Any idea on why my computer just shut off on me...?

It could be overheating. I wouldn’t really worry (or try) to diagnose it until it happens a few times.

But I would start writing down any weird stuff. It might help in detecting a pattern.

That sounds like an overheat to me. Was the laptop running hot at the time this happened? Does it usually run very hot? Were you using it on a bed or couch, where the airflow might have been restricted?

I agree with @johnpowell, this needs to be a repeat symptom before you start worrying. There’s so many things it could be. (A virus probably isn’t one of them though; not to say you shouldn’t be using antivirus software. You could use the free version of AVG antivirus if you’re not using anything right now.)

@richardhenry: I keep it on my hard wood desk and sometimes on my lap so the airflow is never really restricted.

The problem is it shut off on me and now it wont even let me turn it back on, so idk what’s going on. Any more help is greatly appreciated

Ah. You missed the part about not being able to start it again! How long ago did this happen? You haven’t been able to start it since last night?

this happened last night and it does not still feel hot as it has been off for nearly 12 hours now

Have you left it with the battery in, and connected to the power source? Is it plugged into the wall?

yup all of those

Remove the battery and disconnect it. Leave it without power for ten minutes or so.

Then connect it to the power source only (don’t put the battery in) and press the power button. Do any of the lights flash or illuminate? Do you hear any noise? Or is it completely “dead”?

ok so removing the battery consists on just removing the power chord?

I’m pretty sure it is completely dead already

The battery is fitted inside the computer. If you flip the laptop over, you should see a slide switch. If you push it, the battery should pop up and then you can take it out.

@richardhenry: Thanks a lot! I’ll give it a shot

No problem. Once it’s been completely without power for a little while, then plug in the power cord only, and try starting it. If it’s completely dead, no lights, no noise, it’s probably an issue with the PMU (the part of the computer that manages the power).

If your laptop is three years old, it might make more sense to get a new one that to try and have it repaired. That’s not to say you shouldn’t pop into a repair shop though and see if you can get a quote.

If you do see lights or it makes a noise, let me know and there’s a couple other things we can try.

When was the last time you fed the hamsters?

If it just shut off than how did you type this?

@richardhenry: I took out the battery and put it back in…i was able to push the power button and it flashed for a second and then shut off again. It wouldn’t do it again.

@wowy123: I’m rich, therefore have more than one computer