Applications shut down, computer shuts off, & other weird things

[BBCMember]

This system, for whatever reason, is having some weird issues.

1. Applications keep shutting down
2. The computer randomly shuts off
3. Computer screen will go black, and the cursor will turn into a larger cursor like the cursor looks like when it is in safe mode, and I won't even be able to move the cursor; the fans also started kicking in when it did this as if it were starting to work really hard (only did this once)

I've scanned for viruses and spyware. It was relatively clean. Then I did a sfc /scannow. Seemed to work for a while, but now it's acting weird again.

Ideas?

I know I have to reinstall the OS, but could it be something else as well?

 

[Atheus]

Specs? Age of system? Does it get regular maintainance?

Also run some tests. Check voltages and temperatures with speedfan and/or coretemp, then run Prime or Orthos to check stability if everything seems ok.

Off the top of my head it could be overheating caused by dust building up over the years, or a failed fan, or it could be some other kind of instability caused by failing hard drive or memory or power supply or anything really.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Using software to measure voltages is a waste of time. It never reads right and it worthless. If heat isn't an issue then i'd say you need to focus on the PSU. But as Atheus said we need to know what is in your system.

For checking the PSu you need to use a DMM and measure the voltages from one of the spare connectors. If the voltage reading is +/-5% or more off the rated voltage then the PSU needs to be replaced.

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: mpilchfamily
Using software to measure voltages is a waste of time. It never reads right and it worthless. If heat isn't an issue then i'd say you need to focus on the PSU. But as Atheus said we need to know what is in your system.

For checking the PSu you need to use a DMM and measure the voltages from one of the spare connectors. If the voltage reading is +/-5% or more off the rated voltage then the PSU needs to be replaced.

You know 99.999% of people have absolutely no idea what a DMM is?

 

[Jest3r]

Digital Multimeter

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: Jest3r


Digital Multimeter

My point is that while mpilchfamily is correct to some extent, normal people don't have access to electrical test gear, so they're left with software. I don't think it would be a waste of time in this case.