Computer Repair

[CO Hugh]

My computer is prone to sudden shutdowns in the last few days. Not even blue screen just off. 7 year old HP desktop.

Any recommendations on anyone to service it near Highlands Ranch. Thanks

[TFOGGER]

Power supply is the likely culprit, followed by the CPU fan. Dunno how mechanically inclined you are, but either one is a relatively easy fix.

[kwando]

Also check the CPU fan and/or heatsinks. If you haven't cleaned it, it prob has a layer of dust.

[CHA-LEE]

7 Year old Computer = Buy a new computer.

[Grant H.]

Gotta agree with CHA-LEE... Especially considering what you can buy for cheap nowadays...

Otherwise,

Does it smell warm/hot before it shuts down?
- It might be harder to smell if you have all the sides on it, so next time it does it, try and get a whiff.

If it smells hot. It will likely be the power supply.
If not, check that all the fans run, especially the processor fan.

[Brian]

Smart advice here.

First, I'd get a can of compressed air and blow that sucker out, especially CPU can case fans, etc. You probably have a heat issue caused by dust buildup, and it's likely a fan going bad. While you could repair/replace it, it's probably not worth it.
But start shopping for a new computer. You can get a pretty cheap computer now that will be tons faster and more reliable compared to what you have.

[Delfuego]

7 Year old Computer = Buy a new computer.Backup your stuff and save to another hard disk. Then please buy a new machine. It will get way, way, way more expensive if it dies with your data on it...

[CO Hugh]

[QUOTE=Delfuego;1891684]Backup your stuff and save to another hard disk. Then please buy a new machine. It will get way, way, way more expensive if it dies with your data on it...[/QUOTE

Thanks everyone, I used air to clean it and bought a new one. There went the budget for a range finder.

[Delfuego]

Good call, sucks about the range finder. Make sure you still have a good backup via USB drive or something else. Even brand new computers can fail. Make sure your data in in at least 2 places.

[thedave1164]

Good call, sucks about the range finder. Make sure you still have a good backup via USB drive or something else. Even brand new computers can fail. Make sure your data in in at least 2 places.

This, I don't considered it backed up if I don't have three different ways of restoring it.