Beginning 3 days ago, I have been having a weird, and escalating problem with my computer. It is (seemingly) randomly shutting itself off.
(07/24/07)
The problem first ocurred 4 days ago, when I installed LogonStudio, because I wanted my login to match the rest of my Windows visuals. When I rebooted my computer to test the theme, It got so far as the Windows loading screen, and was JUST about to display the Login screen, when my computer shut down.
I must note that when my computer shuts down, it does not undergo the regular shutdown procedure; rather, it abruptly ceases to function, as if the power were switched off.
After a couple of attempts to start up with the new login theme, I came to the conclusion that the program had buggered something up, and that I should remove it. I loaded Windows in safe mode successfully, reverted to the default startup screen, and uninstalled the program. My computer seemed, for the time being, to have been fixed.
(07/25/07)
Yesterday, I received a new printer (Brother DCP 7020), read the manual, and proceeded to connect it to my machine. When I got the the part where I was to insert the CD and install the drivers, my computer shut down midway through the install. This was when I began to suspect a faulty power supply. After 5 or 6 attempts, my computer finally made it through the driver install, and my printer was up and going. Then, because it was late, I went to bed.
(07/26/07)
I run a heavy metal playlist on schedule as an alarm clock. When I was not awakened at 10 this morning, I knew that something was up. My computer had randomly turned off in the night. I ruled out a power outage because my stereo was still on. My computer booted normally, and ran fine for the rest of the day; a feat considering that the ambient temperature in my bedroom during the summer is typically above 85*F (30*C). It really began to act up tonight, once my room was cooled off.
The first shutdown ocurred while I was playing World of Warcraft. My bedroom was still pretty warm, so I opened up my case and set a pretty high-volume fan up on full speed. NVMonitor revealed my temperatures to be as follows: CPU: 34*C (93*F) SYS:31 (88*F) GPU: 42 (108*F). I was a little concerned about my GPU temperature, but restarted WoW and continued gameplay. My computer shut off after about 10 minutes. This must have cycled for about 5 or 6 times. Then, when I attempted to restart my computer, it shut off right before the Login screen, as the problem had been to begin with. My attempts to restart my computer have been less than successful, and it now shuts down even before I can access my BIOS options, often lasting less than 10 seconds.
I am not savvy about these things. My areas of expertise are more towards writing macros for WoW, video editing, and a bit of HTML on the side. I have only changed my registry settings once, and I had illustrated step-by-step instructions. I have never overclocked any component of my computer. I have only updated my BIOS once (a month ago), but I doubt that my PC would stay on long enough for me to complete one. I ran Spybot S&D today, and Avast antivirus, nothing was found. I have tried changing which wall outlet I was using, and I have tried with and without a UPS. When my computer was working, I checked my voltages, and they were all within 5% of their manufacturer's specifications. The only clue I have is that in BIOS, my CHA1 Fan's RPM is 0. Could it be that my PSU is overheating due to a dead fan, perhaps it is dead, or...worse? Some help would be greatly appreciated, but please bear in mind that I am inexperienced with regard to tinkering with any of the things that could make my PC die. If I am going to have to play with CMOS, POST, FSB, or anything like that, it would help a great deal to provide step-by-step instructions.
