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recently had a problem with the laptop intermittently shutting itself down incorrectly/crashing when left unattended for longish periods eg overnight . it's not to do with the power option settings and sometimes happens during the day but never when I'm actually using it. have scanned for virus's malware etc and seems all clear . what could be causing this and how do I go about finding out ? I'm running vista if it helps and have only had the problem for a few weeks .
thanks in advance
Bill
Third-party screen saver?
it's not to do with the power option settings
Are you sure?
have scanned for virus's malware etc
How?
Have you actually checked the disk's ok?
well ..have checked the power settings and it's not set to shut down under any option + when it does it informs me that it had not been shut down correctly.
scanned with MSE/ MalwareBytes/superantispyware/spybot.
no 3rd party screensaver
how do I check if the disc is OK and Ok in what way?
Mine too. No idea why.
What does it do after downloading and installing a windows update? Could be auto restarting (but not coming back up). Have a look in event viewer for anything around the time it happens.
how do I check if the disc is OK and Ok in what way?
Open My Computer, right-click on the disk and choose Properties. Go to Tools, click Check Now, tick the first box but not the second, answer "yes" to the schedule prompt and then reboot.
Have a look in event viewer
+1, good point.
Overheating? Left on for long spells isn't going to help it...
My Toshiba lappy used to do that. Gradually worsened to the point where it would freeze while being used. A fair bit of dicking about clicking buttons didn't solve it but a clean re-install did.
yes it's a Toshiba!
Maybe it's just lonely?
Not enough grease in the PC, just pack more in.
I kinda ruled out heat cos it's doing it when idle rather than in use. I guess a blast of compressed air (from a can, not an air line!) to get the dust out can't hurt.
I had a toshiba that would randomly cut out. Could possibly still be heat - if it's idling but the vents are blocked or all those malware programs are scanning.. 🙂
Double post
I know you said you have checked but are you sure the power profile you are using doesn't include shutting down the PC after a certain period?
Or... it could be the BIOS over-riding any power settings you have in vista. Power management can be forced on in BIOS even though the settings are different in the operating system.