Wierd Laptop Problems?

[Husk]

As some of you may know from a while back, my laptop kept turning itself off (But this took normal shutdown time, and programs were still up when I rebooted.)

Now, I have the same problem but, It now takes less than 2 seconds to fully shut down and programs aren't restored on startup. (I formatted after having this problem a few times, but it seems to be the computer itself)

I was fine with this, until it shutdown while I was playing my games and I lost a great deal of things 

Also, another concerning thing is that my screen is now dimming to (say 50% less brightness) and then back to normal again, every so often - This started happening during this last shutdown.

Here is the results of speedfan
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/786/fanspeed.th.png

This had raised to 100% several times, I'm not sure if 100.5 is the amount before it shuts down or it's the highest I've reached.


I have not changed anything, All my graphics card settings and on Application settings, or performance mode. I disabled anything I didn't need after formatting comp like games, bloatware. So I'm going to blame the faulty design of the laptop...

Also, one other thing, is there a way to stop windows taking so much memory by itself? I originally had 21gb used with everything i needed, Only downloaded around 30mb of stuff total (Firefox etc.) and I'm now up to 26gb used...

[bob3160]

Is the fan working at all That should be the first thing to check.

[Asyn]

I have not changed anything, All my graphics card settings and on Application settings, or performance mode. I disabled anything I didn't need after formatting comp like games, bloatware. So I'm going to blame the faulty design of the laptop...

maybe an update of the bios would help.
also there could b some newer drivers 4 your components (gc,etc...) that put less load 2 ur system.
asyn

[Hermite15]

check your fan... and replace it, now!!! if you don't want to lose your laptop

[Asyn]

check your fan... and replace it, now!!! if you don't want to lose your laptop

or move 2 alaska and only use ur laptop outdoors in winter...

[sorry... :x]

[sded]

My cores run about 50C on a Toshiba, for comparison.  One other thing you should do ASAP is make an image of your system with something like Free Macrium Reflect.  When things get that hot you may lose your hard drive also because of increased internal temperatures.

[Asyn]

My cores run about 50C on a Toshiba, for comparison.  One other thing you should do ASAP is make an image of your system with something like Free Macrium Reflect.  When things get that hot you may lose your hard drive also because of increased internal temperatures.

shouldn't b a big prob to the hd, since they're usually cased.
but ur absolutely right bout other components.
maybe he better should consult hp support than avast support...

[sded]

I have an older Toshiba computer that heats up like that (design flaw; got $350 back from Toshiba in a class action suit).  I am on my 5th HD in spite of the case (1st one out of warranty).  Now that something else has died, no more problems. 

[Asyn]

I have an older Toshiba computer that heats up like that (design flaw; got $350 back from Toshiba in a class action suit).  I am on my 5th HD in spite of the case (1st one out of warranty).  Now that something else has died, no more problems. 

huh... must have been the old toshiba hellfire
good u got some money back...!
hope u don't drive a toyota, too!!!

[Pedro Hin]

I have looked at this thread, and want to add a couple of points.

1) The dimming screen could be a power cord going bad, or the jack getting loose. Does the screen dim in the same manner when you unplug the charger?

2) Are you certain that your CPU heat sink is free of dust? A quick way to tell is to blow on the vent in the back, and watch for a cloud of dust coming out of the bottom.

[Husk]

Yeh, it was the cord doing that to the screen, I hope it's not fraying   


NEWS! I blew into the back of the laptop and two new icons appeared instantly. The fan also seems to make more of a piercing sound. And it's 15º less hot. 

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/8521/speedfany.jpg

If it still shuts down, It's definitely a computer problem.

Thanks Guys, I'll keep you updated on this thread if problems persist


Umm... Actually when I blow into the fan, it makes a rickety sound like it's choking for a few seconds then returns to normal, is that normal? or is it spinning of the dust being blown into it?

I might delay taking it for repairs. Maybe clean it sometime.

[Asyn]

Maybe clean it sometime.

if blowing helps....
u should definitly thing about cleaning...!

[Pedro Hin]

Yeah, Husk, the blowing thing should only be considered a fact-finding step / temporary fix.

Also, it is best to clean dust when the laptop is off.

If you cannot take the laptop apart: flip the laptop over, blow air in the back, and pick all of the pieces of lint out of the bottom with a bent paperclip or similar.

Beware, there is always a risk of breaking a fan blade, and / or getting a piece of lint caught in the blade.

My HP is a real bugger to get apart, so I make sure I blow mine out about once every 8 weeks or so.

[Husk]

Well I couldn't get the case of the bottom of the laptop to clean it, The screws were too tight.

However, I looked under the laptop at where the fan spins and there was a build up of dust slightly smaller than my pinky fingernail. I spend half an hour digging it out with a staple through a tiny little gap.

I am now at a stable 60-70º when not running games. And I'd say 85º roughly when playing my games

Are they normal temperatures? or still high?

[Asyn]

Well I couldn't get the case of the bottom of the laptop to clean it, The screws were too tight.

Are they normal temperatures? or still high?

still a little high, but should work.
maybe you ask a strong friend 2 help u unscrew for proper cleaning.