Laptop random shut down problem

footman · 20 Mar 2010 at 10:31

My son has a Vaio about a year old. It has started randomly turning off, usually before it even loads Windows.

It is totally random, sometimes turning off at the splash, sometimes even reaching desktop. Usually I hear a click at the point of turn off but not 100% of the time.

This happens whatever power source is selected. Be grateful for any ideas.

FluffySheep · 20 Mar 2010 at 12:38

First question is it overheating? Do the cooling fans spin to high speed? Are the cooling fins jamed with dust?

Probably not the answer, but an easy fix if it is

Fluffy

footman · 20 Mar 2010 at 12:55

I've sprayed every available orifice with an Aero duster! ATM its running memtest on an external floppy, been running 90 minutes and its passed 1 test.

footman · 20 Mar 2010 at 17:56

I seem to have solved it. I ran memtest for 2 hours and it passed OK.
When I booted back into Windows it was stable until I put back the battery.
Removing the battery and running it from the mains seems to be OK so I conclude the battery needs replacing.

Although why it played up initially without the battery will remain a mystery. Its been running prime95 for a hour now.