why does my compaq unexpectedly shut down?
138546
I'll try to return the favor of answering your q...\n\nI have a couple of decades of hardware experience, and your problem is one of the more difficult to pin down quickly. It's possible you have power supply problems (your electrical system). If the voltage dips "too far" (how far is too far depends on the electrical device) then your Compaq may shut down. Different computers, even different Compaqs, may shut down more, or less easily as the voltage coming from your wall outlet sags below 120 volts. You may, or may not, notice the lights dimming, but it may still be enough to trip the off circuit in your Compaq. If you don't have one yet, spend $40+ and get a battery backup (UPS). It'll help any system last longer, too. I like the APC UPSs.\n\nSecond possibility is that your Compaqs power supply (internal silver box) may be getting flakey. I haven't worked on a Compaq in a long time, but they used to have "custom" (proprietary) power supplies that required going back to them (Compaq) for a replacement (at a premium price). If it's a standard size/shape, then a new power supply is only around $50 to $60 and available at most local PC stores. Not a lot of expense, and easy to replace for even a novice. (Please uplug the system from the wall first, and try not to touch any electronic components inside the computer during your foray into the inner-world of your Compaq.)\n\nIf you still have trouble after confirming your electrical supply is good and your power supply isn't causing the shutdown, it is -slightly- possible you have a bad hard drive or mainboard. Replacing either of these is doable, but not for the non-tech. If you have a spare hard drive, you can just install it (replace your current hard drive) and fire the system up...let it sit...if it runs for a substantial amount of time longer than it usually does, then you -might- have found the problem. \n\nFinally, you may just have a heat problem. Try making sure all the vents (front, side, back) are clean and clear of obstruction. If you feel competent, take the case cover off and blow out the dust inside (but take the system OUTside first!). I've seen systems in relatively clean office environments build up a half-inch of grey fuzzy 'lint' all over the inside in less than a year. Even if this doesn't fix your problem, it'll probably make your system last longer by running cooler. I've seen hard drives that ran as low as 90 degrees F, and as high as 175 degrees F. The lower the better...within reason (less than 120F should be fine).\n\nHope this helps.
822758
go to the Compaq site and download the manual
345635
maybe it has ATX power and it is shutting down automatically.
65936
If you have already checked the battery, what about the AC adapter cna you run it just on the mains, does it shut down. \n\nIf it doesnt shut down, it just may be that the battery is faulty  or even check the power save/optimisation settings.\n\nIf it does shut down then check the following:\n\nLaptop overheating - make sure none of the vents are blocked/clogged up, when in use.\n\nProcessor Overheating - CPU fan may be faulty, so processor starts to overheat and system shuts down to protect the processor.\n\nGet it checked out by a pro, to be safe.\n\nGood Luck\nBattery Wizard
362708
If it is a brand new laptop or if it is under warranty then the easiest solution is to take it back.  \n\nHowever, if you fell it is overheatingcheck to see if all the vents are clear, if not try unblocking them.  Aquick blast of air or vacum cleaner should do the trick.  If still overheating then the CPU cooler fan will be faulty.  Usually when CPU overheats it shuts down.  Not freezes.\n\nFaulty memory seems like a culprit.  Did you change anything  recently? Install software etc??\n\nCheck to see from the Windows Task Manager what processes and programs are running?  Stop unnecessary ones and monitor CPU memory usage.\n\nUse or run Anti Virus program and program like SpyBot or AdAware to see what they report.  whether there are malicious programs running without your knowledge.
271989
perhaps your bios battery discharged.
942152
I had the same problem. Is was an electrical surge from my power source. Caused by  the fan motor in the processor. I had the motor replaced and it is back to normal.
827370
Ok, let's start with the thing it isn't.  It is NOT the battery.  Although that is not to say the battery isn't also bad.  Chances are your A/C Adapter has gone bad and/or the connector inside the laptop(known as the D/C plug) has also gone bad.\n\nYour best bet is to find a local notebook repair shop that can take a look at it and give you a free(or relatively cheap) estimate.  The problem with your description is that there is one major component you've left out...\n\nSoftware.  You'd be surprised, but your o/s could be infected and could actually cause immediate shut-downs.  The question I'd ask is whether or not it shuts down or just IMMEDIATELY shuts off, there is a HUGE difference.  If it shuts down and not off, then it's the o/s and/or software and I HIGHLY recommend taking it into the Geek Squad to have them take a look at it.\n\nIf you have any more information for me I might be able to better evaluate the situation and give you a better answer.  For now, get it looked at by a professional.\n\n-Geek Squad Double Agent...
658159
try clicking altogether ctrl+alt+delete and click shut down. if it's still not working, you have to contact your pc manufacturer
807649
Press the power button for 10 seconds.  That will shut it down hard.   Then restart.   If you have the same problem, trying starting it in safe mode.
78476
There should be a battery inside your computer that powers the BIOS. Try replacing it and see what happens.
756312
I think you computer went into stand-by mode. To disable standby, Go to Start>Control Panel>Power Options.\n\nUnder Power Options properties, set power schemes to 'Always On'. You shouldn't have anymore problem after doing this.
828373
The person who built it probably gave it the wrong heatsink which could overheat the processor and shut it down. Check to see what model heatsink he has and see if its compliant with the processor. Or check if the fan on the heatsink is working.
637814
First: \n\n08/01/2002     It's been a number of months now since Windows XP made its debut. Shutdown problems continue to be one of the primary issues haunting users. A number of solutions have been found for different scenarios, but one thing that is generally agreed on is the primary cause for most shutdown ills still relate to hardware and software compatibility and driver issues. \n\nSecond: \n\nWhen XP is first installed it tries to determine what type of BIOS is available on the computer. Newer systems have what is known as Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) capability. Unfortunately, XP doesn't always recognize a computer BIOS is ACPI capable and doesn't install the support for ACPI. Even more unfortunate is the fact that if ACPI support isn't determined at the initial install it's virtually impossible to correct this at a later time short of reinstalling XP over the top of the previous XP installation. To do so requires changing the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL). The chances of successfully changing a HAL after XP has been installed is pretty close to zilch.\n\nThird:\n\nDevice Manager: Often times Device Manager will provide a clue to an item that may be interfering with a proper shutdown sequence. To open Device Manager:\n\nRight click [My Computer] click [Properties] and select [Hardware] tab.\nClick the [Device Manager] button in the [Device Manager] section.\n\nDevice Manager use a number of different symbols to indicate potential problems with installed devices. As you might expect, Device Manager is closely tied into the drivers that are used to make individual devices functional. A problem with one of these devices or a driver supporting it are often the cause of shutdown problems. Don't assume that just because you checked Device Manager once and all was well that matters will remain that way. Check it from time to time, especially if you notice a sudden change in device behavior.\n\nFourth:\n\nStartup and Recovery Options: By default, XP is configured that when a system failure is encountered the system automatically restarts. This behavior may at times be desirable, especially if a system is unattended and and a reboot is necessary to restore a system to operation. Unfortunately, it also makes it very difficult if not impossible for a user to read the messages that are presented that may provide clues to a shutdown problem. To prevent the system from automatically restarting:\n\nRight click [My Computer] click [Properties] and select [Advanced] tab.\nClick the [Settings] button in the [Startup and Recovery] section.\nRemove the checkmark from [Automatically Restart] in [System Failure] section.\n\nFifth:\n\nIn short, any piece of hardware or software can be the cause of a shutdown problem. In dealing with these issues over the past few months, experience has taught me to check the drivers first. If XP didn't come with a generic driver, perhaps the manufacturer has released a driver specifically for XP. As much trouble as it is, stripping the machine of all devices and reinstalling them one by one while checking for shutdown problems remains the best troubleshooting method.\n\nSixth:\n\nIn short, any piece of hardware or software can be the cause of a shutdown problem. In dealing with these issues over the past few months, experience has taught me to check the drivers first. If XP didn't come with a generic driver, perhaps the manufacturer has released a driver specifically for XP. As much trouble as it is, stripping the machine of all devices and reinstalling them one by one while checking for shutdown problems remains the best troubleshooting method.\n\nFirst link is article from which excerpts were taken...second link is the forum I go to when I am foaming at the mouth. They are arrogant almost to a fault...but know their stuff.
586652
If this is a problem that started out of the blue without you touching any of your settings, chances are there is a problem with either your motherboard, graphics card or processor. I had this same problem and it turned out that my motherboard had burnt out.\n\nI don't know how old your computer is but if it is more than 3 years old, chances are it is burnt out and you will need to replace your base unit.
338432
i dunno about the lock-up thing.. but the shutdown thing MIGHT BE the infamous remote procedure call error (RPC) (that is.. if u r using XP).. It would give a countdown before shutting down the pc. It is becos of a goddamned worm. Try running an antivirus scan to flush out the worm.
894327
Try rebacking everything up again. This time DO NOT touch the power buttons or anything else just let it finish the job at hand...Thanks