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Golam Kibria:
Computer Randomly Shuts Down: Possible Reasons

If your laptop or computer shuts down by itself randomly, then there can be many possible reasons for it. Knowing the problems due to which your PC keeps shutting down frequently will help you deal with them accordingly.

Reason #1: Virus Infiltration
If your computer shuts down unexpectedly, then computer viruses can be the reason behind it. The notorious computer viruses are the most common reason for periodic shutting down of computer systems. Once your system is infected by a computer virus, the virus will impair the ability of your operating system (OS) to perform, leading it to shut down, occasionally.

Solution #1
Install a good antivirus software in your computer, if you don't have it. Getting your computer scanned properly is important to avoid any threats of malware or other viruses like Trojan. Whenever you're using USBs, ensure that you scan them properly. Viruses are transferred generally from external agents like pen drives. In case, you use Internet, use an antivirus software that warns you about websites that are meant to harm your computer. So if your computer keeps restarting on its own, a malicious code or virus can be the main reason behind it. Get rid of it, at the earliest.

Reason #2: Incorrect Computer Settings
If you use Windows XP OS, it is advisable to check the settings of your computer. This OS comes with an inbuilt program that reboots the computer, in case of error detection.

Solution #2
Click on 'Start' → 'Control Panel'→ Select 'Performance and Maintenance' → Click System → Select Advanced option → Select 'Settings' from 'the Startup and Recovery' section → Uncheck 'Automatically Restart' option.

Reason #3: Overheated Computer
If your computer shuts down by itself, overheating may be another possible cause. Let us face it. Computer overheating is a problem we all encounter at some point of time in our computer usage. Many times, laptop overheats and shuts off. This is because most of the laptops these days come with an inbuilt temperature sensor that shuts down the computer after it has reached a certain temperature, as per the laptop settings.

Solution #3:
 There are many ways to avoid this problem. You may need to check out some laptop cooling pad reviews to select a good cooling pad. That will ward off most of the heat of your laptop and prevent it from overheating. You can also go to the nearest computer repair shop and get your computer or laptop cleaned. If there is dust inside your computer, it can seriously hamper its functioning. Periodic cleaning of the computer helps. Sometimes the CPU and motherboard get excessively heated if you're running many applications at a time. It is best to avoid that and do your tasks one by one. Sometimes, faulty capacitors or some problem in motherboard circuitry can also cause the computer to overheat. Get it checked from a computer repairshop.

If your computer shuts down by itself, then it is possible that anyone of the above reasons, may be the cause of it. Sometimes, more than one reason is possible for shutting down of your computer. Some random checks for loose connections or for overheated power supply system can also help you track the cause of repeated shutting down of your computers. Even dusty PC fans can cause your computer to shut down periodically. If you're unable to find any problems on your own, it is advisable to visit a good computer repair shop and discuss the problem with a trained computer technician.

Golam Kibria:
How to Keep Laptop From Overheating


We start our discussion of eliminating the problem of laptop overheating by considering the most basic procedure of cooling laptops. An effective solution for treating overheating problems in laptops is cooling pads. In the recent years, owing to numerous problems with respect to overheating of laptop microprocessors, laptop cooling pads have become extremely popular. In fact, nowadays, laptop cooling pads are one of the most important laptop accessories. Although, there have been various questions regarding laptop cooling pads, still, they're considered to be an effective method to manage laptop temperature. Another step you can take is to go to an authorized laptop computer repair shop and ask for a complete checking of motherboard processor. Generally, poor capacitors and heating elements often lead to overheating. Although, every electronic device having resistance will heat up, some poor capacitors may heat up more than normal, leading to overheating. Hence, if your laptop overheats and shuts down, you may take professional help. Generally, among several computer problems and solutions, overheating is the most common and yet neglected problem. Ensure that the CPU gets proper ventilation and so does the mother board.

Another tip to avoid laptop overheating is frequent cleaning of cooling fan exhaust system. The cooling fan also known as CPU fan is located on the side or back of the case. In case, the fan is clogged, it will prevent the flow of hot air and hence it will remain trapped inside the case. Proper cleaning of the CPU fan eliminates this problem. Even after doing this, if your laptop overheats and shuts off, then you can adjust BIOS settings of the laptop. However, not all laptops may have this facility. By properly reading manufacturer manual, you can reset the BIOS settings.

Lastly, using your laptop properly and with care is very crucial. One should ensure that while using the laptop there must be some laptop tray or desk on which it is comfortably kept. If your laptop overheats and shuts off frequently, then it's certainly a sign of some malfunctioning in hardware. In case, even after taking some measures, your problem is not solved, it is best to take your laptop to an authorized repair shop.

Golam Kibria:



Best Laptop Cooling Pads

ThermaPak HeatShift Cooling Pad

According to the company and a few sources that have reviewed this product, the HeatShift is one of the best cooling pads for a laptop. The company boasts of a superior cooling technology that can cool the laptop by a good 10 degrees. This product needs zero maintenance and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. It is supposed to increase battery life and is considered to be among the fastest and quietest coolers among laptop pads. Hence, most of the reviews have placed this product right at the top. It's available under $30.

Targus Lap Chill Mat AWE55US

An ergonomic way to chill your laptop and your lap, the Targus Lap Chill comes with a standard USB connection to power it. It has dual fans that provide cooling that can get obstructed if placed on a soft spongy surface like a pillow. It's quite simple and neat to look at which is probably the determining factor in choosing this mat. It provides a slight tilt that is perfect for hand placement while typing, and the rubber stops placed on the face of the mat prevent the laptop from sliding off. Priced at a decent $32.

Cooler Master Notepal U3

Quite a cool looking fan, it also does a great job at keeping a laptop icy cold. Their cooling system includes a multi-fan design whose speed can be controlled, which also reduces noise levels. Probably the most unique feature of the U3, the fans can be placed anywhere on the pad to initiate cooling of any part of the laptop. It comes with a stellar mesh design that helps the cooling process. This is a heavy-duty fan that can be used for prolonged periods and is available at a price of $40 and below.

Belkin F5L055 Cooling Pad

This cooling pad from Belkin can be inexpensive yet effective in cooling the laptop. It has been designed in such a way that you can either use it while your laptop is on your lap or at a desk and has a superior grip to ensure the safety of your possession. Also, its unique design helps in better air flow. The only place where it lacks is the short USB cable which it comes with. Apart from that as far as cooling goes, it's real value for money. Available under $25.

Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700

The Logitech Lapdesk brings to you additional features in the form of speakers and a comfortable to operate design. Its gentle slope combined with its soft padding makes this product a joy to use. Its sound system is powerful enough to fill a room and its quality is surprisingly clear for a speaker that's so inconspicuous. Its inlets are situated at the sides and underneath, where it draws air from and gently circulates it under the laptop. Ideal when the laptop's situated on your lap. Available under $80.

Targus PA241U Podium Cool Laptop Pad

Another quite effective cooling pad from Targus. This particular model has a couple of rubber stands at the back of it, which results in a slight elevation of your laptop from the rear edge, hence giving you an angle for better air ventilation. The pad also gives you the freedom to rotate your laptop 360 degrees. This feature makes it ideal for cooling during small presentations too. The only drawback it may have is that not many people prefer its bulky design. Available under $25.

Vantec LapCool 3 LPC-401 Dual Silent Fans Notebook Cooler

This masterpiece from Vantec is light in weight, slim, and compact. It makes its carrying around effortless. This USB powered mat is fitted with dual silent fans with a rear exhaust that render it noiseless. If you happen to see some of the notebook cooling pad reviews you would surely want to purchase this product. Most reviews for this particular product are decent enough to encourage a buy. Priced under $18.

Xpad Laptop Desk

It is a passive cooling pad, which does not use power to cool the laptop. The best part about this product is that it is inexpensive and can be accommodated with a variety of laptops. The non-slip rubber pad ensures maximum grip. Though looks wise it may not be too appealing, it surely get a heads-up for the overall performance, because it does a pretty decent job at keeping your machine cool. Available under $25.

iHome Notebook Cooling Pad

At an economic $30, this lightweight laptop cooler pad is ideal to have while traveling. Weighing a pound, this pad is designed in a way to accommodate any size laptop. Though not as cooling as the other pads, this gadget does have a few more ports than usual, and is definitely quieter than most cooling pads.

Zalman Ultra Quiet Notebook Cooler ZM-NC1000

If you do not want to get disturbed by the obvious noise of the cooling pads, then you must consider getting the ultra quiet notebook cooler from Zalman. This particular model is light in weight, effective, and comparatively economical. Its surface is made from aluminum, which has plenty of perforations to ensure maximum ventilation. However, the fans of this notebook cooler let out the air upwards, hence if you've got a laptop with a bottom exhaust, then this can turn out to be a matter of concern. Available under $50.

Laptops tend to heat up after long hours of usage. They do come with internal cooling fans, but they may not be efficient enough to solve the problems of overheating. Hence, a cooling pad is an essential laptop accessory to ensure a long life for your laptop. If you're confused about which one to get, then the best way is to buy one according to your laptop's size. Go through a few reviews on-line and identify the best one for your needs.

Golam Kibria:
How to Fix USB Ports That Don't Work

Troubleshooting Faulty Ports

Every hardware device interfaces with the installed computer operating system through the driver software. A problem with most hardware devices, most of the time, can be traced to problems with installed drivers. Here are some ways in which you can troubleshoot the ports at a software level.

Simply Restart the Computer

If USB ports have stopped working, what would be the simplest way of fixing them? Just restart the computer. If there has been any problem while loading drivers, it will be solved after a restart.

Run Device Manager

If restarting your computer doesn't work or if it isn't an option for you, then run the device manager. In case you find USB ports not working on XP, just use device manager by typing in 'devmgmt.msc' in the search box and running the application. In the window that opens, click on 'computer' in the list, go to the 'action' tab and click on 'Scan for hardware changes'. See if a USB device is listed in the hardware changes. If it is, your problem is solved as the port will now recognize devices.

Disable USB Controller

Another way to deal with USB not working is to disable and subsequently reinstall the USB controller devices. To do that you must go to 'Start' and type 'devmgmt.msc' in the search box and run it. In the list that you see inside the window that opens, locate the USB controllers. Right click and uninstall all of them. Once you have finished uninstalling all the controllers, just restart the computer. The controllers will be reinstalled as the ports are recognized. That may solve your problem.

Update USB Port Driver

Another reason for port failure is the corruption of USB driver. The only way out is to search for the right drivers and reinstall them. You may have to know the manufacturer of the port device and its code to download the appropriate driver. The restoration of the proper driver should fix the problem for you in a jiffy.

If none of the above methods work, it is likely that the USB port has been physically damaged. In that case, it is best that you get it replaced or repaired from a computer technician. However, I am sure that your problem will mostly be limited to the software level and it will be solved by applying the above fixes.

Golam Kibria:
Print Screen Not Working - Troubleshooting Tips

Print Screen Doesn't Work in Windows - What Should You Do?

To get a screenshot, all you have to do is hit 'PrtScn' button and using 'Ctrl + V', you can paste that image in any image editor to save. Alternatively, if you don't want the entire screen to be printed out, press 'Alt+PrtScn' key shortcut, to get the screenshot of just the active window. Often the problem in Windows Vista or Windows 7 crops up, when you want to copy the screenshots to paint or to Adobe Photoshop. I assume that you already know how to take a screenshot on a laptop or desktop computer. Here are some ways in which you can take care of the problem quite effectively. One of these fixes is bound to work for you.

Just Restart the Computer

Sometimes, the problem is at a hardware level, where the keyboard entries are not mapping properly. Simply restarting your computer might restore the functionality of the computer.

Turn F Lock Off

Microsoft introduced the F Lock function to provide alternate application based tasks to the function keys (F1 - F12). It was later incorporated by keyboard manufacturers with a special key devoted to it. In case F lock is turned on, the print screen functionality may get disabled. Turning off the F lock key will restore functionality.

Press Fn Key

If you find a keyboard's print screen command not working on your laptop, you may need to use the 'Fn' key. In some laptops, you have to press the Fn key, along with the printscreen key to get the job done. The Fn key, in case you haven't noticed, is located between the control and Windows key at the bottom left corner of the key board. That should solve your problem.

Use Snipping Tool

If you find the print screen functionality not working in Windows 7 or Vista, there is an alternative way that you can take. Use the 'Snipping Tool' utility. Go to All Programs > Accessories > Snipping Tool. Using this program which is a special tool developed by Microsoft, you can take screenshots of whole or part of the desktop. It lets you crop certain parts when taking a screenshot.

Download and Install Gadwin

If you are using Windows XP, then the snipping tool won't be available. If you are wondering how to take a screenshot in Windows XP, there is another way. Just download and install 'Gadwin', a freeware utility that can easily get screenshots for you. This is not really a fix of the print screen problem, but an alternative that can save time for you. Some of the other screenshot capture programs which you could use are Screenshot Captor, SnapDraw and Screen Grab Pro.

Taking a Screenshot on Mac OS X

If you are a Mac user, there are plenty of inbuilt screenshot functions that you could use. To save a snapshot of the entire desktop as a PNG file, hit the 'Command+Shift+3' keyboard combination. If you just wish to copy the screenshot on the clipboard, to paste it in some application, the keyboard shortcut to be used is 'Command+Control+Shift+3'. To capture only a portion of the screen use the keyboard shortcut 'Command+Shift+4'. Select the screen area to be saved, by resizing the dotted boundary layer that appears, using the mouse. Once you are done selecting, release the mouse button. The selected area will automatically be saved as a PNG file on your desktop. Alternatively, the screenshot can be taken using a utility known as 'Grab', made available by default with Mac OS X.

As I have suggested before, if the incompatibility problem persists, there are plenty of software program options that can do the job of taking screenshots for you.

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