Computer Gets Hot Then Turns Itself Off
Question: I am running Windows XP Prof. SP3 64Bit. I am having trouble keeping the system running. It began by switching itself off when loading Windows. Now after a few minutes after starting it switches itself off.
The temperature of the CPU it starts at 26 degrees
then goes up to 34 degrees Celsius. This is when I look into the BIOS
screen. Any suggestions on what could the problem be? Many thanks for
your help.
Answer: It sounds as
though your computer is overheating and then shutting itself off to
prevent damage. Many motherboards have that feature built in where it
will monitor the temperature and then turn itself off when it gets to a
certain level. Since your computer is going up to 93 degrees Fahrenheit
it sounds like this is what is happening. You can check the BIOS to see
what the shut off temperature is set at to verify that this is why it is
shutting down.
The reason for it getting too hot is
most likely a bad fan somewhere. If the processor fan is not working or
not spinning fast enough then that will cause the processor to overheat
really quickly. Some motherboards also have a setting to tell you the
speed/RPM of the processor fan so you will know how fast it is spinning.
I would open the case and then turn on the computer and check the
processor and case fans to see if any are out. Also if you have a buildup of dust inside then that can cause things to get warm as well.
