Help please. Random shutdowns and won't start up.

Question

It started recently. I have scanned for viruses and spyware, nothing is there. I don't download unneccesary programs. The computer just randomly will shut down and won't start up again unless I unplug the power cord, remove the battery from the laptop and reinsert it. And then it takes awhile to start if it does at all. When I push the power button, the front indicator light will come on and it sounds like it is starting up for about 10 seconds tops and then stops completely. It seems like it is a hardware problem possibly but I don't really know what else to do besides take it to someone and then I worry that I will lose all of pictures and files (I know, I haven't backed up, dumb). Any thoughts, ideas, tips, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

snella · Answer

I had the same problem using my old ASUS laptop. The problem was the power supply. When I was using the adaptor, and at the same time it was recharging the battery, the internal temperature was going up really quickly and hight, so the pc shut down because security internal control. Then, after a while = after the system go back cold, i was able to restart it.
What I did:
recharge the battery when the computer was turned off
then, using only the battery to make a back-up: pictures/files/whatever
give it to someone to repair
Result:
my laptop was not in warranty, and it need a new motherboard. really expensive job, so I decided to buy a new dell

hope this it is not your problem.. good luck

discordadore · Answer

It's an Inspiron 5150. I've never had any problems with it before.

discordadore · Answer

Thanks so much for your help!

ishyjo · Answer

I have a similar problem, except my Inspiron 8600 just won't start after pushing the power button.   After talking to the Dell support, they have advised that I should remove the following items to see if they are at fault.   here's the current status:   Removed the following:   1.  battery (running on AC) 2.  DVD-CDRW 3.  memory (2 DIMMs of 512MB each):  I have removed one DIMM and left the original one in DIMM A, I have also tried to put the other memory in DIMM A as well.   After removing the above mentioned components, I was still unable to power my Inspirion 8600.  Currently, only the power light stays on for approximately 3-4 seconds and nothing happens.   What do you think the problem might be, based on what I have done?  Motherboard?  CPU?  Memory?   Any help the forum members can provide would be greatly appreciated!

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Help please. Random shutdowns and won't start up.

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