# My computer randomly shuts off **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Off Topic\ **Created:** [November 29, 2010, 1:04pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646 "2010-11-29T13:04:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2010, 1:04pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/1 "2010-11-29T13:04:01Z")
Dell Inspiron 1525. 23 months old I have already reformatted and reinstalled windows yet it continues to do this. I think its a hardware issue but I am not sure. It did it a month ago for a day then has been fine ever since, then it was ok for a day or two after the reformat. When it does shut off it just restarts like normal (after I press the power button), no prompt to go into safe mode or anything like that. What could it be/how do I fix this? I really dont want to buy a new computer, this one serves me just fine for now (although I would like to be able to run proE and the like, autocad crashed my video card last year) also, on a probably unrelated note, the touch pad will randomly ‘click’ and move my mouse messing up whatever I type. This seemed to start about the same time as the restarting problems though. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![ProgRocker](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/progrocker/32/5434_2.png) [@ProgRocker](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ProgRocker)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2010, 1:12pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/2 "2010-11-29T13:12:24Z")
Check the event log for any errors around when the computer shuts off. Is the computer overheating? Blow some compressed air at the fan. Does this happen when you are using a certain program? Latest Drivers installed including the BIOS? Check for Malware/Viruses? [www.malwarebytes.org](http://www.malwarebytes.org) ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2010, 2:54pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/3 "2010-11-29T14:54:30Z")
I am running malwarebytes now, doing a full scan as I had just reformatted so anything left over would be buried, no? what am I looking for with the event viewer? Will this tell if its shutting down bc of over heating? Should I take it apart to clean the fan? How do ensure I have the latest drivers? I just had my install disc that came with it. I have done all of the windows updates though. I had to run it 3 or 4 times to catch everything, I kept running it until it said there were no new updates. I have sp2 as well. (so far malwarebytes has been running for 28 mins and the comp is still going…) ---
**Author:** ![TradersBASE](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/tradersbase/32/5321_2.png) [@TradersBASE](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TradersBASE)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2010, 2:57pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/4 "2010-11-29T14:57:11Z")
My vote is overheating. Get canned air and blow it through any vents/slots. That’s solved most cases of random shutdowns I’ve dealt with. Progrocker as always with solid advice. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2010, 3:19pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/5 "2010-11-29T15:19:27Z")
should I vacuum it to _remove_ the dust instead of forcing it back into the computer? ---
**Author:** ![JustinH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9fc29f/32.png) [@JustinH](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JustinH)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2010, 3:40pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/6 "2010-11-29T15:40:18Z")
Most vacuum cleaners generate a ton of static electricity. That is why people buy compressed air in cans. ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2010, 3:46pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/7 "2010-11-29T15:46:03Z")
ah ok, that makes sense. well it just shut off in the middle of the malwarebytes scan. it was about 11k objects in and didnt find anything. I had suspected it to be windows live mail but I didnt have that open. Performing a quick scan now. Where should I look in the event logger to see why it shut down? ---
**Author:** ![TradersBASE](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/tradersbase/32/5321_2.png) [@TradersBASE](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TradersBASE)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2010, 3:51pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/8 "2010-11-29T15:51:21Z")
Don’t vacuum it! Blow the canned air through the ducts. It breaks up the dust and should do the trick if it’s just dust. Another issue I’ve seen on laptops is the heat pipe’s fluid eventually evaporates or looses conductivity. Not sure on your exact laptop/heatsink configuration but if/when this happens you have to swap the heat pipe/heatsink. ---
**Author:** ![ZOMGVTEK](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/zomgvtek/32/5063_2.png) [@ZOMGVTEK](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ZOMGVTEK)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2010, 3:55pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/9 "2010-11-29T15:55:46Z")
Its most likely not the result of any spyware or virus of any kind… It would be silly to make something that randomly shuts your computer down. It is fairly likely its due to the computer being unstable. Could bad ram, overheating, bad power supply on the mobo, or some other assorted motherboard issues… What I would do, is get a bright flashlight and try to look and see if there is a good buildup of dust. If there is, clean it the best you can. It may involve taking the keyboard off, or some panels if possible. Then, id monitor the CPU temps using [http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/](http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/) (assuming its a Core2Duo). If its near 80-100ºC, somethings not working right and its probably shutting down to save itself. If its running cool and clean, the next real step is to just format and reinstall windows. This should ensure its not a software issue… Still doing it? Its fucked, get a new one. ---
**Author:** ![ProgRocker](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/progrocker/32/5434_2.png) [@ProgRocker](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ProgRocker)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2010, 7:57pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/10 "2010-11-29T19:57:36Z")
For Xmas I’d get a cooling pad…not one of the cheapo walmart ones either. It’s most likely an overheating problem. If you feel comfortable enough taking the keyboard off, you can probably check the fan better. Here is something that may help you. [http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1525/en/SM/cpucool.htm#wp1179839](http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1525/en/SM/cpucool.htm#wp1179839) As TRADER stated, DO NOT vacuum computers. Some people will tell you it’s fine, but it’s not. I’ve ruined computers myself doing that. ---
**Author:** ![JayS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jays/32/15375_2.png) [@JayS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JayS)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2010, 4:30am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/11 "2010-11-30T04:30:36Z")
Definitely sounding like overheating if it shut down in the middle of a malewarebytes scan on a fresh install. That scan is working the hard drive and processor a bit and eventually the computer reaches the thermal shutdown point. In the event viewer you want to look for anything with a red critical error right before the time the system shut down. I don’t think you’ll find much though because it sounds like the bios is hitting critical temp and just shutting the system off. +1 on the can of compressed air into any vents you can find. Taking the keyboard off an Inspiron is really simple to so I’d do that and see what you find for dirt/dust once you get under the keyboard. Also, check under here: [http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1525/en/SM/cpucool.htm#wp1179839](http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1525/en/SM/cpucool.htm#wp1179839) Bet you find lots of dust jammed into the cpu cooler. ---
**Author:** ![Jagermeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f19dbf/32.png) [@Jagermeister](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Jagermeister)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2010, 5:31am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/12 "2010-11-30T05:31:07Z")
Some good info. Thanks, Nerds! ---
**Author:** ![JayS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jays/32/15375_2.png) [@JayS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JayS)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2010, 5:44am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/13 "2010-11-30T05:44:41Z")
If you really want to ensure the CPU cooler is working right take it off as per the instructions I posted, carefully clean all the crusty old thermal paste off, then reinstall it with some good thermal paste (like artic silver). ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2010, 6:03am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/14 "2010-11-30T06:03:37Z")
> [@Jagermeister](#): > > Some good info. Thanks, Nerds! - eleventybillion hopefully I can get to this asap. ---------- Post added at 09:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:53 AM ---------- > [@JayS](#): > > If you really want to ensure the CPU cooler is working right take it off as per the instructions I posted, carefully clean all the crusty old thermal paste off, then reinstall it with some good thermal paste (like artic silver). which one? [http://www.amainhobbies.com/brand.php/id/631/n/Arctic-Silver-Inc?source=google\_vendors&gclid=CPLM0dHYyKUCFctL5QodTQnCXg](http://www.amainhobbies.com/brand.php/id/631/n/Arctic-Silver-Inc?source=google_vendors&gclid=CPLM0dHYyKUCFctL5QodTQnCXg) ---
**Author:** ![JayS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jays/32/15375_2.png) [@JayS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JayS)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2010, 6:05am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/15 "2010-11-30T06:05:53Z")
Most recently I’ve been using artic silver 5 because newegg had it on sale and in stock the last time I ordered. ---
**Author:** ![ProgRocker](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/progrocker/32/5434_2.png) [@ProgRocker](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ProgRocker)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2010, 6:12am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/16 "2010-11-30T06:12:49Z")
**Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Silver Thermal Compound (3.5g)** is what you want…you only will need a small amount so that tube should last you a couple applications. [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007&cm\_re=arctic\_silver\_5-](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007&cm_re=arctic_silver_5-)_-35-100-007-_-Product ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2010, 9:17am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/17 "2010-11-30T09:17:21Z")
I brought it to the tech guys at school and he opened up that panel. it didnt look bad at all in there. He seems to think the fan isnt turning on at all. Is there a way to manually turn the fan on to verify? (service manual for future reference [http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1525/en/SM/index.htm](http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1525/en/SM/index.htm)) ---
**Author:** ![ProgRocker](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/progrocker/32/5434_2.png) [@ProgRocker](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ProgRocker)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2010, 9:24am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/18 "2010-11-30T09:24:47Z")
possibly in the BIOS. I’d check to see if there is dust preventing the fan from spinning. It’s happened to a few laptops I’ve worked on. ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2010, 9:26am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/19 "2010-11-30T09:26:32Z")
nope. its spinning now. super quiet/doesnt seem fast enough though ---
**Author:** ![TradersBASE](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/tradersbase/32/5321_2.png) [@TradersBASE](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TradersBASE)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2010, 9:28am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646/20 "2010-11-30T09:28:30Z")
Splurge and get the $5 canned air. Try it. Nothing to lose except a possible dust bunny. 😉 Several times I’ve paid $5 for the air and billed quite a bit more than that because it solved overheating issues. [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/my-computer-randomly-shuts-off/206646.md?page=2)