PC switching itself off

[mikru]

My desktop pc from PCSpecialist is about 5 months old and recently on three separate occasions has switched itself off after being left unused for a while. When the machine is restarted Windows says that it has recovered from an unexpected shutdown but then everything works normally.

Usually when left unused the machine goes to sleep and a movement of the mouse reawakens it.

I use Norton antivirus and have not altered any settings that I am aware of.

Can anyone suggest reasons/solutions for this unexpected shutdown behaviour?

Mike

[mikru]

Ping - wot no one has any ideas?

[steaky360]

Does it happen every time the computer is left on for extended periods? Also are you just leaving the computer to idle or is it running a program?

I have not experienced anything like that in the past myself, but if there is any more information you can provide about the problem it might help someone diagnose it for you!

[Bad Bob]

That's how my PC problem started.
Now it fires up like a jet engine, coughs, splutters and dies when trying to boot up.
I'm taking it in to Geek Squad to get it looked at, because I really don't know what to do with it and non of my buddies have the answer either

[abdulhamid]

Have you tried calling PCSpecialist? I am sure someone will help troubleshoot the problem with you.

[Noob_Dave]

hmmm had i look could be wrong
This sounds and feels like it could be a standby or hibernation issue - though if either you'd be able to tell right away when you turn the computer back on. If it resumes immediately it went into standby, and if it says "resuming from hibernation" that's pretty clear. Even if hibernation and standby are turned off, for a long time I ran into a problem where they would automagically turn themselves back on.
"Power management is, at its root, a BIOS initiated and managed thing."

Another place to look is the ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) power settings in the BIOS. Power management is, at its root, a BIOS initiated and managed thing. Perhaps turning that functionality off in the BIOS, or at least twiddling with the settings there might affect the issue.

[mikru]

Thanks to everyone for their replies. In answer to the questions raised by various posters:

a) Unexpected shutdown does not seem to always occur after the machine has been left for a while - it appears random.
b) When the shutdown happens no programs are running other than Norton, Outlook and whatever Windows 7 might be doing.
c) I haven't yet spoken with PC Specialist - I have a warranty but thought I'd try the wisdom of the forum first.
d) I'll delve into the power management issue as suggested but I don't think whatever is happening is normal since upon restart Windows 7 reports that it has recovered from an unexpected shutdown.

Mike

[Rakk]

d) I'll delve into the power management issue as suggested but I don't think whatever is happening is normal since upon restart Windows 7 reports that it has recovered from an unexpected shutdown.

Yeah, that doesn't sound normal at all.
But yeah, I'd definitely give PCS a call

[mikru]

I just took a look at Windows System and Security events and found several of these reports:

Problem signature
Problem Event Name: BlueScreen
OS Version: 6.1.7601.2.1.0.768.3
Locale ID: 2057

Extra information about the problem
BCCode: 9f
BCP1: 0000000000000003
BCP2: FFFFFA80070BAA10
BCP3: FFFFF800045773D8
BCP4: FFFFFA800D0A0860
OS Version: 6_1_7601
Service Pack: 1_0
Product: 768_1

Does this mean anything to anyone or shall I simply ask PCSpecialist?

Mike

[Rakk]

Does this mean anything to anyone or shall I simply ask PCSpecialist?

Well, it means you've had some BSOD's but apart from that I dunno, some people may know, but it's probably quicker to give PCS a call