Miscellaneous laptop discussions forum: Spontaneous Powering Off Problem

At one year, it is possible that dust or lint has accomulated or the CPU heatsink has lifted off the CPU.

Have you looked at these 2 areas?

In closing, how about spyware and such. What do you do?

Bob

The heat sink is a metal, finned attachment that sits on top of the processor to dissipate heat. If it becomes detached, it will not cool the processor efficiently and overheating can occur.

Does the laptop run on battery at all? Because if the battery no longer works, then a loose power connection on the motherboard could be a culprit here.

I would let a repair shop handle it. If you're not absolutely sure of what you're doing, I wouldn't monkey around inside the laptop.

To me though that seems like a very odd problem, and you'd probably feel the heat of the processor. For example, after you've been using it awhile, does it get very hot on top or bottom? Feel near the vents on the back and side.

I'd love for this to be a simple software issue for you . . . that would be easy and cheap to fix . . . but heat may be the problem.

It is possible the issue is not thermal related. Google and download/run Mobmeter or speedfan these should both run on your lappy and are free. Pop in a DVD and run the utility to monitor the temps while doing so. If the CPU temp hits 85 C shut the computer off and look to the heatsink/fan assy to be the culprit. Toshibas have also been sent to us and have and do surface RAM slot solder joints, These can cause all of the above symptoms as well as intermittent boot issues, Video problems and such.. These guys know what they are doing but I'm just trying to offer other solutions if the problem is NOT thermal related. Good luck!
ken@ikenfixit.com