Windows 7: Windows Seven shutting down frequently

Gbimade · 07 Feb 2011

Please I need help with my Windws 7 operating system
It came originally with a windows Vista which I upgraded to Windows 7.
It operated smoothly for about 2 plus years and then starts shutting down whenever I run a video or memory intensive application.
I have reintalled windows but the problem remains.
My warranty with Gateway is over, they said they cannot help me.
So I will appreciate your kind help here please.
Thanks

metalmania31 · 07 Feb 2011

Sounds like it's overheating. Open up the case and blow out some of that dust. Make all the fans are operating too.

Jonathan_King · 07 Feb 2011

I found this error:

Code:

Event[102]:
  Log Name: System
  Source: ACPI
  Date: 2011-02-07T10:47:08.369
  Event ID: 13
  Task: N/A
  Level: Error
  Opcode: N/A
  Keyword: Classic
  User: N/A
  User Name: N/A
  Computer: PastorGbenga-PC
  Description: 
: The embedded controller (EC) did not respond within the specified timeout period. This may indicate that there is an error in the EC hardware or firmware or that the BIOS is accessing the EC incorrectly. You should check with your computer manufacturer for an upgraded BIOS. In some situations, this error may cause the computer to function incorrectly.

I see your BIOS is fairly old:

Code:

BIOS Version:              Phoenix Technologies LTD 88.07   , 1/16/2008

Install the newer one from here: Downloads & Support Documents - Notebook / C Series / C-142

See if that fixes the problem.

Regarding metalmania31's advice: can you test your temperatures with Speedfan?

SpeedFan - Access temperature sensor in your computer

Gbimade · 08 Feb 2011

Thank you very much. I have updated the BIOS and blew dust out of the laptop but it is still shutting down.
My next plan now is to open it and see how I can clean it further.
Let me also mention that there is a laptop base with cooling fan working under it and yet it cannot even get to rating the the system without shutting down.
The temperature of the CPU: Core 0 - 41C and core 1 - 35C
Is that too hot?
Thanks again

Jonathan_King · 08 Feb 2011

We'll have to run some hardware tests.

Start by testing the RAM with Memtest86; see this guide: RAM - Test with Memtest86+

metalmania31 · 10 Feb 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by Gbimade

Thank you very much. I have updated the BIOS and blew dust out of the laptop but it is still shutting down.
My next plan now is to open it and see how I can clean it further.
Let me also mention that there is a laptop base with cooling fan working under it and yet it cannot even get to rating the the system without shutting down.
The temperature of the CPU: Core 0 - 41C and core 1 - 35C
Is that too hot?
Thanks again

I thought you had a desktop. Yeah than other tests will need to be done for sure. As far as your CPU temps those look normal. What about your GPU(graphics) temp? Memtest86 is good idea too. Are there any event errors in the event viewer? This would be under Administrative Tools->Event Viewer. Also try a Gateway/Laptop forum. Someone with the same model might have had similar issues.

Gbimade · 11 Feb 2011

Thank you so much Metalmania31. I don't know how to test the GPU temp yet. The Memtest86 did not find any problem.
I am trying to use thermal paste to increase the contact with the cooling system in the laptop.
I am more bothered now after reinstalling windows 7 that I could not get the laptop to rate the computer wihout shutting down.
Well, I will report back after I use the thermal paste.
Thanks again to everyone

Gbimade · 11 Feb 2011

Hurray!!! The problem was heat related.
I opened the laptop, cleaned out all the dust and used new thermal paste on the CPU and the system is working perfectly again.
A big thank you to you all your help and insights.
God bless you abundantly

Windows 7: Windows Seven shutting down frequently

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