Computer Keeps Dying On Me

[addicktz]

Hi guys,

I'm having some trouble with my notebook of about 3 years.

I recently reformatted my notebook with the recovery disc that was provided

And after I've installed all the drivers and programs that I usually use,

I've found that the computer keeps dying on me

It doesn't shut down but it gives this message like

ATM CONNECTION

A cable is loose (or something to that effect)

then everything goes off

I've tried to look for information on the net about this ATM connection thing

but I've only drawn more blanks

As of now, I use mainly Opera for browsing, Azureus for downloading stuff.

Situations I've encountered when the notebook dies on me

1. watching videos

2. attempting to burn an image with Nero

3. browsing Xtube

I realise that sometimes it does happen when I'm multitasking with multiple programs

mostly it's azureus, opera and messenger

So I'm wondering whether this problem can be fixed with a simple patch?

Or do I need to send my notebook in for servicing?

Or is this the end of my notebook?

Really appreciate any help I can get on this.

Thanks.

[IkuTube]

01. Give us your specs + OS.

02. Check your Device Manager. Make sure there's no yellow question mark especially on Network Adapters.

03. Have you done Windows Update?

04.

then everything goes off

Does it reboot? Is there blue screen of death? Or the notebook just shut off?

[addicktz]

Thank IkuTube for your reply.

I'm not that IT savy but I'll do my best to answer your questions.

1. OS is Windows XP Home Edition, 80GB HDD, 512 RAM and i don't know what else

It's a HP notebook DV1012ap

2. Checked Device Manager and all looks okay

3. Yes, I kept checking Windows Update because I thought I was missing a patch but everything is installed

4. It just dies. No reboot, not even a shut down. No blue screen of death too. Just shuts off.

And on another note, while I was trying to install the OS, the same thing happened

The com kept dying on me.

Is there an explanation why?

Once again, thank you so much IkuTube!

[SunDevil]

Addicktz,

You've got a really gnarly problem there.

In order for us to provide further help, can you please let us know the exact error message that's flashing on your screen before your computer shuts off?

I still can't figure out how a loose atm connection will shut your computer off just like that.

Meanwhile, just take a deep breath and relax. It's only a machine...that no man can't fix.

[DirtyOldMan]

Thank IkuTube for your reply.

I'm not that IT savy but I'll do my best to answer your questions.

1. OS is Windows XP Home Edition, 80GB HDD, 512 RAM and i don't know what else

It's a HP notebook DV1012ap

2. Checked Device Manager and all looks okay

3. Yes, I kept checking Windows Update because I thought I was missing a patch but everything is installed

4. It just dies. No reboot, not even a shut down. No blue screen of death too. Just shuts off.

And on another note, while I was trying to install the OS, the same thing happened

The com kept dying on me.

Is there an explanation why?

Once again, thank you so much IkuTube!

It may be a hardware problem. Try to reboot it using safe mood and see if it gets shut down by itself. Call the maker and see if they can help. You need to backup all data now.

[IkuTube]

Few scenarios:

01. Overheating

Based on these problems:

Situations I've encountered when the notebook dies on me

1. watching videos

2. attempting to burn an image with Nero

3. browsing Xtube

I realise that sometimes it does happen when I'm multitasking with multiple programs

mostly it's azureus, opera and messenger

a. Try open the laptop case. Access the CPU fan and heatsink and clean them.

b. Ventilate your laptop when using.

02. Bad Installation

And on another note, while I was trying to install the OS, the same thing happened

The com kept dying on me.

Is there an explanation why?

Did you install clean? Or continue the installation after reboot?

a. Suggest you try reinstalling OS.

03. Bad DC-in power jack connection to the system board

- Try wiggling the power cord/AC adapter and see if there's flickering Power LED.

04. Possible Harddisk failure

Is your hard disk giving you any 'funny' sound? Does window/program load get slower?

- If yes, start backing your data.

As indicated by SunDevil, do let us know the exact error message.

[addicktz]

Hi guys,

sorry for the late reply but been busy lately. So anyway, I finally managed to see the error message.

It's a small balloon that pops up on the bottom right corner of the screen and it says

ATM CONNECTION

A cable is unplugged

But, nothing is unplugged. I didn't even touch anything else besides the mousepad and keyboard!

IkuTube, as for opening the casing, I seriously have no idea how to do it.

And what do you mean by installing clean?

I basically tried and tried until I finished the whole installation in one go.

If that's what you meant.

Power connection

This is a good one.

Sometimes my jack is in and I don't see the power light on.

But when I plug out the jack the monitor gets brighter, which is how I know it's on battery.

So I'm really not sure about this.

Also, I doubt I can handle this on my own.

This seems too nasty for me.

If I should send in my notebook for servicing, roughly how long will it take?

And what about estimated costs?

Cos if it's gonna cost me a few hundred, then I might as well get a new PC.

Excuse me for asking these questions but I really have no idea about these things.

So thanks again for any help rendered.

Cheers!

[IkuTube]

ATM CONNECTION

A cable is unplugged

But, nothing is unplugged. I didn't even touch anything else besides the mousepad and keyboard!

I suspect it is a faulty power cord/AC adapter connection to the system board, probably the LAN connection.

And what do you mean by installing clean?

Clean installation means you start from the beginning to the end without any hiccups in between. Eg, when a system fails intermittently during installation, some files might not be installed correctly. Hence, the OS is corrupted even the system can operate.

Also, I doubt I can handle this on my own.

This seems too nasty for me.

If I should send in my notebook for servicing, roughly how long will it take?

And what about estimated costs?

Cos if it's gonna cost me a few hundred, then I might as well get a new PC.

Though it is quite a simple job to open up the casing and check, it may not be the case for some. If your notebook is under warranty/extended warranty, opening the case will void it.

Meanwhile, go to HP homepage -http://welcome.hp.com/country/sg/en/support.html?pageDisplay=support and on the right, click on 'Automatically check to see if your drivers needs updating'. You must have an internet connection when doing this task.

I am not sure how long it will take to service nor the costs. It will be good if you are to call their customer service and check them.