Computer Shuts down randomly

[Markverhyden]

Did you compare the log entries prior to the shutdown? Might take a look in msconfig to pare down the services launched at startup. Just leave essential stuff like AV, etc.

 

[PCS]

Any scheduled tasks to shutdown or restart?

as a temp solution, disable shutting down with a tool like don't sleep - http://www.softwareok.com/?Download=DontSleep

 

[ohio_grad_06]

At least in the case I saw, it has been a few years ago, as I tend to stick to single rails now. My facts may be off, I want to say I set that system up in 2011 or 2012. But I believe the PSU in question was a Cooler Master 460 watt, with 2 18 amp rails. I'd built an amd system, I think it was with a phenom ii x6, 1045t or 1055t. No graphics card or anything special, they were older folks. Just the board, cpu, hard drive, dvd drive, etc. I was working on it and it just powered off, which was weird. So when I ran a stress test on the cpu, it shut off again when I was doing that to diagnose. I put a single rail in it and never had another issue, and haven't gotten any calls about it.

However, I've used dual rails since then if I'm in a pinch, but I tend to prefer the single rail units if I can get them quickly.

 

[fincoder]

No graphics card or anything special, they were older folks. Just the board, cpu, hard drive, dvd drive, etc. I was working on it and it just powered off, which was weird. So when I ran a stress test on the cpu, it shut off again

Sounds like it was simply a faulty PSU, nothing to do with the rail configuration.

 

[ohio_grad_06]

Sounds like it was simply a faulty PSU, nothing to do with the rail configuration.

Theoretically possible, but brand new out of the box? Seems like I may have exchanged it for another like it at the time. I get all my parts at the local Microcenter, but your theory is possible.

 

[ClickRight]

Sorry for the delay, I have been waiting for my client to have a slow period so that I could further investigate.

I tested the machine's hardware -- Memory (48 hours, memtest), Motherboard (PC Check) as well as put some extra load on the power supply (2 more hard drives) the machine has been stable as a rock.

This leads me back to software.

Speaking with my client, the shutdown appears to occur at the SAME TIME each night, around 9:03PM. Confirming with my remote support software, ScreenConnect this is most certainly the case.

I have run through all the Scheduled tasks, executing each one of them manually with no adverse affects.

This leads me back to nowhere.... sigh....

 

[Altster]

A long shot here, and it may have already been covered / mentioned....

But some BIOS's have the ability to shut down or restart a computer at a designated time. I cannot recall what setting this is but I recall seeing it in some computer setups (BIOS) setting in the past.

Just a thought.

I once had a Dell desktop that I was using for memory testing only and somehow the system shutdown by itself every day at a given time and it turned out to be a bios setting AND a bad / dead CMOS battery.

 

[ClickRight]

Thanks all! Checked the BIOS, no option for shutdown time there.

I set the time ahead 3 or 4 times yesterday and left the computer in my office on overnight.

Came in this morning and it's still on. Must be something in the client's home office!?

 

[Altster]

Thanks all! Checked the BIOS, no option for shutdown time there.

I set the time ahead 3 or 4 times yesterday and left the computer in my office on overnight.

Came in this morning and it's still on. Must be something in the client's home office!?

There is always a possibility of something on the same power circuit that this unit is connected to that is pulling a great deal of power from. Could be a copier, space heater (they are notorius for doing so), even a furnace. Sounds like it might be a power issue on their end. About the only thing I could thing to add to all of this would be for you to (temporarily) install a UPS on the same outlet as the computer and see if this stops it!

 

[ohio_grad_06]

I've seen before situations like this, where 2-3 users had a a printer, then someone else had a fridge, plus their 2-3 pc's all on one circuit. Whenever the fridge for example would kick on, then they would kick the breaker. You might suggest a UPS unit to the client.

 

[HFultzjr]

Sure sounds like poor power at the location.
A UPS may tell more.
One little "hiccup" in the lines and down she goes.

 

[Kewllll]

I have had bad ram causing a computer to reboot and a bad power supply to suddenly cause the computer to shut down and reboot but never have had one go through the shutdown cycle. Perhaps a prankster setup something in the task scheduler to run shutdown routine, or perhaps the maid is coming in to vacuum and needs the pc outlet and shuts down the pc with a manual shutdown?