You mentioned Gateway - are you running an eMachine? If so, this is a common problem with eMachines. If you have another computer, most of this information will apply - just search for the specifics of your system.
A computer will shut off randomly for three basic reasons: a faulty power supply, an overheating problem or a bad motherboard. Unfortunately, eMachines are notorious for having all three problems, and it can be difficult to diagnose which issue is causing your problem.
Faulty Power Supply
Newer computers often have power supplies that don’t last all that long, and frequent rebooting is a symptom of this problem. Replacing the power supply is a relatively easy fix and will cost somewhere around $50. You can get a power supply tester for under $20, or have it tested at a repair shop. If you have an eMachine you can find eMachine Power Supply lists by clicking the link.
If you have another computer, look on the manufacturer’s website for their particulars. Replacing the power supply requires opening the machine and replacing the components - if you aren’t comfortable doing this yourself, you should get a tech savvy friend or take it to a local repair shop. Since you are out of warranty, you may want to tackle it yourself. There is a good step-by-step set of directions on Wikihow.
Overheating
Computers have fans inside that keep the temperature low - if they get dirty or dusty or just wear out, the temperature in your computer can cause power and shutdown problems. You can check the temperature by using a freeware download such as Everest or get into the BIOs by starting your machine and immediately pressing DEL. When you see the blue screen, go to Power at the bottom and then to Hardware Monitor. You will see the computer’s temperature listed. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 55 C is probably running hot. If your computer feels hot or you can hear the fan making a loud whirring noise, that could be an indicator that it is overheating. You can try to place it in a cooler location or putting an extra fan on the back, but if it is internal, you’re going to have to get help.
Bad Motherboard
Many eMachines have problems that eventually cause the motherboard to fail. You can get a new compatible motherboard and drop it into your machine, but it is probably something you don’t want to tackle if you are squeamish about opening your machine. Fonerbooks has a good illustrated example of how to remove and replace a motherboard if you want to try it yourself.
DLL Errors
The DLL errors you’re getting probably don’t have anything to do with the shutdown problem. They are remnants of the component file of MyWebSearch that were probably left behind when you cleaned up your machine. You need to uninstall anything related to the program by going to:
- Start, then Settings and then Control Panel. Click on Add/Remove Programs.
- Find MyWebSearch in programs and then click on Change/Remove Programs to uninstall. Uninstall anything that is related to it including MyWay and SmileyCentral.
You can also try a different Adware or SpyBot program and use a registry cleaner such as RegCure.
Since you’ve already tackled the spyware question and restored your system, I think it comes down to one of these three issues. Fix the one that is causing the problem and your shutdown issues should disappear.
Kat Delong | November 9th, 2008
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Thank you Kat! I should have told you that it is a G’way laptop MX3702. I’ve installed Speedfan, have no idea what the temps mean. Example: HDO, Temp 1, Core 0, Core1. The HDO never surpasses 50c, yet the others have been as high as upper 70’s c. Shut downs occur whether it is hot or cool. I’ve noticed that the ‘hot spot’ is where my RAM is. I’m not squeemish at all, have taken it apart before, but will it be o.k. to put off any repairs that cost $ for now? Should I limit my use til I can afford to repair? Thanks Kat for your time & great advice!
Peace & Love,
Jeannie