There's no question that yrag is THE go to guy with respect to computers (Windows...don't know about Unix/Linux/Mac).

That being said, maybe some easy questions, Lou.... I know it sounds stupid, but is the electric supply uniform and dependable?

in the line the computer is plugged into? Are the plugs firmly seated?

Next, is the computer new or old? Please put in the specs of the computer, and the OS. If you have Windows 7,  in the control panel there's an Action Center. Are there messages there about critical system events? Here's what it looks like:

If there are, please copy and paste them into your response with the computer's system info ... Not Windowblinds "About".

hmmmm it's possible the power supply is faulty, or on it's way out. How old is it Lou?

With all the other easy things to check that have been suggested loukeeya when is the last time you clean out the 'dust bunnies'?  It may be something as simple as that causing the computer to shut down, don't laugh, it happens.

Check all the easy things first before moving on to the other more critical things.  It can't hurt.

Also when is the last time you ran your security, anti-virus and maleware scans?

You woulnd't be running the Windows 7 RC would you?  Anyone remember when that thing was supposed to start shutting down?

Guess the problem isn't urgent.

Got an email not too long ago from MS....it's happening soonish....shall check.

It’s time to upgrade from the Windows 7 Release Candidate


While most people who tested Windows 7 have now moved to the final version, some are still running the Release Candidate. If you haven’t moved yet, it’s time to replace the RC.

Starting on March 1, 2010 your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Your work will not be saved during the shutdown.

The Windows 7 RC will fully expire on June 1, 2010. Your PC running the Windows 7 RC will continue shutting down every two hours and your files won’t be saved during shutdown. In addition, your wallpaper will change to a solid black background with a persistent message on your desktop. You’ll also get periodic notifications that Windows isn’t genuine. That means your PC may no longer be able to obtain optional updates or downloads requiring genuine Windows validation.

Jafo....where do you see lou is running the RC?

IF the OS is 7 RC then that is the definitive answer.

I agree with your reasoning. I thought maybe loukeeya pm'd you info that wasn't in the OP.... Just wanted to understand as the info was nil and loukeeya hasn't left any follow up on the thread. Hope her computer hasn't totally conked out.

oh dear - well it ended in tears. hdd froz completely so i re-installed windows7 on a 250 gig hdd and guess what? - it did the same this morn  lol

i always go thru a check list like dust, cables etc coz i rely on pc for everything. the pc is less than a year old but will become a 2nd when i get my dell laptop. i mite not survive the day at this rate, have a HUGE hammer in my hand  lol

What version of Windows 7 are you installing?

If it's the beta, as pointed out up above, it's expiring and was designed to shut down every 2 hours after March 1st.

You might want to take a look at this link: HDD Diagnostic tools.

Age of the computer not withstanding, a HDD can go at anytime. Do supply the info about the copy of W7, also. loukeeya, see if you can get the error info above, if your computer can reboot.

2 in a row....I doubt it......

Everyone has different thoughts as to 'Shutdowns'....describe exactly what your's does.

You have Ultimate and a boatload of HD's connected, what PSU is in this thing?

What Nvidia driver version is installed for that 9500?

We need something more to go on than you dust, check cables and have a hammer....

intel core 2 quad CPU Q6700 @2.66 ghz

8 gig RAM

Nvidia 8,17.11.9621

windows7 ultimate 64bit its an RTM version

when i was using vista - couple of wks ago - it did the same thing and was very slow

.

I'd concentrate on finding out the HDD's health status, lou. I hope you have a backup... archive all your SD software through Impulse and back everything up.

Also, make sure your computer's 'clean'. Scan with Malwarebytes and any really good antiviral.

Lou, good luck with this. just mentioning that the nvidia driver is the current version (just updated mine)

  I think there is a newer version but I rolled mine back  to  8.17.11.9621 due to fan problems with the latest version. See reply #'s 31 and 32 in THIS thread.

From my experience, it's mostly an overheating computer that behaves like that. You can verify it easily with a tool like SpeedFan.

Nah, it may be that the PSU on the blink, but then it could also be the graphics card going guts up.  I had similar issues about 4 months ago and I initially thought HDD, CPU or something ominous, but it turned out to be my 9800GT was freezing up and/or shutting down my system unexpectedly, regardless of which drivers I used.... the card was faulty.  If you have a spare graphics card, you could try using it to see if that was/is the cause.

*yeah, sent my faulty card away on warranty 4 months ago... like um, it just came back last Friday *