[domestikrage2003]

Hi,

Im operating Windows XP on a fairly new Dell Laptop. Now my computer will automically turn off by itself. It doesnt matter what I seem to be doing on my laptop, the screen will turn black and the computer will shut itself down without any warning. I also have to wait a while before I can turn it back on. It seems that the longer I leave it off, the longer I'll be able to stay on the computer before it shuts itself down again. i.e. If i turn it on again right after it shuts down, it will only take about 5 min. before it shuts itself down again. However if i wait around and hour or so before i turn it back on, it'll be anywhere from 2-3 hours before it shuts down again. Also certain programs, that i used to be able to run before, seem to make it shut down faster. It seems that the more i use these programs, the faster it shuts down by itself. I avoid these programs, such as Itunes and Internet Explorer. I can usually use Aol Instant messanger, (NOT AOL/just the messenger) with no problems, sometimes. Any help will be appreciated. Thank YOu

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This sounds to me like a battery problem - I use a fairly ancient laptop with a competely rubbish battery. It has to be kept plugged into the mains to work for more than 5 mins. There is supposed to be a low battery warning message but often the battery runs down too fast to even display the warning.

[senshisteph]

This sounds to me like a battery problem - I use a fairly ancient laptop with a competely rubbish battery. It has to be kept plugged into the mains to work for more than 5 mins. There is supposed to be a low battery warning message but often the battery runs down too fast to even display the warning.

[domestikrage2003]

I have had problems with my battery before, but it usually will last a couple hours on its own. My laptop is constantly plugged in though, could this still possibly be the problem?

[senshisteph]

I am not sure - what happens if you remove the battery and just run it off the mains? I am no expert but I get the impression the mains power is mostly charging the battery but when the machine is switched on the battery is being drained quicker than it can recharge - if that makes any kind of sense...? That would explain why it lasts longer if it's been off a while - the battery has been charged more.

Of course I could be totally off here - anyone else got any suggestions?