urgent help needed PC closing down

[wendyl]

Since last evening my PC is closing down after only a few minutes use the screen goes black with powersaving message countdown and then completely black reboots OK but same thing happened twice last night and againn this am can anyone suggest what the problem is while I wait for my local 'helpline' to get back to mmany thanks

[vehelpfulguy]

If it is a few years old, or you live in dusty environment (decorating maybe) it could be the fans are full of dust and the computer is overheating.

When a computer gets too hot it often behaves erratically.

If you feel confident enough remove the side of the PC case and CAREFULLY blow out any dust or dirt with a hair drier (outside maybe).

Also GENTLY remove any dust from the PC fans and blow out that dust.

DO NOT USE METAL, maybe a plastic drinking straw, piece of wood etc.

The inside of a PC can get very dusty, like this

http://www.computerforce.com/images/gallery/Du st%20Magnets/DCP02088.JPG

[loukr]

It sounds like you might have some kind of virus attacking your computer, I'm no expert but it's possible and better to get your computer checked out properly by a professional before it geets any worse.

[wendyl]

Thanks all of you for your advice hope you're right about dust being the problem - it was a bit dusty around it but I am not sure that I am confident about hoovering inside will hang on a bit longer for my local expert

My AVG is fully up to date so hopefully I should not panic about a virus at this stage

[ykkp]

Under no circumstances put a hoover anywhere near the insides of your pc!!! That has a high risk of damage no matter how careful you are.
Instead, goto your local computer store and get a can of compressed air! This is much safer, unfortunately, also more expensive.