XP Random Shutdown

Hi,

I have been using my Windows XP Professional (SP3) without any problems for about 4 years.

No additional changes have been made to software or hardware prior to this problem.

The problem being the random shutting down of Windows for no apparent reason.

No error messages appear but the machine shuts down suddenly.

The power supply LED is still on but HD LED goes out.

Restart again is unpredictable sometimes it will reboot soon after the shut down other times it can only restart after turning off power from mains for a long period of time

Any help welcome.

Regards

DEEGE

 

The motherboard dying possibly?

How old is the computer?

 

Thanks for the reply
In its present form it has been running for about 4 years
A friend also suggested a power supply fault but as the power light stays on with power to the machine I doubt that.
Is there any way of testing the motherboard?

 

Just to clarify is it a PC or a Laptop?

 

Its a ATX based AMD Athalon 3 desktop PC

 

Could you check System Event logs and find a ID with 6006 or anything related to a system shutdown.

Also, do you mean it has been constantly running for 4 years or do you mean it's 4 years old...

 

Also check that all fans running as they should be, ie none excessively slowed, and not clogged up with dust and fluff. Check that all connectors are secure, and memory and other items plugged into motherboard are adequately seated, ie give them a push. Ensure no component is excessively hot.

If this and checking the event log do not get you anywhere, unplug everything you can, other than the minimal system you need for operation, and if problem remains, try running an operating system from a live disk, such as Noppix, just to test out the hardware independent from Windows.

ps, You also need to check fans at switch-on.

Sometimes, they appear to run OK, but take a disproportionate time to run-up to desired speed.