i got this problem, you see my computer is shutting down without any warning (got a laptop) and i wonder if it culd be the fan... plzz helps

The obvious question - is the fan running? Next, be more specific about what happens. By shutdown, do you mean suddenly the power is off? Or does Windows go into its "Shutdown Process"?

When does it shutdown? In the first few minutes of use, or only after it has warmed up?

Does it do it when just surfing the net, or are you doing something specific, like playing a demanding 3D animated game?

There are many causes of sudden shutdowns. Certainly heat is a common cause. Besides checking to make sure your fan(s) are spinning, make sure all vents and openings are free of dust and dirt. Sadly, laptops are not very user friendly when it comes to routine maintenance - such as cleaning.

Make sure you system is free of malware.

Failing RAM can cause this, as well as a failing motherboard, CPU, power supply.

How old is this laptop?

Originally Posted by Digerati

The obvious question - is the fan running? Next, be more specific about what happens. By shutdown, do you mean suddenly the power is off? Or does Windows go into its "Shutdown Process"?

When does it shutdown? In the first few minutes of use, or only after it has warmed up?

Does it do it when just surfing the net, or are you doing something specific, like playing a demanding 3D animated game?

There are many causes of sudden shutdowns. Certainly heat is a common cause. Besides checking to make sure your fan(s) are spinning, make sure all vents and openings are free of dust and dirt. Sadly, laptops are not very user friendly when it comes to routine maintenance - such as cleaning.

Make sure you system is free of malware.

Failing RAM can cause this, as well as a failing motherboard, CPU, power supply.

How old is this laptop?

well the fan IS running, the lp is just shutting down(like if you turned of the poer to a normal pc), well normally not wen im browsing the net only wen im playing games or uses hi demand programs. I dont got any crap on it i got 1gb ram and theres not any problems with the computer(wath i know using system checking progs) and the lp is only 2 years....

It certainly sounds heat related - I suggest you take a vacuum to the keyboard and all openings and bays and try to remove any dust build up. Some disassembly may gain greater access to dust - consider taking to a shop if not comfortable with that.

To test your RAM, I recommend MemTest86+. Select Download - Pre-Compiled package for Floppy (DOS - Win). Unzip the file to a convenient location, insert a formatted floppy disk in the floppy drive, double-click on install.bat to install. Then, with the floppy in the drive, reboot the computer. The computer should boot to the floppy and start testing your RAM. Let it run for several passes or even overnight. You should have no reported errors. A CD version is available. An excellent how-to guide is available here.

It is important to ensure your system is clean of malware - You might try running through the CastleCops MRP - or run through my canned text below - it's less pretty, less detailed, just as effective IMO, but some find it easier to follow.

Important Note: For all of the following suggested programs, use each application's "update" feature to ensure you have installed the latest signature/definition files. This is necessary even if you just downloaded the most recent version of the application. Also, please be aware that some of the software is free to home and non-commercial use only. Be sure to read the EULAs before using.

Make sure you do not use more than one of the same type program "in memory" (also known as "in resident", "in memory", "real-time", "auto-protect" or "active scanning") at the same time to avoid conflicts. That is, have only one firewall, one anti-virus, one anti-spyware, and one anti-Trojan program running at any time.

• Delete Temporary Files - before scanning to rid system of thousands of temporary files. This action often significantly reduces scanning times and may clear out files that are corrupt or are infected with malware. Deleting cookies as well ensures all "tracking cookies" are removed too. Note that deleting cookies will force the manual entry of user names and passwords for sites requiring them on your next visit, so make sure you know them.
  
  I recommend CCleaner. During installation, uncheck the option to install the Yahoo toolbar. Before first use, check Options > Settings and ensure Only delete files in Windows Temp folders older than 48 hours is unchecked.
  
  To delete temporary files directly from the browser without using CCleaner, do the following:
  • Internet Explorer 7
    • Click on Tools > Delete Browsing History...,
      Click the Delete all... button,
      Check Also delete files and settings stored by add-ons.
      Click Yes.
    Internet Explorer 6 or earlier
    • Go to Tools > Internet Options> select the General tab,
      Click the Delete Cookies button, then OK,
      Click the Delete Files button, ensure Delete all offline content is checked, then OK.
    Mozilla Firefox
    • Go to Tools > Options,
      Click the Privacy button,
      Click the Clear All button,
      Click Clear All Information.

• Scan for Spyware - No one anti-spyware program gets them all. Therefore, it is necessary to use an arsenal of tools. Past controversy over some anti-spyware makers' decisions to delist known spyware emphasizes the need to attack on different fronts. I recommend you download, install, and use the latest versions of both of the following:
  • SpyBot Search and Destroy - Do not install TeaTimer
    
    AdAware SE
    
    If you don’t have a current real-time scanner, get one NOW!. I use and recommend Microsoft Windows Defender, a decent and free "real-time" anti-spyware scanner.
    
    Alternatively, AVG Anti-Spyware (formally "ewido") is proving to be an able product, plus it includes ewido's anti-Trojan scanner.
    
    There are many good anti-spyware alternatives - there are more malicious fakes! Beware! Ensure any anti-spyware under consideration is not listed on the Spyware Warrior List of Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites before thinking about downloading.

• Scan for Trojans - As in the fight against spyware, it is best to hit Trojans with a variety of weapons.
  
  • Trojan Hunter (30-day trial version) - skip if using AVG Anti-Spyware/ewido from above
    
    CWShredder (stand-alone version) checks for and cleans all known CoolWebSearch variants

• Scan for Viruses and Worms - Assuming you have an anti-virus program, download the latest signature files and perform a thorough scan. If you don't have an anti-virus program, get one NOW!, update the signature file, and perform a thorough scan. AVG Free is excellent. I keep one running in "auto-protect" mode, and another for "on-demand" scanning. Remember to disable the running scanner before scanning with the "on-demand" scanner.
  
  Scan with one or both (in turn) of these free on-line virus scanners as a double or even triple check. Some very malicious malware have been known to disable PC based AV scanners. These on-line scanners help compensate for that. Temporarily disable your real-time AV scanner first.
  • Trend Micro HouseCall
    or
    PandaSoft ActiveScan

• Scan for Rootkits - Rootkit is a term originating in the UNIX world to describe a set of "stealthy" tools used to obtain and/or maintain root access. A person with "root" access can do anything. Windows rootkits gain access by exploiting known vulnerabilities on un-patched systems, then use that access to install a "backdoor" to maintain that access to your system. Use one of the following:
  
  • AVG Anti-Rootkit ßeta is proving to be very good and easy to use
    
    RootkitRevealer

• Firewalls - If you are not using a software based firewall, get one of these NOW!
  
  • ZoneAlarm is a favorite
    or
    Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall
    
    Important Note - XP SP2's Windows Firewall: Windows Firewall ( known as Internet Connection Firewall, or ICF, in SP1) is woefully inadequate and should be replaced immediately. It only blocks unauthorized incoming access attempts. ZoneAlarm and Kerio block both incoming and outgoing unauthorized access attempts, thus preventing Trojans, keyloggers, and other spyware from "phoning home" with your personal information. Do not use more than one software based firewall.
    
    Important Note - Routers and Firewalls: If you have a router you still need a software based firewall on each system on your network. This is true even if it is a network of just one computer. If you are not using a router, you should, especially if you are using broadband (cable or DSL high-speed Internet). Ensure your router uses NAT (Network Address Translation). NAT is a very effective security feature that provides hardware firewall type features. There are several offerings for under $50.00USD. Some offer dial-up support, and some include a print server for network printing. Using a router also allows you to disable printer and Internet connection sharing.

Remember to re-enable any real-time scanning disabled during these scans when done.

I know that is a lot but this is what it takes to get and keep your systems clean and running at full performance. I recommend all scanners be scheduled to update, then scan daily - mine run in the middle of the night. It is an important part of Practicing Safe Computing to also set up a routine to regularly scan your system(s) manually. Weekly is appropriate.

When done with the above scans, post back with how you are doing.
*****

Originally Posted by Digerati

It certainly sounds heat related - I suggest you take a vacuum to the keyboard and all openings and bays and try to remove any dust build up. Some disassembly may gain greater access to dust - consider taking to a shop if not comfortable with that.

this creates static, which can damage components. Be careful when doing this

Good point. Dust particles and air molecules banging against the vacuum nozzle as they go zipping past can create static build up, especially if the air is dry. I keep my finger tip near the nozzle end and touch ground (Earth) before reaching in - not easy with a laptop so touch something metal that is grounded before starting.

and if your to worried about esd, try using compressed air on everything. Also, if it is heat related and your fan is working, try (if you dont mind spending a little money) buying a cooling pad. IT will greatly deduct the heat from your CPU and cool down all components. As for the ram; did it come with one gig or was it installed later? Ir if was installed after you bought, and you still have the RAM of which you had before the gig, try re-installing it, then run the game, play around for a little bit and see if it shutsdown. If it shuts down agian, it is definetly a heat problem.

Well i ´turned of the laptop and then i took the vacume cleaner and used it on all ports and that stuff(befor you answerd) and now the fan is actually shutting down during some hard times but still keeps the heat down=)) thanks for the help=))

Glad it worked. I suggest you make cleaning a periodic task.

Thanks for the followup.