Computer Conundrum

[Beprepared]

I have a notebook (windows xp) that powers down after 15 min. I scanned for virus's and replaced the thermal compound. Any Ideas would be appreciated.

Much Thanks

[zteknik]

try giving Byte Stryke a pm
he's a wiz at this sorta stuff

[DSB OUTDOORS]

try giving Byte Stryke a pm
he's a wiz at this sorta stuff

^^^^ 2nd that. Some times if your battery is old and weak they will shut down like that too!!

[gnihcraes]

1. Does it run without the battery? (if so, battery is dead or shorting out)
2. AC adapter could be going out or not working properly. I have people do this at work, they run and run on battery not knowing the power pack or outlet isn't working, they have been running on battery for hours and it eventually just shuts down on them.
3. Could be a short in the cord of the power pack, you think its working, but it might not be depending on if the cord is touched or moved.
4. Hard drive might be over heating. Does the laptop seem to run ok or is it acting slow? Laptop drives tend to go bad more frequently than desktop drives due to size, heat and space inside those laptops. If the drive is failing and working extra hard to read the data, it builds up more heat and will shut down.
5. Is the laptop sitting on a docking station or stand alone?
6. Is the laptop on your lap sitting on something soft like pants or blanket that will be blocking the cooling ports on the side or bottom of the unit, causing excess heat build up.

what brand of laptop?

[Beprepared]

Thanks for all the quick responses.
It has a mobile processor, but always run hot. It was built by a small local shop.
Haven't given the battery too much thought but makes sense. It is old(3.5yrs) and now just left plugged in. The notebook sits on a desk and seems to be running ok until shutdown.
I'll try a few things.

Thanks again folks

[Zundfolge]

might double check the energy saving settings and see if you have them set all "Turbo Al Gore".

Also does the machine power down after 15 minutes while plugged in or just on battery?