I Need advice on random shutdowns

[Rumrunner]

I have have about three friends that want me to take a look at thier computer because they are having problems with random shutdowns. What are the first thing to look for when diagnosing these problems? I'd like to just blame it on the power supply, but I'd like to check the voltage rails first and make sure it is not something else causing the problem.

Anyone know of a guide to check voltage rails?

What other problems can cause this catastrophe?

I experience this problem once in a blue moon, but I think my house has unstable voltages levels.

Any advice is good here...

Rob

[squasher]

well you can just download mbm5 if your really cheap but that will NOT be accurate at all
if you have a multi meter you can use that, if not they sell them at radio shack for $15+

[Crana]

What happens before your friends computers shut down?

It could be a virus or something stupid :beer:

[Aslan]

I would also check temperatures as well. I know MBM5 isn't really the best solution, but touching the CPU heatsink will give a reasonable estimation of whether this is a problem.
Also, I would suggest running programs such as Prime95 (http://www.mersenne.org/freesoft.htm) (overall system stability) and Memtest86 (http://www.memtest86.com/) (memory testing), to make sure there aren't any faulty components.
Of course, before doing this you should replace the PSU with one that is known to be reliable also.

[Wathnix]

Also try cleaning off the Heatsink, the dust buildup can cause CPU to overheat

[orionlion82]

Power or heat. maybe both, Good luck.

[David]

Power - check PSU rails with multimeter if you can.
RAM - use memtest as mentioned
Heat - check the CPU is cooled properly and the fan hasnt died
Hard Disk - check for clicking/rattling noises
Spyware - scan with Adaware and Spybot
Viruses - scan with Norton/MacAfee/etc

[Etianne]

I would look seriously at spware or some some deriviative of that as being a cause. Over the past few months I too have encountered "random shutdowns" as being a problem on different friends PCs. In each case I found numerous spyware infections.Never found an electronic or hardware problem. I personally use SPYBOT SEARCH AND DESTROYas my anti-spyware program of choice.There are others as good. Heck, in one instance there was 167 instances of this crap. Look at the common thread, that is as you say a number of different people.So it really might not be hardware. So I would doubt very much if it is an electronic problem. Sure, It doesn't hurt to do a cleaning (heatsink, cards etc) Even double check all cable connections. But your symptoms sound like the classic spyware infections. No, spyware is not hard in a technical sense to get rid of, it's labor intensive however, and a pain in the *** but it is doable even by the novice.