[Randyflycaster]

I have a three-year old Compag laptop. It sometimes shuts down, usually when I try to remove spyware or use disk cleaner and try to remove files. I am convinced this is not an overheating problem. I sometimes get a runtime error notice and my browser closes.
I bought and ran a ParetLogic program to fix problems, but again my computer shut down. I have 512K ram.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Randy

[mphenterprises]

Randyflycaster said:

I am convinced this is not an overheating problem. I sometimes get a runtime error notice and my browser closes.

>

Hi Randy and welcome to PCWorld. :-)




Can you please explain why you feel this is not an overheating problem? Random shut downs and freezing can be attributed to either a lack of power or a lack of system resources.

- What are the exact specifications of your computer? You have provided the memory; however, the full laptop specifications are needed to troubleshoot this issue.

- Does the computer completely shut down or just freezes?

- When you get the Runtime error, does the system freeze up, shut down, or does the error message only effect the browser?

- What browser do you use? Also, are you using the latest version of this browser?

- Do you use your laptop on a smooth surface or on something like a carpeted floor or bed?

- When was the last time you used compressed air to clean the vents of your laptop?

- What security applications do you use and what were the results of your latest scans?


There are more questions but answer these and we can proceed from there.

[Randyflycaster]

Sometimes it seems to freeze for a second, then shuts down. I'm using my laptop on a formica desk. I have the computer raised for better ventilation. I haven't used compressed air, but I vacummed the vents.

I guess I'm using the latest version of Internet Explorer. I have Windows XP. I'm not using a battery. I know I'm not having any power outages because my desk lamp doesn't go out.

I'm not sure what specs you need. It's a Presario and it's about three years old

When I get the runtime error it says the program must shut down, then asks if I want to send a report to Microsoft. Finally, the browser closes, but I can reopen it.

The Paretlogic program apparently fixed over five hundred errors. I also ran a virus scan and a MS system check. I can't run my spyware or use disk cleanup with the computer shutting down.

[mphenterprises]

Just because your desktop lamp doesn't go out doesn't mean your laptop is not overheating. One could have nothing to do with the other. At this point, your problem could be as simple as a faulty power cord. Let's try and focus in on what your problem may be:

- Now, the statement regarding your battery is a bit ambiguous. Do you mean that you do not have a battery installed in your laptop or you use your laptop via the power cord at all times?

- Can you please tell us your laptop's model number? We can decipher your laptop's original specifications from there.

- Additionally, please follow these steps and post your computer's current specifications:

# Right Click on My Computer and select Properties
# Please post everything you see under the General tab

- The browser situation could be unrelated to this issue; however, please open Internet Explorer -> Click on Help and select About Internet Explorer. This will tell you what version of Internet Explorer you have.

- Regarding your current security, the only application that I can see from ParetoLogic is ParetoLogic Anti-Spyware. Please click on the hyperlink and let us know if this is the application you installed.

- Additionally, if this is the only security you have on your computer, you are extremely under-protected and susceptible to any virus and other malicious file. At the very least, your default Windows Firewall should be enable. Also, make sure you have the latest Security Updates installed from Microsoft.

- Until the next time we hear from you, please download and install the following security applications:

Zone Alarm Firewall

AVG Anti-Virus

Super Anti-Spyware



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

I forgot to mention, it may be best to run all scans within Safe Mode. If you are not sure how to enter Safe Mode, follow the steps laid out within this Document.



- Finally, check your Processes often. Check for high CPU Usage and an abnormal amout of current Processes for your computer. To do this, open the Task Manager (CtrlAltDelete) -> Click on the Processes tab and look at the bottom of the window. The total number of Processes will be listed in the lower left corner and the CPU Usage is located in the center. Please post those figures as well.

[Flashorn]

Hey MPH! The program he is most likely talking about is "RegCure" . When I bought XoftSpy from Paretologic, That App. came free with it. I do not trust it. I had it scan my PC and it came up with a ridiculous amount of entries it wanted to repair or delete. Just thought you might want to know.



FLASHORN.

[mphenterprises]

Hi Flash. Thanks for that. I figured it may be a registry application but I wasn't sure.

[Randyflycaster]

Thanks so, so much for all your help. It means a lot to me.

I don't have the battery in my computer. The Compaq Presario model is:M2010US.

The number on the bottom of the Process tab is 51.

I downloaded RegCure.

Randy

[Randyflycaster]

In safe mode I tried to run my spybot program, but again my computer shut down.

Randy

[mphenterprises]

With Pleasure, Randy. :D Anything we can do to help you solve this situation is why this forum is here. There are several pieces of information that we still need from you; however, the information you have provided so far is great.

The specifications of your laptop are available by clicking the hyperlink. There is some very interesting information listed within it:

- Your computer originally came with 256MBs of memory. So at some point, someone installed another 256MBs memory chip. Depending on the specifications of that memory chip, it may be hindering your computer from performing at its peak. Additionally, even though Windows XP is not a power hungry Operating System, running it on less than a GB of memory is not a good idea, especially when fighting random shut downs.

Since your laptop has a maximum memory capacity of 1GB, it may be best to get the maximum of two (2) 512MB memory chips. Here is a list of 13 memory chips that are compatible with your laptop.

- Norton Anti-Virus came preinstalled on this laptop. Now, whether or not you still use this application, Norton is a resource hog. Your computer is running on minimal resources as it is. Norton is draining your computer. If you do not have a paid subscription at this time, I would strongly suggest removing Norton in place of the applications suggested in the previous post. The only way to fully remove Norton from your computer is to use the Norton Removal Tool available by clicking this link. Once removed, please download, install, and run the applications suggested and make sure you run them in Safe Mode.




Additionally, we still need to know the version of Internet Explorer that you have as well as the CPU Usage. These both may become non-factors from the information we have found some far. So at this point, please follow the suggestions presented and provide the remaining information needed and I think we may have something here. :D

[Randyflycaster]

I add another 256 chip. I'm not sure if my computer can take another chip.

I installed Zone, but it blocked my email.

Randy

[Randyflycaster]

BTW, my presario model is M2000 series.

[mphenterprises]

Hi Randy. We have already established that your computer can hold up to two (2) 512MB memory chips for a total of 1GB of memory. There are a lot of suggestions presented to you. Before you install anything:

- make sure you remove Norton with the Removal Tool

- make sure you install and run those applications within Safe Mode. The fact that Zone Alarm blocked your email is just a setting issue. You do not have to use Zone Alarm if you do not want to use it. If you are not going to use Zone Alarm, make sure the default Windows Firewall is enabled.

- if your computer currently has one (1) 512MB memory chip, installing a 256MB chip will not bring your laptop to 1GB of total memory. There is a list of all compatible memory chips. Please make sure you bring your computer up to a full 1GB of memory

[Randyflycaster]

I just ordered two memory chips. Also my email is now working

fine. I might need some help, however, putting in the chips. Please

don't laugh.

Again, thanks so, so much. I really appreciate your help. I can't tell

you how much it means to me. I just wish I could reciprocate in some way.

Randy

[mphenterprises]

:D The joy of helping others is what I do. Besides, I do this for a living so my reciprocation comes from my clients everyday. :D




The unfortunate part of installing memory into a laptop is that it is not quite as easy as installing it within a desktop. However, it is still very easy. Now, if you have any concern at all about opening your laptop and installing that memory, I would take it to a local computer technician in your area. Don't go to retail places like Best Buy or something like that. You will be charged a whole lot more than necessary. Once you get the memory installed, you should see a noticeable difference. If you do not, we can proceed from there.

What I can ask you to do is just Pay It Forward. Do something good for someone else just for the sake of it. It doesn't even have to be anything big. Just help someone in a way that they may not expect it. :D

If you need anything else, please feel free to ask.

[Randyflycaster]

I will take it to a technician, and I will Pay It Forward.

Thanks again,

Randy

[Randyflycaster]

Well, I upgraded my ram to 1G, but the computer still shut down when I

ran particular programs. The technician who put in the memory suspected

and overheating problem, and said the cheapest solution might be to buy

a cooling pad, which I did. So far so good.

Randy

[mphenterprises]

Hi Randy. Good job solving your shut down problem. The cooling pad was the next option we could have approached. If you can, please post the model number of the cooling pad so we can recommend that to other Compaq/HP laptop users.

[Randyflycaster]

I bought a Zalman Notebook Cooler: ZM-NC1000. I have a 15" inch screen. I don't if this

particular model is big enough for laptops with a 17" inch screen.

Randy

[mphenterprises]

Not a problem. That is a good start. Thank you. If you have any additional questions, please post and let us know. :-)