Auto shutoff

[El Fangel]

I went through a tedious 2 hour virus scan, which the computer has not been able to complete since like last november without shutting itself off, well all went well, comp is running smooth and fast now...

One slight problem, when I play WoW the comp shuts itself off after a few minutes, and when I turn it back on, I have to switch the monitor cable from port to port as it won't come on right away, usually if I switch from 1 to 2, then back to port 1 again it works fine, it plays movies, music and everything ok, I just don't know what is making it shut off during work, I have all the visual effects at the lowest settings, so that should not be a problem. any help...anyone...ever experience this before

Oh and by the way the scan removed 173 Viruses, Trojans, Adware and Spyware.

[DS]

Don't quote me on this, as it may be completely wrong, but it could (I stress could) be a heating problem. Most likely your video card becoming hot enough to reach the emergency temperature in which the system will turn off in order not to damage any of the hardware.

Videos aren't likely to cause enough stress on your video card as games are going to so that's what made me think of a heating issue related to the video card itself.

[El Fangel]

It could very well be that, It likely needs to be cleaned inside, also I have a fan on my card, but I think what they said before is that the card was over-heating, Ill clean it out and give it another try. Thanks, Ill let you know how it goes.

[El Fangel]

Also is there anyway to change the emergency shutoff temperature?

[DS]

Yes, but it's not recommended. If you want to do it however, you'll have to go change it in your BIOS. When you start your computer it will usually tell you a button to press to load them (mine is DEL for instance) and in there you'll have to navigate through the settings until you find it.

If it is your card, you might be able to find a program that will allow you to change the emergency temperature while in Windows. It's more risky though.

You could try removing the side of your computer as well to get some more airflow through it and see if that makes it any better.

[El Fangel]

Yes, but it's not recommended. If you want to do it however, you'll have to go change it in your BIOS. When you start your computer it will usually tell you a button to press to load them (mine is DEL for instance) and in there you'll have to navigate through the settings until you find it.

If it is your card, you might be able to find a program that will allow you to change the emergency temperature while in Windows. It's more risky though.

You could try removing the side of your computer as well to get some more airflow through it and see if that makes it any better.

I know its not recommended, but If I changed for a bit and it did not shut off, I would know it would be an over-heating problem, In which case I could change it back. Sp when exactly do you go into BIOS? Is that the black screen that would have stuff like "buses" and the such on it.

[DS]

Since it's different for different motherboards, I would suggest googling your computer type along with "BIOS" or "enter BIOS".

[El Fangel]

Ok, I just restarted the computer and nowheres can I find a prompt to enter BIOS, also my computer is custom made, and it does not actually have a type, so I have no clue. Also in Bios mode, I would have no clue what to do anyways

[Triple A]

It is definitely an overheating problem. It has happened to me like 4 different times and each time, it was the power supply overheating. I bought a new one for like 50 bucks and it solved the problem.

[DS]

Ok, I just restarted the computer and nowheres can I find a prompt to enter BIOS, also my computer is custom made, and it does not actually have a type, so I have no clue. Also in Bios mode, I would have no clue what to do anyways
Try using your motherboard name instead of computer type. It should be the very first thing when you start your computer. Try pressing the DEL key over and over just as the computer starts and see if it works.

[Bad Company]

It really could be anything. Buy some cans of compressed air and clean it out, make sure all the fans inside are working. Could be your Video Card overheating, or your CPU.
It could also be your power supply on the way out (likely not overheating as Trips said, prob just dropping voltage). I'd start with cleaning the PC, if that doesn't work, then look at getting a new Power Supply.