Why does my computer shut down without warning?

Question

I have a Toshiba laptop that is about 5 years old. It has always served me well but recently it has begun shutting down without warning of any kind.

I've noticed two things that are different about it's functioning: it seems to be heating up a lot, to the point where, for example, the mousepad can feel pretty hot to the touch. Also, the fan has become increasingly noisy. I've tried leaving it plugged in when it's off and this seems to help prevent the sudden shut downs, which is just more confusing. Does this mean the battery isn't holding it's charge and I need a new one or something of that kind? Do I need a new fan? Wouldn't it give me a warning if it had reached an unsafe temperature?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Answer 1

yes this is a common problem with laptops mine do it all the time your laptop is over heating you have fans all oner your laptop to keep it cool what has happened is these fans have become blocked and need cleaning by opening up your laptop and cleaning them

Answer 2

You have pretty much answered your own question.  It sounds like your computer is overheating.  Laptops utilize a heat exchanger and a small fan to keep them cool.  If the heat exchanger gets full of dust, the fan can not keep the computer cool.  The processor is designed to sprobablythe computer to prevent it from burning out.  The massive amount of dust is probably hitting the fan blades as well (causing the noise).  Cleaning the computer will only solve part of this however.  When a computer overheats to this degree the factory installed thermal compound (a paste put between the processor and heatsink to fill any gaps between the two) has most likely melted leaving air gaps.  It is best to replace this as well.  Good quality thermal compound is available at places like Best Buy or your local computer store.  This process involves dissasembling the computer and removing the fan/heatsink and replacing this compound.  If you are uncomfortable with taking your laptop apart it is best you get a computer technician to do this for you.

Good Luck

Answer 3

The fan is noisy and your computer is overheating.  Doesn't sound like we'll need a bloodhound to find the guilty party here.  Start shopping for a cooling fan.  You'll probably need one designed for your Toshiba, but it may accept a generic one.  

Answer 4

My computer did that to for a while and i bought a cooling pad at office depot $20 could get you a good one.

Answer 5

It is overheating, you'll need to buy a laptop fan, Google search laptop fan and you should find what your looking for.

Answer 6

It is heat. The computer will shut down to protect itself. If it gets too hot, it can damage hardware components. You may need to clean the dust out of the fan. Also make sure the vents are not covered where ever you like to set it.