Toshiba laptop keeps shutting down

[dale@fcg]

Model P35-S611, 768 RAM, 2.6 gig cpu, 100 gb hd

Keeps shutting down after about 10 minutes of use. Had similar problem 6 months ago, and a cooling pad was purchased to use under it. This seemed to remedy issue for a while. But now problem is back, and cooling pad is of no help. I've used Winpatrol, Bitdefender, Spybot, etc. to make sure it's not malware or sypware or background app.

There is a known problem with this model shutting down (from googling), but Toshiba doesn't say much about it, won't do anything since it's outa warranty. Most people seemed unable to come up with a solution. Any thoughts?

[mylanta]

That most certainly has to be a psu issue...not sure if you can check for temps on that, few laptops have that built in but it sounds like psu issue where a little more draw shuta it down.
You say it shuts down vs restarting? Because restarting you need to right check My Computer, Properties,Advanced , Startup and recovery Settings, Settings and uncheck auto restart so it leaves an error message. if it just shuts down that is psu or heat.

[Seth]

I think it was that model of Toshiba that has a known overheating problem (many of them do). If I remember correctly, Toshiba came out with a bios update to remedy the problem. The bios update just clocked down the cpu!

How long have you had it Dale? And have you ever opened it up to clean out the dust from it? (Chances are that's what needs to be done).

[Guest117]

You are not alone. Found this that sort of echos the above:
- Make sure your P35 is on a flat surface to avoid blocking the fan underneath (eg no work on the carpets!)
- Find a couple matchboxes to put under the back feet to prop-up the unit and facilitate airflow underneath
- Slow down the Processor: use the Toshiba Power Management panel in Control Panel and slow the CPU down (shame given you have just paid a lot of money for a top-end CPU!)
- Buy a couple PC fans which you fix to be back to help suck more air out of the PC
- ... and the best solution I found: take your home vacuum cleaner/hoover, remove the head and put the sucking pipe against the fan grids under the unit and then against the back for a few minutes: this should suck out the build-up of dust in the machine; I was amazed how much junk came out of my machine after only 6 months - massive improvement since!!!
- DO NOT open the unit: you will void the warranty and any chance to getting Tosh to help you.:spy:

[dale@fcg]

Thanks for the input. We'll give these a whirl and get back to ya.

[dale@fcg]

low down the Processor: use the Toshiba Power Management panel in Control Panel and slow the CPU down (shame given you have just paid a lot of money for a top-end CPU!)

So far, client tried this with wonderful results of laptop running for over an hour with no shutting down last nite. He's getting his vacuum out today. Any concerns about using vacuum on system board and components, or is it better to go the route of canned air?

[kern]

So far, client tried this with wonderful results of laptop running for over an hour with no shutting down last nite. He's getting his vacuum out today. Any concerns about using vacuum on system board and components, or is it better to go the route of canned air?

i wouldnt use a vacuum- static risk.

[kelly]

I'm aware of the static risk, but I still use a small low power handheld vacuum. (Note: make sure you're grounded to the chassis when working inside a computer). I use compressed air to hit the electronics and hold the vacuum about 10-12" from the electronics to catch the flying dust. After all, it's no good if the dust just settles back on the surfaces you're cleaning.

For dirty fans, I use a soft brush on the spinning blades and again capture flying dust with the vacuum.

-td

[golfmore]

be very careful using a vacuum. Especially when turning it off. It creates a huge field, sorta like a car coil. Very bad to turn one off in front of a color TV also, although they (TV guys) may have somewhat fixed this.