Ours shuts down also

[Carole H]

I bought the grands a HP computer in Jan. I found out they
haven't been using it because it completely shuts down
when idle for more than 5 min. and when playing some games
like pinball. I turned off the "hibernation" and I
said "never" to all the questions under "Power Options".
None of this works. It apparently does a graceful shutdown
because when we reboot it comes up ok and not in safe
mode. Any ideas?

[Malke]

Carole H wrote:

> I bought the grands a HP computer in Jan. I found out they
> haven't been using it because it completely shuts down
> when idle for more than 5 min. and when playing some games
> like pinball. I turned off the "hibernation" and I
> said "never" to all the questions under "Power Options".
> None of this works. It apparently does a graceful shutdown
> because when we reboot it comes up ok and not in safe
> mode. Any ideas?

I'm sorry, but this is not enough information for you to get a good
answer. Your post is the equivalent of saying, "it's broken". Your
problems could be caused by either software or hardware. Here are
generic troubleshooting steps for you to take:

A. For software issues - 1) scan with current antivirus ("current" means
a version not later than 2002 but using updated virus definitions); 2)
remove spyware with Spybot Search & Destroy (www.security.kolla.de) and
Ad-aware (www.lavasoftusa.com). Be sure to update these programs before
running, and it is a good idea to do virus/spyware scans in Safe Mode;
3) delete temporary and Temporary Internet Files; 4) stop unnecessary
services/programs from starting with Windows - see www.blackviper.com
for services info and www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_index.htm for
programs info - 5) look in Event Viewer for clues.

B. For hardware issues - 1) open the computer and run it open, cleaning
out all dust bunnies and observing all fans (overheating will cause
system freezing); 2) test the RAM - I like Memtest86 from
www.memtest86.com - let the test run for an extended (like overnight)
period of time - unless errors are seen immediately; 3) test the hard
drive with a diagnostic utility from the mftr.; 4) test the
motherboard. If you can't do this testing yourself, take the machine to
a good local computer repair shop (not a CompUSA or Best Buy type of
store).

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"