Computer turning off with no warning

J

JoshDKelsey

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Joined
Feb 10, 2013
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8
Hi all, I'm new to this place therefore not entirely sure this should go here but I guess it's worth a try and someone would be able to point me in the right direction anyway.

As the title suggests, my computer has recently been prone to turning off with no warning. It is completely random, in the sense that it may cut out during a game, just after windows has loaded and sometimes even before windows has a chance to load. This problem has happened before but after a system reboot it disappears until many months later. It's a bit like a cold sore, non-lethal but annoying and usually temporary. However, of course, I'd like to get rid of or at least find the source of this problem once and for all.

My technological expertise can be probably compared to that of a 12 year olds, and I'm not talking about computer prodigy children as well. Like most I can sort out the simpler problems using Google and even sometimes my own intuition, but this problem has stumped me and my more computer-versed friend who also built this computer.

One thing I have been able to find out through google though, is to use command prompt > sfc/scannow and by using this I found out this pc has corrupt CBS files. As I mentioned before, I have no idea what this is or if it may be the root of my problem. I've read previously that each CBS corruption is 'personal' so I can't use a general fix-it step-by-step that's been used by another person to solve their problem, so my question is, would someone be able to help me out with this? And when I say step by step, I mean complete baby steps, I am prone to silly mistakes and I do not want to delete system32 or something :>

I realise that you guys may need further information such as the CBS log itself but I don't know how to do this and I'm scared of messing around before getting some kind of professional advice. Thanks all, I'll try keep an eye on my emails if there are any queries etc :)
 
Hey Josh

Welcome to Sysnative.


CBS Logs

Our CBS Logs experts have provided an excellent set of instructions for providing the information they need to help you with those problems. Please follow the instruction linked below:



Cold Boot Problems:

Also, with cold boot issues like you describe, I often wonder about the system's RAM modules. Provide the following information about your hardware so we can check compatibility:

Download and install CPU-Z and Upload screenshots of the CPU, Mainboard, Memory, and SPD tabs. In the SPD tab, upload an image of each slot. To upload all screenshots, it would be best to:
  1. generate the images using the Snipping Tool,
  2. go to where the images are saved,
  3. right click in a blank area within the folder where the images are saved,
  4. create a new folder,
  5. name the folder CPUZ,
  6. select all the images,
  7. place the pointer over an image,
  8. press and hold down the left mouse button and drag the image (all images should move with it),
  9. drop the images into the CPUZ directory you created,
  10. create a compressed (zipped) folder of CPUZ
  11. upload the .zip file to the forums.

Run some memory related diagnostics:

Info

If you are overclocking any hardware, please stop.


 
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I would also recommend checking the BIOS event log, if it has one - most processors (and other components too) made within this century have "thermal protection", which means if the CPU gets too hot, it'll "shut off", taking the machine's power with it (for safety reasons). Checking hardware is a good idea, but if your motherboard's BIOS setup has an event log, it's worth checking to see if it's shutting down due to overheating (which usually happens when a CPU fan doesn't spin fast enough, or at all).
 
Shutting off on cold boot and shutting off without warning in general are usually one of two things, a failing power supply or failing motherboard.
The simplest way to troubleshoot is to swap in another power supply to test with(providing of course you have one of the correct size to use).

The CBS file corruption may simply be from it shutting off on a boot while in the update process.
 
Wrench97 said:
Shutting off on cold boot and shutting off without warning in general are usually one of two things, a failing power supply or failing motherboard.
Click to expand...

One other thing I forgot to mention: I have seen motherboard problems cause this when the BIOS is not up to date and/or the system is overclocked to unstable settings. Check for any BIOS updates and clear the CMOS by loading default/optimized settings through the Exit menu in the BIOS. Run everything at stock settings with no changes in settings, i.e. disable any over and/or underclocking done on the system.

Warning

If you proceed with a BIOS flash to update the BIOS, I recommend you get the proper steps from your manual and read all warnings regarding updating the BIOS. Also, NEVER interrupt a BIOS flash, no matter what the reason is.

 
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Wow - thanks for all the feedback guys. Although, since posting this thread I have encountered yet more hiccups.

Primarily, this has to do with my PC now shutting down before it even reaches my desktop, every single time I try to power up. The problem persists in safe mode. On the way to windows, chkdsk also kicks in, but instead of usual checks it tells me it is unable to perfom. I'm typing this from my work PC so understand my communication is very limited at the moment guys, sorry.

Secondly, I today got a call from an Indian guy claiming to be part of windows recovery team or something. He said I sent a report which informed them of my problems and he was switching me to his supervisor who told me to log on etc and to type eventvwr in start. Luckily, I typed that in google first and realised it was a scam. The thing is, during one of my many Startup Repairs performed by my pc, I had actually sent a report to windows - so clearly these hackers have some kind of link to my pc. This got me sh*t scared so I'm calling my bank as a precaution, but got me to thinking about my pc again - is it possible that all my problems are connected to malware? Should I just perform a complete reboot of my pc, which would get rid of any possible mal/spyware along with my files?

Much appreciated all, thank you for the patience and understanding.
J.
 
If you can't get it to boot up and stay on, I'd focus more on the hardware first. Windows not being able to boot usually ends up in a reboot cycle or, more commonly, BSoD behavior. Complete powering off with no warning would be more indicative of hardware failure or problems - the chkdsk is more a symptom of the fact your machine has shut down so often, the filesystem on the disk is likely corrupt.
 
Secondly, I today got a call from an Indian guy claiming to be part of windows recovery team or something. He said I sent a report which informed them of my problems and he was switching me to his supervisor who told me to log on etc and to type eventvwr in start. Luckily, I typed that in google first and realised it was a scam.
Click to expand...

Scam is correct, only a coincidence it happened at this time after sending the normal report.


What Brand and Model PC do you have?
 
Oh crap sorry for the confusion but I've realised I described the issue in the wrong way... it doesn't power off completely, the screen turns off as if my computer is hybernating / restarting but it doesn't actually do anything, so I usually force power off. Programmes that are in use when this happens (for example if I was listening to music on spotify) carry on for maybe 2 seconds then loop or start making highly erratic sounds, similar to high-pitched dubstep at like 600bpm lol.

So so sorry about the :confused2:confusion, I've been haunted by all of this for so long that I don't even think straight.
 
Tap F8 on boot and select safe mode with networking from the list, see if you can run the system while in safe mode without it locking up.(not all features will be available)

Also D/L Memtest+ burn it to a CD using a free program like Imgburn if you need one then boot from the CD to test the ram, let it run for at least 6 passes or until you see an error.
 
Right. First off wrench, yes, the problem persists even in safe mode, do I do what you said using another computer?

Secondly, the pc was built by a friend couple years back. As far as I know the hardware is Asus. Definitely an Asus motherboard :l

I think I tried using another power supply before with the same friend when I had the identical problem but I don't remember if it worked or not :/ I can get in contact with him if its necessary? Although if it was a problem with supply I'd probably have bought a new one to stop this happening again.
Also as far as I know I do not over/underclock.

Hope some of this helps.
J.
 
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You can burn the disk on another PC if you have to, but testing the ram will have to be done on this one.
It'll also be a clue if the Memtest program won't run since the hard drive and operating system will not be involved.
 
Ok I'll give it a try and see what I can do tonight, I'll keep you posted on that.
If I can't manage to download and run without it cutting out, I'll email my friend to do it for me.
But what if even with the cd my pc keep cutting out during memtest is in its work process?

I'll tell you how it goes tonight.
Cheers,
J.
 
That will pretty much tell us it's a hardware issue, then we'll have to figure out what Motherboard model you actually have and check the temps and voltages in the bios on the PC health page to start.
 
Yes, please do so. The sooner you get the CD burnt, the sooner you can determine the problem with the system.
 
Righto, I left memtest to do its thang overnight, during which I have been sick in too so fun times ^.^

Anywho, after waiting the last couple minutes for the final pass (pass 9) I still only received the one error:IMAG0544.jpg

Is this what I was looking for? To be fair, with the amount of problems etc I would've expected more errors than just one :s

J.
 
I too was expecting to see a failing result earlier in the test, however any failure means a problem.

The important thing is the PC ran through the test without shutting down.

Is this a Branded PC or a Custom build?
If branded(DELL, HP etc) what brand and model PC, If a custom build what brand and model Motherboard?

I like to get the temp and voltage readings from the bios knowing what you have will help us to tell you how and where to look.
 

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