Computer won't restart after data download to external HD.

[rsr87]

Hi,

Using WinSCP I was performing a large data download to a 1TB external hard drive. I left the computer alone for about 48 hours before returning to check on its progress. When I returned the machine was off and would not restart after several attempts. It's running Startup Repair now. I put the external on a different machine and there are two files installed with random 20 - 30 character names that I cannot access. Maybe these were installed by a Windows update? Unfortunately I do not know much about the computer on which I was running the external, except it's a Dell Precision T7600. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Layback Bear]

I doubt if Windows 7 Updates caused this problem.
I would put my money on WinSCP caused this problem and possibly might have a encrypted key to access the download.

I have never used WinSCP but that is what it smells like to me.

What in the world would one download that takes 48 hours?
The Pony Express was faster than that.

 

[rsr87]

Heh, the 48 hour wait time was just due to logistics. I let Startup Repair run, do nothing, and finish; the computer restarted fine. Those random files disappeared from my external as well, and the partial data that did manage to be downloaded appeared. I'm baffled. I'm not familiar enough with WinSCP either to figure out what could've happened. Could it really shut a computer down? I suppose a power outage is another possibility, as all the other computers in the room were randomly off as well.