[MarkStrobel3367]

For the past few months, my 2 year old Gateway laptop computer prematurely turns off. This mainly occurs when I run anti virus/malware scans (.i.e. Spybot, Adaware, or Symantec Security Check). This also occurs, although seldom, when viewing videos online. This normally doesn’t occur when I run scans individually, just when I run them simultaneously. When I purchased my computer, I never had a problem running simultaneous scans until recently. Does anyone know what might be the problem with my computer or how I remedy this issue? Thanks.

[Hybr!d]

Generally, faults of this nature point toward overheating.

Fans get clogged with dust and stop performing.

On the bottom of the laptop there may be panels to remove to reveal the CPU fan, remove them and clean accordingly.

[thingie2]

Beat me to it Dave! it would also be my assumption it's overheating which is why it only happens when running more than 1 scan at a time (requires more CPU usage) and playing videos can require quite alot of power too.

[computeruler]

i 3rd the overheating get a can of compressed air a small one will do

[Bubba]

Does the liquid that comes from the compressed air hurt the electronics?

[Carbon]

You shouldn't have any liquid coming out.

The compression keeps the air at a liquid state, when pressure equalizes (atmospheric) it phase-changes to gas.

[Bubba]

Yes, but also, according to Boyle's law, when it changes one of the variables, it condensates. Now I've only used two cans of that bought compressed crap, but both of them condensated upon a short time of release. I don't spay for minutes, instead, using short bursts, but they still shot out "ice' which quickly turned to small amounts of water.

As someone who has logged decades using air tools, compressed air is not new to me. I was somewhat discomfited however when a compressed air bottle designed to clear my electronics from dust condensed.

[Carbon]

Hmm, I've never had that problem. I'd have to write it off as a fluke, and the alternatives (vacuum, etc) aren't any better. I've heard if you don't use it upright, it may stay liquid.

Fluorocarbons aren't electrically conductive, so it shouldn't pose a problem even if it got all over. I'd be more concerned about the temperature than the composition of the mixture.

[MarkStrobel3367]

Thank you for your help. Since I don't know much about computer repair, I took the computer to BestBuy Geek Squad where they thoroughly cleaned/dusted the computer for $19.99. They reportedly were not able to get to where the fans are but they were able to use the compressed air to reduce most of the dust. So far, the computer seems to be running well. Thanks again!!

[Hybr!d]

Good stuff.