actually this is the second motherboard in the system. The first was
replaced early last year, a week before the extended warranty expired. The
system came with ME and I did the upgrade to XPhome before the motherboard
was replaced. There weren't any problems with XP after that change.

I guess I will take it in and have a 'professional' look at it.
 
THANKS everybody!
This sure puts new light on the issue - I think I'll take
the unit in for a once-over by a cetified tech. I DO
appreciate all the feedback!
;~)
 
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